Seoul's Best Solo Bar 2026: Discover Byeolseo in Seongbuk-dong

Forget those trendy solo drinking bars; I'm here to introduce you to some truly fantastic spots where you can genuinely enjoy a delicious drink by yourself.

1. Byeolseo

This place is perfect to visit after exploring the tranquil art museums and charming neighborhood of Seongbuk-dong as you make your way down.

Given its location, it seems to be a favorite among regulars and locals.

Think of it as Seongbuk-dong, just a bit further down from Pyeongchang-dong.

First off, Seongbuk-dong Byeolseo has a really unique atmosphere...

And since I've included it as a solo drinking spot,

it offers plenty of window seats facing outside,

where you can enjoy your drink alone without making eye contact with anyone.

And the main reason I'm recommending this place is...

because the food (anju/snacks) is ridiculously delicious!

They aren't the kind of dishes that will fill you up completely,

but they're affordable, come in small portions, and are so tasty.

Even if you're already full, you'll find yourself easily devouring them.

They're the perfect anju that makes your drinks go down effortlessly, making you exclaim, 'Isn't this just too delicious?'

Plus, they're very authentically Korean,

but not in the rigid, formal Korean dining way.

Instead, it's more like home-style Korean anju, the kind your mom would lovingly make.

Which makes it incredibly special....

Apologies in advance, but I was so hungry that I ended up ordering a ton of food!

And let me tell you, that Perilla Oil Grilled Tofu with Stir-fried Baby Octopus Jeot is absolutely, incredibly, mind-blowingly delicious!

And the cute little baby octopuses perched on top of the tofu are just adorable.

Even their Gambas isn't just your typical easy-to-eat Gambas; it's genuinely amazing.

The Gimbugak (seaweed chips) and monkfish liver are also fantastic.

For drinks, they have everything from cocktails with a touch of tradition, highballs, whiskey, Korean distilled spirits, to wine.

You can truly enjoy every item on their menu.

What's more, they're open for lunch too!

It's also a great spot to take foreign friends.

I really, truly recommend it!

#SeongbukdongRestaurant #SeongbukdongByeolseo #ByeolseoBar #SeongbukdongBar #SeongbukdongDrinks

#SeongbukdongSoloDrinks #PyeongchangdongBar

#SeongbukdongSoloDrinkingBar

2. Seosunra-gil Dosibar

This place is a cafe and bar located on Seosunra-gil.

Dosibar Seosunra-gil Branch

With its atmospheric interior

And the chance to enjoy a drink while gazing out at Seosunra-gil,

They offer coffee and beer!

What's more, you can sit both indoors and outdoors,

making it perfect for seasons like spring and autumn.

It's also a place where sitting alone feels completely natural,

so whether you're a solo drinker wandering Seosunra-gil,

or just waiting for a friend and want to enjoy a drink by yourself, I highly recommend it to everyone!

#SeosunraGilBeer #SeosunraGilSoloDrinks #SeosunraGilCafe

3. Sseuriggo Cafe

Can you believe there's such a hip spot in this part of Mapo-gu?

That's the vibe of Ssuri-go Cafe & BAR!

Though it's called a bar, I think they only had beer on the menu?

Anyway, the area around it is mostly apartment complexes, but then...

suddenly, this hip interior that looks like an old industrial workshop,

or maybe somewhere in Bali or Yangyang, just pops right out!

Many locals visit, mingling with hipsters who seem to appear from nowhere.

The way 'young & old' seamlessly come together here is incredibly cool in itself!

Oh, and the popcorn they sell here is unbelievably delicious!

Inside, there are long communal tables as well as cozy spots perfect for one or two people.

And there are even camping-style chairs where you can sit and gaze out at the street,

making it an absolutely perfect spot for solo drinks.

Plus, you can grab some simple chips and snacks

that pair perfectly with beer.

Truly a sanctuary for solo drinkers!

Just a heads-up: there aren't any power outlets,

so make sure to bring a book to enjoy with your drink,

or come with your phone fully charged!

#HongdaeSoloDrinks #MapoSoloDrinks #MapoSsuriGoCafe #SsuriGoCafe #CafeAndBar #HongdaeYeonnamBar #YeonnamSoloBar

Now, where was this... It was in Sinsa, I remember...

I'll try to find it! My apologies, my apologies!

4. Alice Cheongdam

This is the already super famous Alice Cheongdam, a cocktail and whiskey bar.

You can savor unique cocktails in a distinctive interior.

It's always bustling with people,

so no one even notices if you're there by yourself.

And the staff are incredibly friendly too.

They'll make sure you don't feel awkward even if you go alone....

5. Overseas

Tokyo Nakameguro Standing Bar

This is a super hip standing bar located in Nakameguro, Tokyo.

>>>>>

Tokyo Nakameguro Bar Recommendation | Hip Standing Bar SANYA & Another8 Corner (Locals Only! +10 mins from Shibuya)blog.naver.com

<<<< This is an incredibly hip solo-drinking standing bar, frequented by locals of all ages, from their 20s to grandfathers.

I, a Korean traveler, stumbled upon it during my trip to Tokyo, and I couldn't be prouder!

You can find the detailed location in the blog post above.

Although I didn't personally go here for a solo drink,

everyone else around us was genuinely drinking alone,

so I confidently included it as a top solo drinking spot!

Asakusa View Hotel Reviews & Special Deals, Tokyo 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

6. Siam Phuket _ Phuket, Thailand

This place is in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand.

It's undeniably a very touristy area, but

it's a seriously delicious spot!

Actually, it's not just for drinking! It's a restaurant, and the food is incredibly delicious.

The Google reviews are fantastic, and it's genuinely because the food is that good.

Unlike many places on Patong Street, the prices are quite reasonable.

If you order Pad See Ew (definitely with seafood!) and a beer,

where else could you find a better solo drink and meal?

It's absolutely heavenly!

Patong Beach Hotel by C2C Reviews & Special Deals, Phuket 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

Sawaddi Village Reviews & Special Deals, Phuket 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

7. Shanghai The Drinkery

Shanghai Clubs, Hotspots, Techno House Club Recommendations (System, Home Bar, The Drinkery)blog.naver.com

The address is listed in the post above.

I actually went, and since it was a Monday, not a weekend, it wasn't super 'hot' or bustling,

but there were still plenty of places to sit,

and the music was absolutely insane (in a good way!).

Even if you go alone, no one cares at all – in fact, it's even better!

Shanghai The Drinkery is famous, so I went, and it has two or three branches.

Just go to whichever one! (/:0??)

You can hear the music as soon as you get out of the taxi.

I went in, and instead of a bar seat, at the tables,

there was a Chinese couple next to me, but no one else.

I'm still not comfortable sitting at a bar alone when I drink solo.

Please, staff, don't stare at me either!

But at The Drinkery in Shanghai, they sell Maotai cocktails,

and they're quite delicious!

You should definitely try them.

Andaz Shanghai ITC Reviews & Special Offers, Shanghai 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

#ShanghaiTheDrinkery #TheDrinkeryShanghai #ShanghaiTheDrinkery #ShanghaiBar #SoloDrinkingShanghai

8. Zhuhai Beach Club, China

[2] Me, the one who travels to China just for clubs | Guangzhou Zhuhai Beach Club, Travis Scott pre-partyblog.naver.com

This place doesn't seem to be originally for solo drinking, and no one else came alone except me.

But hey, China doesn't really care about that kind of thing anyway, plus if I want to drink alone, I will! And since it's an incredibly cool beach club wide open to the sea, I just had to share it.

The address is provided in the post above.

(Maximum 1 hour)

It's even a place where you can go for a day trip.

IntercityHotel Zhuhai Hengqin Seaview Reviews & Special Offers, Zhuhai 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

Hotels are affordable too, and you can enjoy an aquarium and amusement park all at once.

Chimelong Spaceship Hotel Reviews & Special Offers, Zhuhai 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

#SoloBarRecommendations #SoloDrinkingAbroad #SoloDrinkingChina #ShanghaiSoloDrinkingSpots #SeoulSoloDrinkingSpots #GreatPlacesForSoloDrinking #NotJustSoloBars

Sudo