Tap Shop Bar: A Cool Wine Tap Bar In Seoul
Did you know there’s a wine tap bar in the basement of the Seoul Tourism Organization building in downtown Seoul? The Tap Shop Bar actually has three locations in Seoul, Korea and it is super cool and has a selection of wine that any wine connoisseur would be excited to see.
I was researching trends in alcohol in Korea and came across this cool concept and had to check it out. The bar’s standout feature is its ‘tap’ system, offering patrons the chance to immediately pour and taste a diverse range of wines. Of course, you can also just get a whole bottle, some fresh raw oysters and enjoy the evening.
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Basic Info
There are currently three branches of the Tap Shop Bar in Seoul, Korea. The Dongdaemun main branch targets tourists, while the Cheonggyecheon branch caters to the bustling office district. Here’s where to find them:
Tap Shop Bar Cheonggyecheon (탭샵바 청계천삼일빌딩)
- Address: Samil Building B1, 85 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 85 삼일빌딩 지하1층)
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00am ~ Midnight (Last order: 10:00pm); Saturday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ Midnight (Last order: 10:00pm)
- Perfect if you’re checking out the Cheonggyecheon Stream or stopping into nearby HiKR Ground or Tapgol Park.
Tap Shop Bar Dongdaemun (탭샵바 동대문두타점)
- Address: Doota Mall B2, 275 Jangchoongdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 장충단로 275 두타몰 B2)
- Hours: Every day: 10:30am ~ 11:30pm (Last order: 10:00pm)
- Perfect if you’re shopping in Dongdaemun or checking out the Dongdaemun Design Building.
Tap Shop Bar Dosan-daero (탭샵바 도산대로점)
- Address: 150 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 도산대로 150 지상 3층)
- Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ Midnight (Last order: 10:00pm)
The Wine
There are about 80 fresh ‘taps’ for an array of drinks, mostly wine but also including whiskey. There’s also a bottle shop with over 1,000 types of bottles, including traditional liquor and sake, all available without corkage fees. The affordability is a highlight. We were very impressed with the selection.
The bar offers a carefully curated selection of over 1,000 bottled wines, ranging from entry-level to grand cru, all selected by experts. The flexibility to taste wine on tap and then purchase it for either on-site enjoyment or takeaway without additional costs is a unique feature. Even if you don’t have time to stay or have the friends with you to dine in, head to their shop just to grab some of the bottles. It’s worth it.
Tap Shop Bar distinguishes itself from other wine shops by sourcing from about 100 domestic wine importers, providing a vast and varied wine selection. This approach allows patrons to enjoy a comprehensive wine experience. Koreans in general have become more interested in wine in recent decades and having expanded their palette for the drink it’s no wonder a place like this is pushing the wine trend further.
Walk around the tap area and see what strikes your fancy, or go and grab a bottle from the extensive shop area. Once you’ve decided what you want to do, head up to the bar area to order food to go with your drinks.
The Food
The bar’s culinary offerings are equally impressive. The ‘Oyster Bar’ at Tap Shop Bar boasts 22 dishes, perfectly complemented by the wine selection. There are local flavors and more tapas style options. The bar serves fresh oysters sourced directly from Tongyeong and fresh burrata cheese from a Cheonan farm. Order oyster pasta, anchovy pasta, risotto, a variety of salads, grilled salmon rice bowl, grilled cabbage raw oysters or cooked oysters, and more. It all looked so good and the dishes we tried were DELICIOUS!
What sets Tap Shop Bar apart is its multi-faceted approach to wine service. The ‘tap’ system allows for automated wine dispensing, the ‘bar’ system lets patrons buy and consume bottles on-site, and the ‘shop’ system offers the option to purchase and take away. While the ‘bar’ concept drives the majority of sales, there is an aspiration to grow the ‘shop’ aspect and I am here for it. Love the concept and will go back.
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