One Of The Best Makgeolli Bars In Seoul: Sanullim 1992

When you look up bars in Seoul, you’re more often shown the newest and most modern spaces to enjoy libations. The thing is, the holes in the wall and the cozy wooden more traditional-themed pubs so so often provide some of the best places to drink in Seoul.

Take Sanullim 1992 (산울림1992), one of the best bars in Hongdae, it’s cozy and rich with Korean culture not to mention it has a stunning menu of over 200 Korean traditional alcohols and delicious food to top it off. While the youngest of Hongdae’s visitors are headed to the clubs or watching buskers, the older or just wiser visitors are headed here.

Sanullim 1992 (산울림1992), Hongdae, Seoul, Korea

If you’re looking for one of the best makgeolli bars in Seoul, you’ll want to put this spot on your list. Get ready to journey through Korea’s traditional alcohol heritage and have a great night out in one of the most popular areas of Seoul.

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Basic Info

Address: 60 Seogang-ro 9-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 서강로9길 60)

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00pm ~ Midnight; Friday – Saturday: 5:00pm ~ 1:00am; Sunday: 4:00pm ~ Midnight

Reservation: I recommend that you make a reservation if you want to visit. You can definitely just walk up and see if they have a table, but be prepared to wait if they don’t. You can make a reservation for Sanullim 1992 via CatchTable.

Toast to Tradition at Sanullim 1992

There’s a lot to do in the vibrant district of Hongdae in Seoul and I should know, I lived there for more than a decade. What I opted to do when I head there has changed a lot over the years though.

Old Korean style taverns that are cozy and have delicious alcohol and food are what I look for now and Sanullim 1992 has it all. Imagine stepping into a space where the past and present of Korean sool (alcohol) blend harmoniously.

With over 200 varieties of traditional Korean liquors, Sanullim 1992 isn’t just a bar; it’s an ode to the country’s spirited alcohol heritage.

The ambiance is cozy and dark and gives you vibes of old Korean taverns. That doesn’t mean it’s totally retro though. To order, you use a handy touch screen on the table to choose from the vast alcohol menu and the food to go with it.

Whether you’re a seasoned sool aficionado who already has some ideas about what to order or a curious newbie, there’s a drink here with your name on it. Servers are well versed in the Korean sool on the menu and can make great recommendations too.

The Tale of Sanullim 1992

Sanullim 1992 started as a humble restaurant and bar. It took the vision and passion of owner Hong Hak-gi, a patron turned proprietor, to transform it into the sanctuary for Korean alcohol enthusiasts it is now.

After acquiring and personally renovating the bar, Hong set out to introduce the uninitiated to the vast and vibrant world of Korean-made drinks, giving this place a unique identity in the ever-changing landscape of Hongdae.

The world of Korean traditional alcohol has been gaining interest and popularity by younger Koreans and the alcohol-interested and more and more retro-styled taverns devoted to Korean sool are popping up. But, Sanullim 1992 is one of the original.

Must-Try Makgeollis

There are a lot of makgeolli bars in Seoul these days, but not all of them have the vast menu that Sanullim 1992 has. Honestly, the menu can absolutely be overwhelming so don’t be afraid to ask for help and recommendations.

What I’ve learned over the years is that makgeolli can really have a wide variety of tastes and therefore, what I like may not be what you like. I tend toward the sour makgeollis, but am open to trying others.

Boksoondoga (복순도가): Boksoondoga in Ulsan has been making makgeolli for three generations and it’s one of my favorites. It has a light effervescent feel and is mildly sweet.
Ehwa Baekju (이화백주): If you order this one, be careful when you open it. Twist to open and then as it carbonates and self mixes, close it. Close it and open, close it and open until the carbonation has mixed the makgeolli and you can really open it. The taste is a bit tangier than Boksoondoga to me which makes it one of my favorites. Similarly a light feel on the tongue though.
Nerdy Hope (너디호프): Younger and younger Koreans are flocking to makgeolli brewing but they’re a bit more experimental and interested in fusions. Nerdy Hope is fresh basil makgeolli with an interesting sour taste.

Honestly, go with your gut and experiment. We tried an omjia makgeolli, a citrus makgeolli, and others before we called it a night.

More Than Just Drinks

Don’t forget the food. The menu has some of my traditional favorites but served in a picturesque and chic plating style. Beautiful, delicious, and filling.

Makgeolli finds its perfect match in a variety of traditional Korean dishes. Here’s a brief list of commonly enjoyed foods when sipping on makgeolli:

Korean Pancakes, Pajeon (파전): A savory delight, pajeon features a mix of green onions, but there are a variety of “jeons” to choose from. If you want to eat all of the various options, go for “modeum jeon”, which means you’ll get a variety to choose from. The pancake’s crispy edges and savory taste make it an ideal companion for makgeolli’s sweetness and tang.
Boiled Pork Wraps, Bossam (보쌈): Savor the tender bliss of boiled pork, ready to be wrapped in crisp lettuce or perilla leaves. Accompanied by side dishes like kimchi and garlic, bossam pairs wonderfully with makgeolli.
Tofu and Stir fried Kimchi, Dubu Kimchi (두부김치): Tofu served alongside stir-fried kimchi, are the perfect spicy, sour, and umami dish. It’s one of my favorites.

Whether you’re here for a chill hangout with friends or looking for a unique cultural experience, Sanullim 1992 promises an awesome traditional Korean alcohol experience.

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