Sanullim 1992: The Best Traditional Makgeolli Bar In Hongdae, Seoul

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

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 Story Behind the Bar

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): A hand-brewed makgeolli from Ulsan, known as the champagne of makgeolli for its natural effervescence and creamy-milky texture. Light, mildly sweet, and one of my personal favorites. The bottle behaves like champagne, so open it slowly and carefully, releasing gas gradually before fully uncapping. For a full breakdown of this specific brand, read the complete Boksoondoga guide.
Ehwa Baekju (이화백주): Tangier than Boksoondoga, which makes it another one of my favorites. It also carbonates similarly, twist to open, close as the carbonation builds and the makgeolli self-mixes, then open and close repeatedly until the pressure settles. The tangy edge gives it more character for people who like a little sourness in their drink.
Nerdy Hope (너디호프): An example of what younger Korean brewers are doing with the format, fresh basil makgeolli with a sour, interesting twist. The experimental end of the menu is genuinely worth exploring. We tried omija makgeolli, citrus makgeolli, and others over the course of one long evening.

My honest advice: go with your instincts and experiment. What I like, sour, effervescent, light, may not be what you like. The staff recommendations are worth asking for. That’s what they’re there for.

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:

Pajeon (파전): Savory Korean pancakes, most commonly made with green onions, though variations abound. If you want to try several types at once, order modeum jeon (모듬전), this gets you a variety platter rather than committing to one kind. The crispy edges and savory depth pair perfectly with the sweetness and tang of a good makgeolli. There’s also a Korean tradition of eating pajeon specifically on rainy days. The sound of the sizzling pancake is said to mimic the sound of rain. If you happen to visit on a wet evening, order the pajeon.
Bossam (보쌈): Tender boiled pork ready to be wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves, alongside kimchi and garlic. The fatty richness of the pork is a natural counterweight to the acidity of makgeolli.
Dubu Kimchi (두부김치): Tofu served alongside stir-fried kimchi which is a spicy, sour, and deeply savory bite. One of my personal favorites on any makgeolli table, and a standard pairing that works every time.

FAQ

What is Sanullim 1992?

Sanullim 1992 (산울림1992) is a traditional Korean sool (alcohol) bar in the Hongdae neighborhood of Seoul, serving over 200 varieties of Korean traditional alcohols including makgeolli, craft soju, and fruit wines alongside traditional Korean food. It was founded in 1992 and transformed into its current form by owner Hong Hak-gi.

Do I need a reservation at Sanullim 1992?

Strongly recommended. Walk-ins are possible but waits are common, particularly on weekends. Reserve via CatchTable.

What should I order at Sanullim 1992?

Boksoondoga makgeolli is a reliable first order, light, effervescent, and crowd-pleasing. Ehwa Baekju is a good second choice for those who prefer a tangier profile. For food, modeum jeon (variety pancake platter) pairs well with most makgeolli options.

Is Sanullim 1992 English-friendly?

The touchscreen ordering system is modern, and servers are knowledgeable about the menu. Staff can make recommendations even with a language barrier.

What is makgeolli?

Makgeolli is Korea’s oldest alcoholic beverage, a fermented rice drink with a milky, slightly cloudy appearance and a mild sweetness balanced by natural acidity. It typically ranges from 6% to 9% ABV. Sanullim 1992 carries both mass-produced and craft, unpasteurized versions of makgeolli, the unpasteurized versions are notably better in flavor and texture.

If you’re in Hongdae and want to spend a few hours the right way with good makgeolli, good food, a warm space with genuine character, and a drink list that teaches you something about Korea just by browsing it, Sanullim 1992 is where to go. Make a reservation, let the server guide you toward the first bottle, and go from there.

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