Seoul's take on natural wine is faster and more vibrant than anywhere else, and it has just begun. Here's where to drink and experience Seoul's pioneering, effortlessly cool natural wine bars.
FEATURED PLACES
Proudly one of Seoul's first natural wine bars, Bar Big Lights is the epicenter of rare and exclusive bottles. It's a playground for serious natural wine drinkers, where the genius food pairing is always the talk of town. @biglights_seoul
Only open for 3 days a week, Mana is the place you want to spend your weekends. Its carefully curated savory dishes highlight seasonal produce, paired perfectly with wines that don't have a specific list. Get ready to communicate with the sommelier to get a few bottle suggestions and go out of your comfort zone - you'll never be disappointed. Its wooden interior is warm and welcoming, not to mention creative details that make the place unique.
The name itself is nostalgic of school days where lunch was served in canteens. The streets of HBC might be busy with roar, but once you enter the place there is an effortless coolness that instantly calms you.
The food is insanely delicious, mostly concentrating on bringing out each ingredients’ flavors. The wine selection is good but most are not listed, so ask for options. @wildduck_canteen
[Permanently Closed] Low hanging chandeliers and the long table transports you out of Seoul. Mind you, you have to seat side-by-side not in front of one another - yes, the intimacy is real. Other than the standoff-ish atmosphere, the longest, largest wine list (thanks to its affiliation to Michelin-starred Zero Complex being its sister living upstairs), and the reasonable price breaking barriers is Bar Piknic's forté. But those who enjoy the place cannot deny their fandom to the best tapas menus with the flavors always spot on. @barpiknic
GEUM NAM VIN
At Geumnam-Vin, experience natural wine paired with Korean food. The menu is homey and in the style of anjoo (nibbles while you drink). While a bowl of rice may be missing, it still works perfectly as meal for dinner. Daily banchan made of seasonal produce (namul) is handed out as if Western bars will pass around peanuts or pretzels. The intended atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, but there an evident chicness that makes the place extra. In the end, finding out the owner opened this place for the love of wine - that’s all you need to hear and the rest is a blissful experience. @geumnam_vin
Sophisticated yet comforting ambiance is what you get at Against Borders Center (or ABC). Simple dishes that boast the most flavorful of punches as well as a solid choice of natural wines including Portland Oregon's finest. Music never disappoints you here and be on the lookout for fun pop-ups and events each month.
In a quiet, secluded street overlooking Yangjaechun is a bar run by one person who splits seconds taking orders, cooking, pouring wine and conversing with guests. The list is solid and the price is almost best in town, it's impossible to leave the place without ordering multiple bottles. The food is tapas-sized and more of an accompagnement to the wines than a hearty meal. @dogokokk
