Most Popular Hunting Pubs in Hongdae, Seoul

In Seoul, the party never stops. Even on weekdays, places like Hongdae are bustling with restaurants, cafes, and clubs filled with people enjoying the nightlife. Seoul boasts several nightlife districts, each with its vibe. Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam, and Jongno are just a few examples, each catering to different crowds. Lately, hunting pubs have become all the rage, especially in Hongdae. Let’s explore what makes these pubs so popular in this vibrant neighborhood.

What are hunting pubs?

These bars cater to singles looking to mingle while having a drink. Customers can directly approach other tables and suggest sharing a drink without relying on waitstaff.

Some of these venues are technologically advanced and provide tablet PCs for patrons to communicate with each other. If the occupants agree, guests can use these devices to send messages to specific tables and join them for a drink.

These bars are especially popular among those in their early to mid-20s. Party districts like Gangnam and Hongdae are bustling with people looking for social connections, particularly on weekends.

Popular Hunting Pubs in Hongdae

흥에취한범

• Address: 407-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서교동 407-1 지하1층, 지하2층, 마포구, 서울
• Open hours: 18:00 – 5:00 daily
• Phone: +82 10-2635-9586
• Instagram: hd_bum

Entering this bar feels like stepping into a vibrant and bustling underground realm. The establishment spans two floors, both located in the basement. Upon arrival, you must order one main menu item and one drink, after which the staff will stamp your hand for entry. It’s worth noting that the bar only admits individuals aged 19 to 30.

Inside, the atmosphere is bustling, with diverse drinks and food offerings. Each table has its tablet, allowing patrons to interact in various ways. From ordering more drinks and requesting music to engaging in games with other tables, the tablet offers plenty of entertainment. Winning a game even earns you a free drink. Alternatively, you can opt for one-on-one games or conversations with neighboring tables.

삼거리포차 Samgeori Pocha

• Address: 70 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 18:00 – 5:00 daily
• Phone: 02-3144-6748

Samgeori Pocha, situated in Hongdae, is a favored destination for young Seoulites in their twenties. Interestingly, this establishment is owned by Yang Hyun Suk, the founder of YG Entertainment. Branded as a “hunting” bar, it resembles a Korean adaptation of a singles bar, where groups of men often approach groups of women to share drinks and partake in lively Korean drinking games. However, it’s still fun even if you’re attending with your partner. 

The menu primarily concerns alcoholic beverages and Korean dishes that complement them, including the renowned spicy whole squid tteok-bokki, kimchi knife-cut noodles, and five-spice braised bossam. The interior design is themed around a retro vibe from the 70s and 80s, and guests must present a photo ID upon entry.

포차플러팅 Pocha Flirting

• Address: 4 and 5 floors, 3 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 17:00 – 6:00 daily
• Phone: 0507-1332-1473
• Instagram: pocha_flirting

The Hongdae branch of Pocha Flirting offers a warm and inviting environment, perfect for socializing with friends, and the prices are notably affordable. The building has recently been renovated and boasts a modern and pristine interior that immediately sets a comfortable and lively tone upon entry, enhanced by music and lighting. Additionally, tablets are provided for convenient ordering and gaming.

As highlighted, the prices are exceptionally reasonable, with snacks starting at just 3,900 won ($2.9). The menu is also impressive, featuring mouthwatering options such as pizza, fish cake soup, pork belly soup, and hwachae—a refreshing concoction of fresh fruit, milk, and Sprite.

주다방 Judabang

• Address: 8-3 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 18:00 – 5:00 daily
• Phone: 0507-1331-3488
• Instagram: judabang.hongdae

Judabang is renowned not just for its lively ambiance but also for its mouthwatering snacks. Their menu includes main dishes, side dishes, ice cream, alcoholic beverages, and Western wines. Popular choices among patrons include Cajun chicken salad, jjamppong soft tofu soup, pork belly, and cheese ball-topped French fries. Moreover, you’ll receive a coin when you order a bottle of wine. Collect enough coins, and you can exchange them for drinks.

The bar provides tablets for ordering food, playing games, and communicating with neighboring tables. Additionally, a kiosk offers various games where winning can earn you cola drinks and more. With plenty of seating for groups, the bar is ideal for gathering with friends or a date.

슈퍼룸방구 Super Room Banggu

• Address: Floor 2, 31 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 16:00 – 9:00 daily
• Phone: 010-4269-3461
• Instagram: super_bbanggu

If retro style is your thing, this is a must-visit spot. You can indulge in dining, drinks, games, and even karaoke here. The venue is divided into three main sections: the dining and bar area, the entertainment zone, and private rooms.

The private rooms offer a cozy ambiance for intimate chats with friends or romantic dates, each adorned with its unique retro décor. You can order food and drink and enjoy the room. 

At Super Room Banggu, guests receive coins after ordering food or drinks. These coins can be used to enjoy classic gaming machines in the entertainment area or to purchase souvenirs.

Sinkhole

• Address: 12 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: from 21:00 
• Instagram: sinkhole_hongdae

If you’re seeking a more intimate clubbing experience without entry fees, Sinkhole is the perfect choice. Unlike larger venues, Sinkhole exudes a cozy, homely atmosphere, particularly evident on quieter weekday nights. If you’re a fan of dancing to pop and hip-hop tunes, Sinkhole stands out as one of the top clubs in Hongdae with its exceptional music selection. Moreover, you can request your favorite songs directly from the DJ on less busy evenings!

썰스데이 파티 Thursday Party

• Address: 19-12 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 19:00 – 4:00 Sun to Thur | 19:00 – 5:00 Fri & Sat
• Phone: +82 2-322-0063
• Instagram: thursdayparty.official

Thursday Party is a well-known spot among expats living in Korea for its welcoming vibe towards foreigners. It’s common to find a diverse crowd here since there are typically no restrictions on entry. Unlike many other nightclubs, Thursday Party offers additional entertainment options like darts, beer pong, and foosball, perfect for those who prefer not to dance.

Another highlight of Thursday Party is its incredibly affordable drinks. A small jug of Long Island Tea or AMF is priced at just 6,000 won ($4.5), and shots can go for as low as 3,000 won ($2,25). You can also enjoy reasonably priced finger food if you’re feeling hungry.

In conclusion, hunting pubs offer a refreshing and authentic social experience that transcends boundaries and brings people together in a fast-paced digital world. In Hongdae, these vibrant establishments serve as hubs of creativity, connection, and celebration, embodying the essence of Seoul’s dynamic nightlife scene. So why not step out of your comfort zone, explore the streets of Hongdae, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the world of hunting pubs? Who knows, you might just make some new friends along the way.

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