Discovering Seoul’s Hidden Oases of Tranquility
As a self-professed connoisseur of chilled-out vibes, I’ve had my fair share of disappointments trying to find the perfect laid-back lounge in Seoul. The city’s vibrant nightlife is undoubtedly exhilarating, but sometimes, a girl just wants to sit back, sip on a carefully crafted cocktail, and let the cares of the world melt away.
Luckily, after numerous trial-and-error expeditions across the bustling neighborhoods of Seoul, I’ve uncovered a handful of hidden gems that offer just the right balance of comfort and cool. From intimate vinyl bars to literature-inspired sanctuaries, these laidback lounges provide the perfect antidote to Seoul’s high-octane energy.
Manpyeong: A Vinyl Lover’s Oasis
My first introduction to Seoul’s chill-out scene came at Manpyeong, a vinyl music bar tucked away in the Sangsu neighborhood, just south of the lively Hongdae district. As I walked through the unassuming entrance, I was immediately transported to a different world – one where the warm crackle of vinyl and the gentle pulse of electronic beats reigned supreme.
The CIEE blog had piqued my curiosity about this place, describing it as a “vinyl music bar” where DJs curate sets, alternating between two vintage turntables built into a wooden table. And let me tell you, the experience lived up to the hype.
As I settled into one of the dimly lit, wooden tables, I was immediately captivated by the DJ’s meticulous attention to timing the start of each new track. The silver disco lights danced across the walls, creating an almost meditative atmosphere that perfectly complemented the music. I ordered a gin and tonic, served with a side of peanuts, and simply… surrendered to the moment.
Chogo: A Cozy Literary Haven
If Manpyeong was the soulful, electronic heartbeat of Seoul’s chill-out scene, then Chogo was its intellectual counterpart – a literature-themed bar that offered a sanctuary for bibliophiles and writers alike.
As the CIEE blog described, the entrance to Chogo was a bit tricky to find, hidden down a discreet staircase in the Sangsu neighborhood. But once I stepped inside, I was greeted by a high-ceilinged, brick-walled space, dotted with neatly packed tables and bookshelves that seemed to stretch on forever.
The music here was softer and more unobtrusive than the pulsing beats of Manpyeong, creating a tranquil backdrop for reading, writing, or quiet conversation. I settled into a cozy corner, ordered a drink named after a poem, and delved into the book that accompanied it. The experience was equal parts sophisticated and serene, a true oasis of calm in the bustling city.
The Five Alls: Where Cats and Cocktails Reign Supreme
While Manpyeong and Chogo satisfied my needs for sonic and literary serenity, The Five Alls was a delightful curveball – a cozy pub that combined two of my favorite things: cheap cocktails and feline companionship.
As the CIEE blog mentioned, this bar, located just a stone’s throw from the Hongik University subway station, is home to three free-roaming cats who are more than happy to share your table and your drink. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was greeted by a thin grey cat curled up on a barstool, and before long, a fluffy black-and-white feline had joined me at my table, eyeing my drink with undisguised interest.
The menu at The Five Alls was refreshingly straightforward, with clearly labeled ingredients and alcohol percentages for their original cocktails. I opted for one of their signature concoctions, sipping it contentedly as I watched the cats explore the pub, hopping from table to table and basking in the attention of the delighted patrons.
A Comparison of Seoul’s Laidback Lounges
| Lounge | Ambiance | Drinks | Music | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manpyeong | Intimate, dimly lit, with a focus on vinyl DJs | Cocktails, gin and tonics | Curated vinyl sets, electronic beats | Disco lights, cozy seating |
| Chogo | High-ceilinged, brick-walled, literature-themed | Cocktails named after poems | Soft, unobtrusive background music | Books, quiet atmosphere for reading/writing |
| The Five Alls | Cozy pub vibe, with free-roaming cats | Cheap cocktails, clearly labeled ingredients | N/A | Cats, affordable drinks |
As you can see, each of these laidback lounges offers a unique flavor of calm and comfort, catering to different moods and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for introspective vinyl sessions, literary-inspired cocktails, or feline-fueled pub antics, Seoul has a hidden oasis to suit your needs.
Unlocking the Secrets of Seoul’s Chill-Out Scene
Of course, my journey to discover Seoul’s laidback lounges didn’t come without its fair share of challenges. As a newcomer to the city, I initially struggled to find the kind of chilled-out vibe I was craving, often stumbling upon high-energy clubs or boisterous bars that didn’t quite fit my desired mood.
One Reddit thread I came across even hinted at the potential difficulties women might face in finding safe, comfortable spaces to unwind in Seoul, with users expressing concerns about the prevalence of aggressive male clientele in some hookah bars.
Undeterred, I continued my exploration, armed with a keen eye for hidden gems and an open mind. And boy, am I glad I did! The lounges I’ve discovered have not only provided me with the perfect antidote to Seoul’s high-octane energy, but they’ve also introduced me to a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the art of relaxation.
Chill at the Hotel Stay Inn Seoul
Now, as I ponder my next visit to the city, I can’t help but imagine myself sinking into the plush armchairs of Manpyeong, letting the soothing crackle of vinyl whisk me away to a meditative state. Or perhaps I’ll find myself nestled in a cozy corner of Chogo, sipping on a poetry-inspired cocktail as I lose myself in the written word.
Wherever my Seoul adventures may lead me, one thing is certain: I’ll be seeking out the city’s hidden laidback lounges, each one a unique oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling metropolis. And when it’s time to unwind after a day of exploring, I know the Hotel Stay Inn Seoul will be waiting, ready to provide a comfortable and serene home base for my chill-out explorations.
