Suljan Mangwon: Discovering a Hidden Gem for Traditional Korean Liquor in Seoul

After a full day of exploring the charming streets of Mapo-gu, from rediscovering old favorites to charting new territories, my partner and I were searching for the perfect place to unwind. We craved a cozy atmosphere and a taste of authentic Korean tradition, which led us to a hidden bar in the trendy Mangwon neighborhood: Suljan (술잔), which translates to "drinking glasses." It promised a romantic, intimate setting to cap off our day.

A Secret Hideout Beneath the Streets

At first glance, the entrance to Suljan is deceptively simple. A narrow passageway leads you down a flight of stairs into a subterranean space that immediately feels like a well-kept secret. The moment we descended, we knew we had found our hideout for the evening. The warm, inviting ambiance, combined with the low hum of conversation from other patrons, created the perfect vibe.

The best bars are often the ones you have to look for, and Suljan is a prime example. Despite the early hour, the space was already dotted with couples and small groups, all absorbed in their own worlds.

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Bar at a Glance

• Google Rating: 4.2
• Opening Hours:
  • Tue-Thu: 18:00 - 01:00
  • Fri-Sat: 17:00 - 02:00
  • Sunday: 17:00 - 24:00
  • Closed on Mondays
• Location: B1, 52-1 Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Contact: 0507-1488-0531

Google Maps reviews highlight Suljan's extensive list of traditional liquors and its delicious fusion Korean food menu. Signature dishes like the crispy Potato Pancake and savory Seafood Pancake are must-tries, alongside modern creations like Creamy Sujebi and Beef Belly Cheongyang Pasta.

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An Education in Korean Traditional Liquor

True to its name, Suljan boasts an impressive collection of traditional Korean spirits. While my knowledge was mostly limited to makgeolli (raw rice wine), the menu offered a fantastic opportunity to learn.

Here’s a quick guide to what we learned:

1. Takju (탁주) - Cloudy Rice Wine: This is the category makgeolli falls into. It's milky and cloudy because the rice lees aren't filtered out. It's rich in probiotics and beloved as "the people's liquor."
2. Yakju/Cheongju (약주/청주) - Clear Rice Wine: This is a more refined drink, made by filtering the fermented liquor to get a clear, delicate spirit with an alcohol content of 13-16%. Historically, it was considered a high-class beverage.
3. Distilled Soju (증류식 소주): This is the pure, traditional form of soju, distilled from the clear rice wine. With an alcohol content of 25-40%, it's a world away from the common green-bottle "diluted soju."

Suljan is the perfect place to explore this sophisticated and trendy world of Korean spirits.

A Symphony of Flavors

The menu was a delightful mix of traditional and fusion Korean dishes. We opted for the Mukinji Chicken Stir-fry (묵은지 닭볶음탕), a hearty, spicy chicken stew made with aged kimchi, and a side of Jjapaguri (짜파구리), the famous noodle dish from the movie Parasite.

To drink, we chose the Tiger Raw Makgeolli (호랑이 생막걸리), a premium rice wine with a smooth, clean taste and a 6% ABV.

The meal began with a complimentary appetizer of tuna crackers with pickles, a small but delicious touch.

The chicken stir-fry was phenomenal. The boneless chicken was tender, and the sour, savory flavor of the aged kimchi was the perfect pairing for the slightly sweet makgeolli.

The Jjapaguri was equally impressive, with a nice kick from whole peppercorns and garlic. Pro tip: dipping the noodles in the chicken stir-fry broth is a game-changer!

We finished the meal with fried rice made in the leftover stew, a classic Korean way to ensure not a single drop of flavor goes to waste.

Final Thoughts

Suljan Mangwon is more than just a bar; it's a destination. It’s a place where the lighting is dreamy, the drinks are exceptional, and the food is comforting and delicious. If you're looking for an authentic, atmospheric spot to explore the world of traditional Korean liquor, this is it.

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A Local's Guide: 3 Perfect Mangwon-dong Itineraries

Starting from Suljan, here are three curated walking tours to experience the best of the neighborhood.

Course 1: The Hidden Gourmet Tour

1. Dinner & Drinks: Start at Suljan Mangwon (B1, 52-1 Poeun-ro).
2. Second Round: Walk 5 minutes to Yanjingba Mangwon for incredible fried eggplant and other budget-friendly Chinese dishes.
3. Market Snack: Finish at Grandma's Bindaetteok in Mangwon Market (a 7-minute walk) for a crispy, savory pancake that pairs perfectly with more makgeolli.

Course 2: The Relaxed Neighborhood Stroll

1. Market Exploration: Start with a stroll through Mangwon Market (a 5-minute walk from Suljan) to soak in the local atmosphere.
2. Riverside Break: Walk 10 minutes to Mangwon Hangang Park. Enjoy the river breeze, rent a bike, or simply relax.
3. Coffee: On your way back, stop at May Bell, a local cafe known for its excellent drip coffee and charming window seats.

Course 3: The Emotional Bar & Alley Hop

1. First Stop: Begin your evening at Suljan Mangwon.
2. Makgeolli Bar: Walk 7 minutes to Boat (보틀), a bar specializing in a wide variety of makgeolli and traditional snacks.
3. Upscale Finale: Take a short bus ride to Yeonmaktan in Hapjeong for a high-quality Korean beef BBQ experience in a refined setting.