3 best Gangnam bars for single malt scotch

Fact: The World Bank estimated that the total population of South Korea was slightly less than 49 million people in 2009. In the same year, the Scotch Whisky Association estimated the total value of scotch and whiskey exported to South Korea was roughly US$185 million.  

To put those figures in perspective, here are a few more. Japan’s total population in 2009 was estimated to be 127 million people while the total value of scotch and whiskey imports to Japan was US$69 million. 

So what does that mean? Yes, Koreans consume large quantities of scotch and whiskey. But that certainly isn’t news for anyone who has lived in Seoul for more than a week. 

No, the truly mind-boggling thing is that given those statistics, why is it so damn difficult to get a good glass of single malt in Gangnam, the ritziest area in Seoul?

Sure there are brands like Macallan, Glenfiddich or Ballantine’s, and there’s nothing necessarily wrong with those products, but a guy needs some variety in his scotch-drinking life. And surely he deserves it, for the money that he is shelling out at Gangnam bars. 

Below are three suggestions for those seeking reprieve from drinking that same old bottle of single malt scotch or -- God forbid -- blended whiskey week after week. Or is it day after day?  

Coffee Bar K

Coffee Bar K, or otherwise known as K Bar, is a Japanese-owned franchise with locations throughout Japan in addition to locations in Seoul and Singapore. The Cheongdam-dong establishment is located across the street from Rodeo Drive.  

Though they serve quality coffee, Coffee Bar K carries more than 150 different varieties of single malt scotch along with over 400 whiskeys, by far the large selection in all of Korea.

Some single malts are only available to members of Single Malt Whisky Society. Yes, there is a society of single malt whiskey drinkers that is not called Alcoholics Anonymous.

The scotch is served in heavy crystal tumblers to patrons sitting on leather lounge chairs at the bar. Tracking lights are strategically placed to make the bar area very dim and personal for tête-à-têtes with friends or prospective girlfriends.

Coffee Bar K serves decent food and cigars. Don't be afraid to try their martinis and mojitos, but be prepared to spend anywhere between ₩15,000 to ₩40,000 per drink. 

89-20 Cheongdam-dong,  Gangnam-gu (강남구  청담동 89-20); +82 2 516 1970

Malt Bar Off

If Coffee Bar K is the newest sports car that comes loaded with all the bells and whistles, Malt Bar Off is the simple sedan. Malt Bar Off seats 20-25 patrons, has a back room with leather sofas for private parties and a very limited food menu.

The bar usually keeps about 150 different types of single malt scotches in stock on any given night, with maybe a handful of blended malts.

What separates Bar Off from other whiskey bars is that it offers tastings of different types of scotches by region at very reasonable prices, such as those from Islands, Speyside, Islay, Lowlands and Campbeltown. If you’ve never experienced a Scotch Whisky tasting, this is the place.

Just because a bar is minimalist doesn’t mean its quality is, too. Bar Off is proof that less can truly be more, at least when it comes to the single malt experience. 

9-7 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구  삼성동 9-7); +82 2 516 6201

Sahm

The first thing you notice any time you walk into Sahm is that there are only about four people in the establishment and half of them are there for work. When the weather is nice, the number of patrons tends to double as the patio area opens up. 

Sahm’s kitchen consists of a single microwave behind the bar, and there is only one table in the entire place that can seat more than three people. Yet, this bar possesses a certain charm that is hard to resist, with its dim lighting and stark wooden cabinets. 

The selection isn’t quite up to par with Coffee Bar K or Malt Bar Off, but Sahm’s has a solid collection from a number of different regions (Oban, Talisker) while the service is speedy and the bartenders are personable. 

A-104, 660-17 Rodeo Star, Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구  신사동 660-17로데오스타 A-104); +82 70 4125 6413