‘W’ stands on top in Asia

Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed.

While Seoul’s bar scene is rather blas, offering little in terms of diversity, if you are looking for a fun and enjoyable drinking experience and willing to spend a fair amount of money, W Seoul Walkerhill’s WOOBAR is the place to go.

Since its opening in 2004, the bar has been growing in popularity and reputation, serving some 400-500 regulars every weekend. Many praise the facility’s “cool” entertainment environment with its stylistic interior and 198 seats to accommodate up to 800 visitors.

Located in the lobby of the hotel, the bar is also famous for having the longest bar (18 meters) in Korea. With growing popularity and demand, WOOBAR became a brand, opening up in other Asian cities such as Bali, Taipei, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The history of WOOBAR in Asia began in Seoul, and it is safe to say that the W brand settled and became global among Asian countries through the marketing of the unique and stylistic bar.

WOOBAR maintains a futuristic and trendy environment with its lighting more bold and striking than others ― the bar uses lights that are in unique color such as hot pink and purple. The bar has a simple but trendy interior design. The walls and furniture are white, but with its hot pink lighting, the facility provides a fantasy-like nature.

The interior is designed by New York’s Studio GAIA, and visitors can find worldwide famous art pieces from bitforms Gallery as well. Seven screens located above the bar display renowned artists’ media works. The UFO-shaped DJ booth and egg-shaped chairs are some other features that can only be found in WOOBAR, Seoul.

Additionally, the second-floor mezzanine section is divided into three different themes including ease, relax and expression all unique in their own concept and colors. All the lounges allow smoking and a glass window wall on one side provides views overlooking the Han River.

There are 40 types of vodkas, over 200 wines as well as various whiskeys, beers, sakes and cocktails available at the bar. The bar also offers side menu items including king crab cake or beef tenderloin and prawn cooked by the hotel’s restaurant Kitchen. Cocktail prices vary from 20,000 won to 32,000 won and champagne or other bottle service ranges from 245,000 won up to 14 million won. The bar is open from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. during the week and to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

This luxurious, modern, stylish bar is a perfect place for upscale mingling for one who favors chatting rather than dancing in a club. However, prices are much higher in comparison to other bars and its location at the tip of Seoul on Mt. Acha, which is not the most convenient spot to consider for those without a car. Music provided by the bar includes contemporary, house and popular K-pop such as Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” Without a doubt, the facility will make you feel as if you are on top of the world.

WOOBAR:

177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwanjin-gu, Seoul
(02) 2022-0333

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter (lhj137@heraldcorp.com)