Hopping Through Happy Hour in Itaewon
Seoul, South Korea
The assignment; Search out "happy hour" specials in the area and report back on everything! Not exactly an easy task since Seoul covers 44,775.7 square miles of land and is inhabited by nearly 25-million people. Therefore I condensed the search into one local happening hot spot of foreign culture: Itaewon. Itaewon is three stops down and two tracks away from Seoul Station just on the other side of Mount Namsan.
I had heard about all the wonderful and not so wonderful pubs, taverns and watering holes in the area. But the Seoul Gaels replied happily with the "who's who list" of where to grab a large basket of deliciously spicy-hot wings on wing night, handcrafted beer for "the guys night out" and suggested I read through Seoul Eats to locate the best western style hamburger.
But I streamlined the competition down to those serving traditional pub fare and beverages from their country of origin. The following three pubs suited that criteria.
Wolfhound Irish Pub - Ireland
Tony's Aussie Bar - Australia
Sam Ryan's - American
Wolfhound Irish Pub
Wolfhound Irish Pub has two locations one in the north (Seoul) and one in the south (Busan). Both are open Weekdays 4pm to 1am and Weekends/Holidays 11am to 2am. The history behind the pub goes back to 2006 when four Irish expats decided to open up a "true Irish" pub to deliver drinks with strength, delicious food, a place to hang out with friends in an energetic atmosphere. To bring true traditional fare the lads and lasses hired on chef Mark Sumpter to craft and create from scratch the highest quality plates of Irish fare from the freshest ingredients available. Being from Ireland they imposed a "guaranteed 'no bullshit pour policy.'" Meaning you'd never be short on the liquor being poured into the glass!
The drink menu listed Guinness, Kilkenny, McNally's Extra Ale, and Red Rock alongside nine other on-tap draughts priced between 3,000 to 8,500 won. Pints of Black & Tan or Snack bite. Bottles ranging from Stella Artois to Strongbow. Along with all the usual suspects including wine, tea, soda, juice and coffee.
The pubs highlight is their signature Tuesday Night 2-for-1, Fish'n Chip Special. Two beer battered golden brown fish fillets swerved with tartar sauce, vinegar and lemon wedge on a bed of chips! Several Irish favorites including Shepherd's Pie, Irish Stew and infamous Bangers and Mash! Needing a bit more healthy food in your diet, try out the Heart Healthy Greek Salad or the tremendous Veggie Burger.
To get here start at Itaewon station. Go out exit #4. Turn around and head towards Taco Bell. Across the street is a small alley. Head right down this first alley. The pub is 40 yards down on the second floor. With no physical address available it might be difficult to locate however the smart guys have put together a youtube video to help you find your way.
Reservations/Contact: Seoul 02-749-7971 Busan 051-746-7913
Tony's Aussie Bar
Finding your way to Tony's Aussie Bar is somewhat of a "walkabout" but once you are there it's worth the time spent for this truly Aussie Pub experience. From Itaewon station go out exit #1 walking back towards Noksapyeong station. Go past all the shoe stores, on your right until you reach Post Office. The road here splits into a Y. Head to the left up the hill about 100 yards, Tony's will be on the right after a couple of short curves.
Walking into the pub the very first thing to do is pick up the menu and "learn the lingo" of the Aussie's! Might want to "give it a go (try)" a couple of times with your "mates (friends)" before ordering from the "sheila (female)" with her notepad at the ready.
Australian to English Language Guide
Sanga = Sandwich
Chips = French Fries
Chicken Salt = Seasoned Salt
Soft Drink = Soda / Pop
Tomato Sauce = Ketchup
Jaffle = Toasted Sandwich
Cuppa = Cup of...
Stubbies = Glass for Beer
Mates = Friends
Sheila = Female
Try = Give it a Go
Once up to the task of ordering is just as simple as saying, "mate I'll take two stubbies of four-x, a cheese'n beetroot jaffle, a bucket of chips'n tomato sauce, cheers." Unlike the other pubs on the list, get to know the "lingo" and time spent here will be most enjoyable. Traditional Australian fare includes the Potato Scallop: a slice of potato dipped in beer batter and fried. A Meat Pie: An Aussie Favorite! Minced Australian beef, onion, gravy, herbs and spices backed into handmade pie dough. But the never ending Works Burger is the truest of Australian Fare with bacon & egg, beetroot and pineapple! "Now THAT'S a REAL Aussie Burger!"
Drop on by anytime the bar is open or just call ahead to make sure someone is around at 02 790 0793. Otherwise business hours are Monday to Friday 6pm to late (a.m.) and Weekends 1pm to late (a.m.), exception is they are closed on Tuesdays.
455-35 Itaewon-1dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea 140-858
email info@tonysitaewon.com
Sam Ryan's Sports Bar and Grill
Follow these directions to find Sam Ryan's Sports Bar. Starting from Itaewon Station exit 1 walk straight and make a right at KFC. Walk up the alley and turn left when the alley ends. Walk about 100 meters, on your right will be Sam Ryan's on the second floor above 3 Alley Pub.
Sam Ryan's - bringing together sports, food, and drinks You guys may have noticed that there is a recent addition in the Itaewon arena to win the title for best sports bar. Sam Ryan's Pub has only been competing for a few months, but already promises to be a serious challenger. The owner of 3 Alley Pub opened the sports bar just right above it to carter to the younger crowd. The lighting is subdued, and the décor is contemporary with a long, impressive bar counter flanking one side. There are several cozy areas for intimate gatherings, but also plenty of window-side seating for those who want to gaze at the nightlife below. The sports bar also has a dart area and a outdoor patio for those wanting to enjoy the weather. Their friendly English-speaking staff makes it a breeze to get anything you need to enjoy your time at Sam Ryan's.
They boast eight flat screens strategically placed throughout the entire bar, so no sports fan is put to a disadvantage. One television is even placed between the urinals in the men's bathroom. Always tapped into the latest sports coverage around the world. They religiously update their sports schedule every Wednesday--ranging from football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and anything else you can think of. More importantly, requests are not frowned upon because at Sam Ryan's any sport goes. So no need to worry about dealing with rejection here. It's a safe haven for everyone.
They offer affordable prices for both drinks and food. For draft beer, they offer seven selections ranging from OB for 2,500 won to Guinness for 7,500 won. If their draft selection doesn't suite you, then surely one of their dozen imported bottled beers should do the trick. For margarita lovers, stop in on Mondays for their strawberry or lime margarita special for 5,000 won. Those wanting to become "happy" quicker should order Jose Cuervo shots for 3,000 won. No "Margarita Monday" is complete without ordering their massive nachos to curb your hunger.
Their "Tailgate Tuesday" special has 500 won per pork rib with drinks. This is a definitely a crowd pleasure and tables fill up quick, so I suggest you show up early. Moreover, Sam Ryan's brings out the competitor in all steak lovers, with the Fat Bastard Challenge. Finish a 72-ounce Australian rib-eye steak, baby potatoes, and a garden salad in under an hour and your name will forever be enshrined on the Fat Bastard wall.
Sam Ryans Sports Bar and Grill
116-15, Itaewon-dong Youngsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Telephone: 02-749-7933
In conclusion, each pub provides a magnificent compliment to its country roots but there can only be one clear winner. Due to sheer size of the sports pub atmosphere and enough space to get rowdy with the guys, the number one pick is Sam Ryan's a great place for sports, food, and beer - either with a group of friends, or even by yourself. For a comfortable friendly proprietor induced conversation head back to Tony's Aussie Pub for everything Australian. And don't forget the Wolfhound when your thinking about Ireland, bangers and mash or shepherds pie.
