A view through a doorway revealing a dimly lit bar interior with a bookshelf in the foreground.

Bitters

Subterranean Speakeasy Bar in Hongdae

Hidden behind a concealed basement bookshelf, Bitters brings together 12 book-inspired signature cocktails, rare whiskies, and vinyl jazz under a 3.5-meter illuminated backbar.

Unlock Entrance Protocol Explore Cocktails & Pairings

Concealed Passage

The Bookshelf Entry Protocol

Bitters operates as a genuine speakeasy tucked underneath the Hongdae bustle. Follow these exact physical directions to release the hidden latch.

Locate the Building

Find the commercial building at Hongik-ro 3-30, recognized by Hongdae Mulgalbi on the 1st floor.

Descend to B1

Take the elevator or stairwell directly down to Basement Level 1 (B1).

Locate the Brown 'Bitters' Volume

You will be greeted by a wall of floor-to-ceiling library bookshelves. Locate the brown book with the 'Bitters' spine imprint.

Press the Book to Enter

Firmly press the brown book inward. The magnetic bookshelf door will glide open, welcoming you into our warm subterranean lounge.

Craft Mixology & Kitchen

12 Literary Cocktails & Slow-Cooked Dishes

Each signature cocktail draws inspiration from world literature and seasonal ingredients sourced across Korea. Our bartenders tailor recommendations through personal conversation.

A white cup of light green liquid on a wooden coaster with a piece of charred wood, against a concrete-textured background.

Botanical Signature

Pereco

Served over an authentic tree-slice coaster with aromatic charred palo santo wood, yielding warm botanical notes.

A clear tall cocktail glass with a light yellow carbonated beverage, topped with a green leaf garnish, resting on a black surface.

Literary Signature

Jeje

An effervescent, light-toned craft cocktail infused with delicate seasonal herbs and refreshing natural citrus.

An amber cocktail in a lowball glass with a large clear ice cube and a cocktail pick on a dark wooden table.

Aged Spirit Signature

Amber Solitude

Spirit-forward amber concoction poured over crystal hand-carved ice, balanced with nuanced aromatic bitters.

A deep red cocktail in a stemmed glass with a citrus peel twist, set against a blurred textured wall.

Classic Reinterpretation

Vermouth Crimson

Deep crimson reduction accented with expressed citrus oils in an elegant tulip glass.

A plate of fettuccine pasta with three slices of toasted bread on a dark table.

House Specialty Dish

3-Hour Simmered Ragu

Fettuccine tossed in rich, slow-simmered beef ragu, shaved hard cheese, and toasted artisan bread.

A metal skillet filled with cooked shrimp in oil with herbs served with toasted bread slices on a dark table.

Sizzling Skillet

Gambas al Ajillo

Plump shrimp sauteed in herb-infused olive oil with sun-dried aromatics and crisp sliced toast.

A plate of melon with prosciutto and a side of olives, crackers, and nuts against a dark background.

Wine & Whisky Pairing

Prosciutto & Melon Plate

Sweet sliced melon topped with cured prosciutto, accompanied by green olives, crackers, and walnuts.

A passion fruit cocktail in a glass with a straw and mint garnish on a dark table.

Tropical Botanicals

Passion Fruit & Mint

Bright passion fruit reduction garnished with fresh garden mint and balanced with dry spirits.

Subterranean Interior

The 3.5-Meter Backbar & Private Lounges

Designed with 3.5-meter high ceilings, Bitters boasts Hongdae's largest illuminated whisky backbar paired with mid-century jazz acoustics.

The 10-Seat Counter

An unobstructed front-row view of our mixologists at work, set against illuminated rows of single malts and small-batch spirits. Highly comfortable for solo visitors.

Private Gathering Rooms (4–15 Guests)

Dedicated rooms designed for intimate group conversations, tasting flights, and private celebrations away from the main counter.

English-Fluent Hospitality

Our team communicates fluently in English, welcoming international cocktail enthusiasts and solo travelers without hesitation.

Interior of a modern bar with a long marble-topped counter and rows of liquor bottles on back-lit shelves.

Visual Archive

Atmosphere & Speakeasy Details

A visual glimpse into our subterranean jazz atmosphere, backbar bottle collections, and handcrafted glass presentations.

A dimly lit industrial style bar counter with rows of bottles on shelves and modern black bar stools.

Interior of Bitters bar in Seoul featuring a long marble-top counter, black bar stools, and shelves filled with liquor bottles.

A light green cocktail in a stemmed glass, garnished with a fern leaf, on a black surface against a textured brown wall.

An orange cocktail served in a white tea cup with its lid placed nearby on a dark surface against a textured concrete wall.

A bright green cocktail in a stemmed coupe glass garnished with a melon cube and a leaf on a bamboo pick against a textured brown wall.

An orange cocktail in a martini glass with a gold garnish skewer against a dark, textured wall.

A pink cocktail with a large ice cube, garnished with a small cracker topped with jam, set against a dark textured wall.

A crystal glass with a pale yellow cocktail garnished with an olive and a sprig of dill on a black table against a concrete wall.

Visiting Guide

Location & Access

Bitters is situated in the heart of Mapo-gu, minutes from Hongik University Station.

Address

Seoul Mapo-gu Hongik-ro 3-30 B1

Building with Hongdae Mulgalbi on 1F · Take elevator to B1 bookshelf door

Subway Transit

Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 9)

Approximately 440m · 9-minute walk

Bus Stops Nearby

Hongdae Main Gate (1 min) · Hongik University (2 min) · Seogyo Prugio Apt (3 min)

Parking Information

Hapjeong Street Public Parking Lot (415 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu)

Recommended public lot approximately 10 minutes walking distance. Please inquire in advance for building parking.

Direct Inquiries & Contact

Telephone: 0507-1396-1229

Instagram: @bitterslounge · CatchTable reservations available

Amenities & Venue Policies

Sommelier Service Group Seating (4-15 Guests) High-Speed Wi-Fi Separate Gender Restrooms Wheelchair Accessible Adults Only (No-Kids Zone)