Gong-Gan — Restaurant in Seoul

I've thought about it for a long time and finally decided to write this review. Honestly, this is a very negative review, and I would give it one star! (the first time in my life…

One day in October, I went to this bar with two American friends. We chose to come here for a drink, even after leaving the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel. That day, we were in a complex, even terrible, mood. But I strongly recommended coming here (this is a place I have visited dozens of times! I've spent millions of Korean won here and brought countless friends. I've recommended it to everyone I know).But…

The story is quite simple. We were seated at a table next to a support column—a four-person table, which meant that seating near the column was also designated for guests. However, after my friend sat down there, the staff came over twice and asked her to switch seats, asking her to sit across from me rather than beside me (next to the support column). When my friend asked why, they explained that her position was inconvenient for them, or for other guests to move around, implying that she was blocking the way……In my dozens of experiences here, having sat in almost every table, this was the first time I’d heard such a thing.…My friend refused to move, expressing that she wanted to sit beside me to comfort me, as I was in a state of extreme anxiety.

Then there was a group of four foreign guests seated at a nearby table（just next to us). They seemed to be celebrating an engagement or another happy occasion, chatting loudly and toasting repeatedly. During that time, the staff approached their table three times (just 10 centimeters away from us), offering them shots and celebrating with them. They cheered loudly together, three times….Happy things! Of course! My friends noticed and felt genuinely happy for their celebration. Even said she wants to congratulate them!! However, despite the lively atmosphere, the staff came to our table twice, asking us to lower our volume……stating that we were too loud and disturbing others. The first time I reminded my friends to keep it down, even though we were the quietest group in the entire bar. The second time they asked us, my friend instinctively commented, “Everyone in this bar is louder than us. Why are they treating us so unfairly? Not nice…” That’s when I realized we were being treated differently from other guests.

I paid and left, and on my way out, I told them I was very disappointed. They responded that they’d only spoken to us because another guest had complained. But in a setting where everyone was loud, and even where guests repeatedly cheered, who was really the one being too loud? Was it truly us, the "three ladies," or was it the table next to us?

I may not know much about bar culture or bartending; I’m just a whiskey lover. I’ve been to this bar dozens of times, recommending it to my friends and even my hairdresser, praising the beautiful trees, the lovely atmosphere in fall and spring, and the kind staff. I’ve spent millions of Korean won here, averaging 120,000 per visit and once close to 700,000. I’m sharing this to emphasize that this negative review isn’t based on one experience but from deep disappointment with a place I once loved.

You might say the space is too small or too crowded to handle everything perfectly. Or perhaps, “We’re familiar enough with you to ask for special accommodations,” or “We prioritize new guests over regulars.” That’s fine. I’ve had many great experiences here—like Chef Tony preparing extra dishes as a kind gesture, which I genuinely appreciated. These thoughtful touches kept me coming back, but this seemingly minor issue has now led me to decide never to return.

Perhaps I’m too sensitive, or perhaps my friends are too, or perhaps it was just a “good day” for the table next to us and a “bad day” for us. Whatever the case, maybe your cocktails are excellent, but the level of service is truly disappointing, and this feeling of great!huge! disappointment...

Atmosphere: 8/10 Located in Seoul’s Jongno district, Gong Gan is housed in a traditional hanok with a sustainable, minimalist interior — clean lines, natural wood, trees, and greenery. The space is calming and design-forward, but the bar counter seating isn’t ideal — it’s split by a structural column and lacks intimacy. Slow jazz plays at a pleasant volume, which fits the contemplative vibe. The backbar is attractive, though not a main focus.

Drinks: 9.5/10 Recommended drink: Slow Pace The menu is built like a hardcover book — each cocktail gets a full page with story, illustration, ingredients, and ABV. Presentation is often standout, with thoughtful garnish and custom glassware that fits each drink’s theme. Slow Pace came with a unique look and balanced flavor. Coasters are used selectively based on the glassware. Overall, one of the more elegant drink programs in Seoul.

Service: 8/10 Water, towels, and snacks were all served. The team is professional and friendly, though not especially attentive. The waitlist system could use work — you won’t know how long it takes, and once they message you, you have to show up fast. On weekends, expect long waits. Prices are above average, and while the experience is strong, it doesn’t quite hit premium tier.

This bar is ranked #89 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. I’d say that’s appropriate — a solid, concept-driven space with high-quality drinks and a...

Visited Gong-Gan today and despite having visited many of the bars on Asia’s Top 50 list, my experience today stands firmly above the rest.

Willy Park, an experienced, multi-award-winning bartending champion, with a long history of working amongst Asia’s Top 50 and connections through the bartending community, was not only an excellent bartender, but also an incredible conversationalist. Witty, personable, and charming, we quickly became friends sharing each others’ stories. And best of all for foreigners in Korea such as myself, Willy speaks great English!

Aside from my new friend, here’s all the reasons that makes Gong-Gan a must-visit if you’re ever in Seoul: A minimalistic atmosphere with a beautiful tree standing as the centrepiece of the bar’s design. Illustrated menus describing the concept behind each drink. Immaculate plating of cocktail drinks and their associated delicacy-pairings you would only find at a fine-dining restaraunt.

I expect to see Gong-Gan taking a spot (#1 if you ask me) on Asia’s Top 50 list soon!

~20,000 KRW...