Bar Cham

Cocktail bar · 효자동 ·

Bar Cham

Cocktail bar · 효자동 ·

Korean regional spirits crafted into signature cocktails, Asia's 50 Best

Information

34 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea Get directions

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Bar Cham - Review - Jongno - Seoul - The Infatuation

"Bar Cham is one of Seoul’s best cocktail bars. The drinks are built around ingredients and traditions from different provinces, so you might try a buckwheat or pine cocktail that actually tastes like Gangwon (grassy, resinous, and a little wild), or a stronger pour built around Andong’s clean, high-proof soju. There are also softer drinks shaped by Jeju’s botanicals, including hallabong citrus, native herbs, and even volcanic rock–infused spirits, that keep things bright. The drinks are great, and you’ll also leave knowing more about Korean geography, especially with bartenders who can walk you through the ingredients in both Korean and English." - Eileen Cho

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seoul/reviews/bar-cham

Bar Cham

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 38 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea | Eater

"Wind your way through the alleys of Seochon until you come across the unassuming hanoak (traditional Korean house) that houses Bar Cham. There, award-winning bartender Lim Byung-jin serves uniquely Korean signature cocktails, each named for the region that produced the spirit featured in the drink. The interior, which goes hard on oak (or “cham” in Korean), is cozy and relaxing, and there are various non-alcoholic cocktail options just as delicious as their alcoholic counterparts. Bar Cham ranked 20th on the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. Know before you go: If it’s packed, you can also check out sister bars Bar Pomme and Cham in Season nearby." - Matty Kim

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-seoul-restaurants-38

Bar Cham

@davidcho

2,118 Postcards · 233 Cities

set in Hanok, one of the OG best cocktail bars (W50B)

Seoul for White People

Bar Cham

@tedescau

638 Postcards · 36 Cities

Seoul | Final

Bar Cham

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

This Is Officially The Best Bar in Asia

Featured among Asia’s 50 best bars, this Seoul bar is acknowledged as one of the continent’s top drinking venues. - Liv Kelly

https://www.timeout.com/news/this-brand-new-bar-was-just-crowned-the-best-in-asia-071924

Bar Cham

Nancy

Google

Difficult to get a reservation, but it's 100% worth it. I don't even drink alcohol often, but the cocktails are so unique and all taste delicious. The servers also really know the menu, so they give great recommendations based on what you like. Prices were very reasonable. Highly recommend coming here, and I will definitely be coming back.

Dipika S.

Google

We had such a great experience at Bar Cham. There was a bit of a wait, but it was so well managed that it didn’t feel inconvenient at all. The staff were incredibly attentive and helpful - they really took the time to understand our palate and preferences, and then recommended drinks that were spot-on and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed, which made it the perfect place to just unwind and enjoy. Loved every bit of our time here. 🍸

Samona B.

Google

We were visiting Korea from the UK and wanted to try cocktails that told the story of Korea. Bar Cham did all of this - and more. The drinks were fun, informative and down right delicious. The service was fantastic, and we had a brilliant evening. Highly recommend!

Sezer K.

Google

Bar Cham totally deserves its spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list — honestly, it should be in the top 10! The cocktails were creative and perfectly balanced, but what really stood out was the staff. Everyone was so kind, genuine, and full of positive energy. I’ve been to quite a few bars from the list, but I’ve never felt such warm hospitality before. Can’t recommend it enough! 🍸💫

Lina M.

Google

I completely understand why Bar Cham is one of the top cocktail bars in Asia. I’ve been to many on the top 50 list, but none have made us feel more welcome, warm and super satisfied with delicious drinks made from the heart. I’m already planning my next trip to make my way down the list of awesome cocktails inspired by different regions in Korea. Thanks Bar Cham team!

Christian C.

Google

This is on the Asia Best 50 bars list for a reason, absolutely perfect experience from start to finish. Came here twice on my trip, for many reasons. First was the team, warm, friendly, super knowledgeable and even more passionate about explaining the cocktails and making sure you had a good time. Secondly, obviously, the drinks. Celebrating Korean ingredients, flavors and the specific parts of the country they are from, every drink I tried was unique, delicious and a perfect match to how it was described. The tea and mushroom manhattan was by far the standout drink for me! The food was also very good-I had the pork and really enjoyed it as an accompaniment to my drinks. Can’t wait to be back in Seoul and return here!

Nourhan S.

Google

This bar is highly overrated. It has a reputation of being very posh and making drinks inspired by different regions in korea but at the end of the day it was just a good drink but not mind blowing amazing as it is made out to be. It is also very hard to get a table there as you have to be on a waitlist and go early to make sure you get a spot before they close. I would say the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired

Anton S.

Google

Atmosphere: 9/10 Tucked into Seoul’s Seochon neighborhood, Bar Cham blends Japanese woodwork minimalism with clever modern touches — infrastructure like fire alarms, cameras, and vents are invisibly tucked away. The backbar is clean and elegant, fully integrated into the warm-toned interior. Funky music plays at a mid-loud but manageable volume, keeping the energy up without killing conversation. Drinks: 6.5/10 Recommended drink: Jeju The menu is concept-driven and layered — every year, new themed cocktails are added, while bestsellers from previous menus are kept as legacy drinks. Each cocktail comes with a short backstory. Coasters are sharp, glassware is high-end (with some custom pieces), and the English intro is thoughtful and well-done. Garnishes and presentation vary — some drinks look plain, others show real flair. Flavor-wise, drinks are hit or miss. One Spring Day tasted overwhelmingly herbal, like Chinese medicine. In contrast, Jeju stood out with its bright mandarin balance and a presentation that actually felt inspired. Service: 9.5/10 Water, warm towels, and snacks were all provided. The team was attentive, welcoming, and highly professional. Prices are slightly above average but appropriate for the level of detail and service. This bar is ranked #20 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and #71 on the World’s 50 Best Bars. The ranking feels a little too high in my opinion.l, for the quality and balance of drinks.