Published : Nov. 28, 2012 - 19:28
Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed.
Though Korea is known to have some of the best night life in Asia, very few bars provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy a drink with a view of night sky and the fresh air.
Though many would like to enjoy their drink with a nice breeze and a view of Seoul, they are usually trapped in dark bars and clubs, bombarded with neon lights and the obnoxious smell of smoke. It might be the weather; unlike tropical cities with many renowned rooftop bars, it is hard to maintain an exterior facility during fall and winter as the temperature drops.
Despite these difficulties, the Mercure Seoul Ambassador Gangnam SODOWE, opened in March, maintains one of Seoul’s most luxurious party and dating spots with the unique feature.
Located conveniently in the center of Gangnam business district, the hotel is also surrounded by Gangnam Finance Center and situated only a one-minute walk from Yeoksam Station. Its entire 21st floor is a rooftop bar, called Sky lounge “Kloud.”
Its trendy and futuristic environment will greet the guests immediately as they walk in. Open from 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Kloud caters approximately 100 people at a time. Its interior is a highlight. Despite its small area with just 61 seats in total, the design is very well managed with futuristic LED bar lights on the walls, and ceilings and the floor covered by soft color-changing lights. The colorful sofas of red and yellow add to its modern environment. But of course, the highlight of this venue is outside.
The exterior of Kloud is perfect for dating and partying. Its sections are divided into couple seats, group seats and a lounge area. The couple seats for two are located on the narrow side of the bar. With the view overlooking the city, guests on dates are guaranteed a romantic ambience. The group seats are located near the screen and DJ booth. In the summer and early fall, the bar holds barbecues cooked by a hotel chef. The lounge area is furnished with egg-shaped chairs so guests can relax comfortably.
On a daily basis, the facility offers decent electronic, house music blended occasionally with K-pop. In the summer, the club also holds DJ parties on the exterior, complemented by its 200-inch widescreen for various activities.
The facility is still new in town and definitely has strong potential to be better. But the brutal reality is that the facility needs a better bartender. Cocktails at Kloud are disappointing and visitors should either order pure liquor by glass or by bottle to mix on their own. On the upside, drink prices are generally lower than at other bars or clubs in Gangnam. Prices for beers and cocktails start at 9,000 won by glass and bottles of liquor go as high as 1.6 million won.
By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter
(lhj137@heraldcorp.com)
Sky lounge Kloud:
642 Yeoksam-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul Korea
02-2050-6000