Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed.

Imagine yourself on vacation in a tropical country, sitting in a lounge chair digging your toes into white sand and seashells from the beaches of Boracay. Especially on a cold night in December, just the mere image is enough warm you up. This doesn’t have to end as a thought in Seoul if you know the right place to go: Itaewon’s Bungalow Tropical Lounge.

From regular American-style pubs to unusual gay bars, nightlife in Itaewon varies greatly. With the expat population increasing in Korea, Itaewon is quickly rising as the center of Seoul’s nightlife culture. Among the many places in the area with factors that make them unique is Bungalow Tropical Lounge.

Seoul’s cold winter nights naturally lead people to hang out indoors, in environments that are cozy and warm rather than wild and noisy. Bungalow Tropical Lounge, open from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., provides a perfect environment for those looking for warm shelter.

Located in the alley behind Hamilton Hotel, Bungalow is a three-story bar with a tropical atmosphere. There are low wooden tables and chairs sunken into a floor covered in soft sand from Boracay. You can curl your toes in the sand and chat with your friends while enjoying the tropical theme. There are open hall areas, a bar, hammock swings, patios, a rooftop deck featuring a DJ spinning a mix of house and electronic tunes and semi-private rooms for parties and group get-togethers. In addition, the facility also maintains a terrace and jacuzzi available for guests during the warmer months. Two different floors, several twisting staircases and side rooms make you feel as if you were visiting a new spot on each visit.

The cocktails here blend well with the tropical ambience: Hawaiian Punch, which is Southern Comfort and amaretto in a bamboo cup with a pineapple garnish; Malibu Beach, a mix of Malibu and Chivas in a coconut shell; Cucumber Tonic made with rum and fresh cucumber; and seven different types of mojito. The bar has a vast liquor list, most of which range in price from 7,000 won to 12,000 won by the glass. Drinks are a bit pricey but worth it. Various snacks are also available as finger food, including sandwiches, burgers and Thai-style appetizers.

Bungalow:
112-3 Itaewon-dong,
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(02) 793-2344

Directions:
From Itaewon Station Exit 2,
walk straight until the first right.
Take a left and walk about 20
meters to the first alley. Turn left
and Bungalow is located on the
right. Parking is not available.

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter
(lhj137@heraldcorp.com)