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


Foreign tourists and those who have spent time abroad often admit that cocktails in Korea are less than great.

The country produces some elite bartenders who claim top prizes at international contests, but most of its bartenders ― even at five-star hotel bars ― don’t seem to know how to make even a simple classic drink properly.

Adding to the problem, many Koreans do not know much about cocktails, ordering them only on special occasions. When they do, they are disappointed, not realizing that their drink is a result of poor mixing. But don’t give up hope of finding a real cocktail place in Seoul until you have tried Lotte Hotel Seoul’s Pierre Gagnaire bar.

The bar and restaurant on the 35th floor of the New Wing of Lotte Hotel Seoul, opens from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day, with seating for up to 46 guests. The bar is divided into three sections: a vodka bar, a champagne bar and a “boudoir” section. 

The vodka bar is a standard bar facility with shelves filled with vodka and liquor brands, and serves 30 different types of cocktails, premium whiskeys, nine brands of pure vodka as well as 17 flavored vodkas and three homemade vodkas.

The vodka bar turns its formal mood into a lively one from 9-11:40 p.m., when resident DJs play electronic, hip-hop and house music, except for on Sundays and public holidays.

The Champagne Bar offers 20 different champagne brands, and champagne by the glass is also available.

Furnished with a sofa, small table and subdued lighting, the boudoir area provides a private spot for couples. It has a list of 20 champagnes and a caviar menu, and the boudoir server provides customized services. There are only four boudoirs, so reservation is essential.

While the view from the 35th floor is great, the bar’s initial impression is not all that special. The interior design is tasteful, but not extraordinary, with a blend of gold, black and red ― a clear attempt to attract guests looking for luxury and quality. But its true identity as one of Seoul’s most special bars lies with the remarkable taste of its cocktails.

Its mojitos are a case in point. It is a common cocktail, and tastes fairly similar wherever you go, but because the key ingredient, lime, is not widely imported to Korea, it is hard to find a good mojito.

Pierre Gagnaire’s bartenders turn the drink into something completely new. With its refreshing taste and just the right proportion of ingredients, the mojitos here provide a fantastic cocktail experience.

Another of the bar’s signature concoctions is its “ice cube cocktails.” Guests are given a choice of one Absolut vodka flavor, one fruit juice and finally one ice cube flavor from the menu. The bartender will serve them in separate cups, and the guest may mix them up as they like. These “ice cubes cocktails” may not seem too interesting, but once you try them, you will find that the flavored ice cubes melting in your drink create a new taste with every sip. The cocktail is certainly a “must-try” item.

All staff at the bar, including manager and servers, are licensed bartenders. The staff continuously studies together to create better cocktails, being teachers and students to each other. The bar’s cocktails range from 18,000-30,000 won, and bottles range from 240,000 won to 5.8 million won, excluding tax and service charges.

If you are a cocktail lover with a refined taste and willing to spend some cash for an enjoyable experience in a glass, Pierre Gagnaire will certainly satisfy you.

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

Pierre Gagnaire:

30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

Lotte Hotel Seoul New Wing 35F

(02) 317-7183