Bar Friends

I popped into Bar Friends twice on this visit to Seoul. Happy to say the bar staff were much friendlier this time. Friendly to both Korean and Western customers. Drink prices are quite reasonable too. This is a bar where groups of Korean Gay friends come together to catch up. If you're a westerner by yourself like me, you may find it very difficult to start a conversation with anyone. That's a bit sad but I suggest you drop in and have a drink or two and check it out for yourself.

I went there two months ago on a Saturday night. The bar staff was not even coming to me to ask for an order when I sat at the bar table. There were not many customers though. The staff were chatting with themselves, laughing and totally forgot a customer just sitting there. I felt I was dumped and that was a very very bad experience. I walked out after 10 minutes without consuming. Well, they did not want my money.

We visited in October 2017 mid-week and it was about a quarter full, all locals apart from us English guys. Friendly staff chatted a bit at the bar and reasonably priced drinks for Seoul.

I've had both a positive and negative experience with Bar Friends. First time I went it was quiet and staff were friendly and attempting to communicate with me which was nice. But the second time, on a Saturday night about 10pm, the place was packed - 98% Korean customers - and the bar staff were not engaging at all. They didn't seem to be very engaging to their Korean customers either. It does have a cosy, warm vibe so maybe you should try it out for yourself if you're in the Jongno area.

I was only in Seoul for four days during the week last June and happened to find this bar via travelgayasia. I walked in on a quiet Tuesday night and really had a nice time! The owner was really friendly and the drinks and service was excellent! I love my alcohol and my drink tab was only 65,000 won which is cheap for Los Angeles standards (where I live) and I ended up returning a second and third time during my four-day trip! I was encouraged to sit next to a fellow bar patron that was also alone and we had a really nice visit! Overall, this place is very welcoming and I will definitely return. Though I am Korean-American and my Korean is minimal, I was quite comfortable as everyone else spoke beautiful English! I am even learning more Korean so I can return and practice a bit! Thank you Bar Friends! You are the love of my life! Lol!