Gatai + kuma

Gatai + kuma
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Japanese izakaya style gay bistro located near Dansungsa theatre in
Chongro 3 ga.

Its name, Gatai, is said to mean 'Solid body type' in Japanese gay
terminology.

If you look for a gay bar where you could have Sake, this is the place
you shouldn't miss. Also guess bear lovers will feel for Gatai once
they see the bar owner here.

Coffee Prince

Now one Korean TV drama is heating up the whole country from gays to straights, which is called 'Coffee Prince'. Actually I've just watched a couple of episodes and I had to admit it is so damn interesting.

Main plot goes like this; there are 4 baristas in a small cafe 'Coffee Prince'. There is a girl pretending to be a boy (for a secret reason) and a man, the owner of the cafe, falls in love with this APPARENT boy who's super cute and pretty. Despite all his denials, he eventually couldn't help but to face the reality that he falls for a boy even though he's not gay at all. Interesting, uh?



(Love goes between a boy(girl) sitting in the middle and a guy in a black shirt)

This situation brought about a debate on homosexuality among audiences in more casual way. And all the gays have fall in love with this straight actor even though all know he's not really into a BOY. Not being a serious gay drama, 'Coffee Prince' brings homo sexuality to the table and let people talk about it more openly. People say that's why this drama is highly appreciated.

Just a couple of episodes I watched so I can't point out something insightful now but I guess this social response to 'Coffee prince' means something to Korean gay society.

For more info: English blog on Coffee Prince
Much more info : Coffee Prince Wiki

Gay Korean Resources

As in other countries, it's not handy to collect information on Gay scenes in Korea, especially for visitors. So here's a list of a few gay info resources available in English. 

1. Queerseoul Blog
You're on it, so don't bother to revisit ;-) 

2. Utopia Korea Guide
This is a brief guide on trip to South Korean gay scenes.

3. Chingusai
Chingusai is a community of gay rights activists.

There are many other neatly summarized travel guides to Korea on many online gay services so that you may refer to them. Any question on living as a gay in Seoul is more than welcomed.

Blood G

Blood G
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Master here wouldn't call his place 'wine bar' but it's for sure that this is a recommendable place if you enjoy wine in a casual atmosphere. All the red walls decorated with flower patterns are pretty sensual.

Located on the 4th floor of a building-I'd rather call this building QUEER GIFT PACKAGE since 3 bars gather in this one building. How convenient!- near Jongno 3 ga station(gate 5 of line 5), it is quite easy to spot.

Blood G closes earlier than other bars during weekdays at 2:30. One thing I dislike about it is that there's no elevator so you need to walk up the stairs to the 4th floor. Quite an excercise?

Uploaded by queerseoul on 15 Aug 07, 10.19AM KST.

AI

AI
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Another soju place in Jongno 3 ga. Hit this with my friend and I would say this place is no more than just a tasteless, boring and unattractive bar. Friendly and charming crew, nice atmosphere telling its own story and good food/drink - any of these essential factors to be a good bar was hardly found here.

BTW, AI, its name, means 'love' in Japanese. Love, AI. 

AI
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

What I loved about AI was copies of Gogh paintings hung on the wall.

Location of Itaewon and Jongno, Seoul

As I mentioned earlier, there are two famous gay areas in Seoul; Jongno 3 ga and Itaewon. Since Seoul is a big city, it might not be as easy for you hop from one area to the other one unless you don't know the accurate location of those areas.

Take a look at the map below. You will see 3 arrows locating Seoul station (Landmark of Kangbuk area), Jongno-3-ga Station and Itaewon Station. One of the easiest ways to get to Jongno-3-ga and Itaewon is to use subways (subway system in Seoul is quite convenient). At Jongno-3-ga Station, No1, 3, 5 lines cross so just take any one nearest your hotel. And as for Itaewon Station, No.6 line is the only one going there but No.6 line meets No.3, 4, 5 lines near Itaewon Station so you can easily transfer.

But if you're willing to use a little more money for the sake of convenience, take a cab at your hotel and tell your driver to go to 'Nak-won-Sang-Ga'(for Jongno-3-ga) or 'Hamilton Hotel'(for Itaewon). Quite an adventure? ;-)

For bigger map, click HERE

Fu, bar in Itaewon

Fu, bar in Itaewon
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Low light, hip and ambient musics and tasty cocktails. Many gay cocktail bars are flourishing in Itaewon in their every unique ways but this 'Fu' bar is still being my favourite since it opened last (maybe) 1997.

Bring your friends or enjoy your time alone - whaever your choice is, you'll feel relaxed and comfortable there.

Shanghai Lily
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

My fave, Sanghai lily, vodca mixed with milk and flavoured with citron liqeuer. Served at Fu bar.