Oddly located on the second floor of a building, sharing the floor with a small independent movie theater, is perhaps one of Seoul’s nicest lounges. Lounge 153 is home to excellent décor, excellent drinks, and Korea’s 2009 award winning “Best Sommelier Of the Year”.
My first impression when I entered Lounge 153 was this: “Where is the rest of it?” It’s small, very small in comparison to the majority of other establishments. However, it is obvious to me that the management knows this and has used this to their advantage. The music that was played was a light jazz, perfect for intimate settings. The particular songs that were played literally made me forgot for a few seconds why I was there. I just enjoyed the mood.
The décor can only be described as art, not furnishings, not tables, not chairs. There was a circular theme for the establishment as can be seen from the circular tables, circular holes in the cement walls and floor, and the myriad of circles projected and rotating on the walls. The ceiling-high mirrors on one wall were masked with the images of people tattooed in different tongues. And “The Devil Wears Prada” was projected onto the concrete space above the bar.
Although the establishment thoroughly impressed me with their design and atmosphere, it is still a lounge, which means that the drinks must be good. Per the staff’s recommendation, I ordered a Mojito, 15,000KRW, and a Gin Martini, 10,000KRW. Although the Mojito was good, it was not exceptional.
The Martini, on the other hand, impressed me — not only was it the best Martini I have had in Seoul, but it was made according to the original Martini recipe. It had only Bombay Sapphire Gin, Martini Extra Dry Vermouth, and an olive. I know that making a Martini sounds simple. It is not. Anyone can mix Gin and Vermouth together, but getting it in the right ratio, mixed properly, and allowing the flavors to come out with the right temperature is a very different story.
The wine list at Lounge 153 is the most extensive that I have seen in Seoul. This is fitting because the manager is one of Korea’s leading wine experts, and “Best Sommelier Of The Year” of 2009. Lounge 153 is small, but very good for intimate occasions and is the obvious choice if you are looking for fine wines. The atmosphere, mixed drinks, and expert consultation on wine selection is worth the price and makes Lounge 153 a standout in lounges.
The Good
- Excellent wine selection
- Expert wine consultation
- Great Martinis
- Artistic and pastoral atmosphere
- Private
- Relatively unknown
The Bad
- Not Open on Sunday
- Closes early
- Limited seating
Operating Hours
Mon – Sat, 6pm – 1am
Contact
02-3210-3351
Address
110-062 서울시 종로구 신문로 2가 1-153
Directions
Get out of Exit 7 from Gwanghwamun station. Go straight until there is a slight leftward bend in the road. On your right will be Garden Place. Lounge 153 is on the second floor of Garden Place.
Map
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