[Update] S Bar apparently isn’t closed for good! They are undergoing renovation. Read more about it on our Seoul Scene Updates post.
Once in a while but still too often for
your liking, you hear about one of your old friends who you no longer are close to passing away. You have so many memories with the friend all the way back, but for whatever reasons the friend and you separated to go on your own ways. No longer close, but still hearing about a friend who made you who you are now, for better or for once, is never easy.
And a few weeks ago, I heard that S Bar in Cheongdam, one of the places to be for over a decade, had closed down. It’s been over a year since I visited the place. Don’t get me wrong, it was one of the hottest places in Seoul to hang out; however I chose to give all these new places popping up nearby a try whenever I was in the area. S Bar to most, due to its long history and its continued popularity, seemed like it would be there forever.
Korea, just like Japan, has a very fast turnover rate for all things considered “trendy”, “hot” or “in”. From fashion to even hangout places including cafes, restaurants, bars and especially clubs and lounges, have faster turnover rate, meaning that the even a hottest venue cannot stay hot for a long period of time.
Even a superstar lounge like S Bar fell under this case. Despite its continued popularity, over time, its hotness faded away slowly. S Bar was, without question, the hangout place for artists, actors, models and top-caliber professionals — but over time, it saw dilution of such quality individuals that frequented the place.
S Bar was located near Galleria Department store, one of the most luxurious and expensive places to shop at in Seoul. I especially liked the lounge’s lighting, which consisted of spots of yellow light that lined the bar front as well as the staircase that led up to the venue. The place had its own resident DJ spinning out beats that people could dance to. There were 3 private rooms on the second floor for private gathering that overlooked the crowd enjoying their time on the first floor. Well this is all in our memories now.
One end leads to another start. As much as I am saddened to see a lounge like S Bar go, I am secretly hoping for another lounge to replace the awesomeness that S Bar took with it. After all, I’m sure another project is under works — one that will definitely meet Cheongdam’s standards of style and luxury. One that should top what Lound is offering right next door.
