Hidden on the third floor of a building beside Club Cocoon in Hongdae is by far one of the most unique and fun bars in Hongdae/Shinchon area. It goes by the name of Oi (pronounced oh-eye) and is probably Hongdae’s best kept secret. It is a bar, a club, and a hookah bar. Although there are other places to get a drink, to dance, or to smoke hookah, the atmosphere and drink selection in Oi is truly unique and is what has always made me come back.
When you first step out of the elevator, the first thing you will see is a sign asking you to remove your shoes and place them in a bag. The reason is because you may not wear your shoes in the club. After you have removed your shoes, you are funneled up a pure white concrete passageway lined with tea lights. Once at the top, you will see a labyrinth of caves, waterways, and even a bridge which will amaze and astound you. Everything is white and there is a “butterfly theme” for the club. Alice in Wonderland will immediately come to mind after you explore the club.
Pics, review, directions & more after the jump!
The menu at Oi is extensive. They have the standard drinks like Cass and other beers which run from 4,000 Won to 9,000 Won, cocktails, which run from 6,000 Won up to 10,000 Won, and then wine, which runs from 36,000 Won to 360,000 Won. The wine selection consists of 28 different bottles ranging from Beringer to Dom Perignon. Mixed drinks at Oi are better than average and Oi gave me the only Long Island Ice Tea that I have ever enjoyed in Korea.
There are 8 variety of hookah flavors to choose from: Choco Mint, Mint and Apple, Melon, Peach, Orange, Rose, Lemon-Lime, and Mango. The material that is used in these hookahs is not actually tobacco. It is a combination of Ugarsay Anecay Agassebay, molasses, and flavor. Ugarsay Anecay Agassebay is literally Pig Latin for Sugar Cane Bagasse. Sugar Cane Bagasse is essentially sugar cane pulp. So, you are smoking sugar and flavoring which contains 0% nicotine and 0% tar. I have tried the Choco Mint and the Mint and Apple. Both have been weak but I am guessing this is because it is not tobacco.
There are two types of seating arrangements available at Oi. The first is in one of the many “caves”. This is my favorite. It makes me feel safe and as if my conversations are somewhat private. The second is the open arrangements which are either above the caves or next to the dance floor. All seats are cushions on the floor which surround a table which is made out of a slice of a tree trunk. Each tree trunk slice has a small oil lamp on it which is all the light you will get except for the main walkways.
The bathrooms in Oi are equally unique. The faucet is a long tree branch, which comes down from the ceiling then winds around until it gets to the sink. It is so long that it takes 9 seconds for the water to actually get to your hands. It kind of a looks like a log ride from Disney Land which was designed for mice or little woodland creatures.
Oi, is a fascinating bar which has consistently given me good times which I am very grateful for. I will continue to visit Oi and I will continue to enjoy it. I recommend Oi to you with the hope that you will appreciate and enjoy it as much as I do.
The Good:
- Drink selection is extensive, especially for compared to other equivalent venues in Hongdae
- Interior is truly unique and amazing
- Pricing is reasonable
- In the summer, the canals are filled with water and there are bathing suit parties
- The club is foreigner friendly
The Bad:
- The music is often too loud
- People usually don’t use the dance floor
- If you are used to traditional tobacco hookah or shisha, you might find the ones at Oi a little bit weak.
Directions: (See map) Find Hongdae Park. Go to where the street vendors or food vendors are. If you are facing the vendors, you will make a quarter turn to your right and follow the street until you hit Cocoon. Go into the building on the left side of Cocoon and go up to the third floor.
Contact: 010-8008-0160
