Now and then I come across some very unique and interesting venues in Korea. Sometimes they are specialty fusion restaurants, other times they are live jazz bars. Recently, I stumbled upon a gem called Pierrot Strike in Apgujeong.
As I first walked up to the giant wooden doors of the entrance to Pierrot Strike, I could tell that this bowling ally was going to be a bit different from your stereotypical ally of old men drinking beer. As I entered, I immediately noticed the massive bar straight in front of me along with the bowling lanes to my left. The venue is constructed mostly of well crafted woodwork and brick which gives it a “winter resort” feeling.
After taking a look around, I proceeded to the bowling lanes. These lanes are by far the trendiest bowling lanes that I have ever seen. The support poles beside the lanes had neon images of clowns, the lanes were well kept and polished, and the giant TV screens at the end of the lanes provide a very chic and sexy feel to the ally. The reason I say that is because the TVs were playing the Victoria Secret fashion show. Instead of giving it a seedy feel, it gave Pierrot a very stylish and classy atmosphere.
The bowling shoes were even unique and hip. They were essentially a pair of Etnies. The only way you can distinguish these from regular shoes are the numbers on their heel. The lanes next to us were occupied by one of Korea’s biggest actors. He was there with his friends and was seemingly enjoying himself. Also, G-Dragon performed at the grand opening. Obviously, if Korea’s equivalent of Brad Pitt is bowling next to you and Jay-Z performs at the opening, you probably are in a good place to grab a drink and probably the coolest place that you will ever bowl at.
The pool/game section of Pierrot is tasteful and provides an excellent place to kill time as you are waiting for a lane to open up or it just a great place to hang out with friends and have a beer. This area seemed to be very popular and I could understand why. They had darts boards, some arcade games and pool tables. I would rather play pool here than at a typical Korean bar. It is clean, affordable, and entertaining.
Prices for bowling are appropriate at 5,000 won per game and drink prices for drafts range from 5,000won to 11,000won. They also had a variety of bottle orders which ranged from 120,000 Won for Danzka vodka to 550,000 Won for Johnnie Walker Blue. They also have a variety of mixed drinks but drafts seemed to be the only drinks that people were purchasing at this time. Food prices vary greatly and are more like side dishes than meals. They are to accompany your alcohol and bowling.
There was one thing about Pierrot’s bowling that I was unsatisfied with. After we were done with our 2 games of bowling, the attendant admonished us to hurry up and leave the lane because other people were waiting. I understand that people were waiting, but telling people to hurry up so that the next group can start bowling 15 seconds sooner is both unprofessional and rude especially since we were already in the process of trying to gather our belongings and leave the lane.
As I finished my beers and headed off, I thought about what I had just experienced and I was impressed. Previously, I had not been to bowling allies that were nearly as clean, chic, or fun. Pierrot Strike’s bowling lanes were second to none and are an excellent place for birthday parties, work functions, or just a fun night out with friends.
The Good
- Something new to do in Apgujeong (bowling alleys, darts, arcade games, pool tables & pub area)
- Reasonable pricing
- Interior that lives up to Apgujeong style
- Accessibility — in Designer Club right near Apgujeong Rodeo Street entrance
The Bad
- Service could have been better
- Food wasn’t the best, but that’s not why you would go to Pierrot Strike in first place
Operation Hours
- 6pm – 3am
Prices
- 5,000 Won per game per person
- 1,500 Won shoe rental
- 5,000 – 11,000 Won draft beer
- 130,000 Won for bottle of hard liquor (Absolut & Jose Cuervo)
Contact
- Bowling – 02-6007-8008
- Pub – 02-6007-8889
Address
- 서울시 강남구 청담동 85-4번지, 디자이너클럽 1층 삐에로스트라이크
Directions from Apgujeong Station Exit #2:
Get a cab and ask to go to towards Designer Club. It’s a massive building colored in yellow. This building is conspicuous because it has a glass-front fitness center (M Athletic Square) on 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor. You will see Galleria on your left. At the next intersection take a right. Go until you see a Canon Camera store on your right. When you see it, you will be 1 block away from Pierrot Strike. It will be on your left hand side.
Website
Map
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