A Glimpse into the Forbidden
With its highly controlled tour groups and authoritarian regime, North Korea remains a destination that is challenging to explore. However, for many South Koreans who are unable to cross the border, Pyongyang Pub offers a rare opportunity to experience a taste of the secretive nation.
At this unique establishment, patrons can savor authentic North Korean cuisine, don traditional hanbok dresses, and peruse a selection of daily household items imported from North Korea, such as toothpaste, cosmetics, and cigarettes.
When planning a visit to the Pyongyang Pub, ample accommodation options are available in the surrounding area to provide a comfortable stay. One of the most popular choices for visitors would be the Mapo-Gu Seoul hotels at www.seoulhotelspage.com, which are well-known for their convenient location and excellent service.
For those seeking to immerse themselves further in the wonders of South Korea, there are an additional 50 beautiful destinations to visit throughout the country.
While there are other establishments in Seoul that offer North Korean dishes, Pyongyang Pub distinguishes itself as the city's first-known restaurant that has successfully recreated the ambiance of the Hermit Kingdom.
The bar's interior and exterior are adorned with a pleasant mint green color, reminiscent of the pastel hues commonly found on apartments and buildings in North Korea, as explained by the owner, Kim, who prefers not to disclose his full name due to concerns over potential online criticism.
For a virtual journey into North Korea, visit Pyongyang Pub's website.
Behind the Scenes
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Hongdae, adjacent to trendy boutiques and bustling restaurants, lies a North Korea-themed bar that offers a unique twist on the traditional pub experience. Standing out among its surroundings, Hongdae is not only known for its lively atmosphere but is also home to the headquarters of YG Entertainment, one of the most influential K-pop labels.
However, what sets Pyongyang Pub apart from its counterparts across the border are the distinct messages displayed on its walls. Instead of promoting patriotism, the bar embraces a more hedonistic approach with slogans like "more drinks for comrades," "let's revolutionize the creation of delectable bar snacks," and "let's take a leap forward in establishing a formidable drinking destination."
It's fascinating to see how Pyongyang Pub has transformed the traditional pub scene, providing a unique and unconventional experience for visitors in Seoul. Catering to both locals and tourists, this North Korea-themed bar adds another layer of diversity to the already lively Hongdae neighborhood.
Graphics: The posters displayed outside of Pyongyang Pub resemble North Korean propaganda style. These posters feature slogans encouraging comrades to consume more drinks and inspiring innovative approaches to manufacturing bar snacks.
Esteemed leaders: The delightful Pyongyang Pub proudly displays portraits of the distinguished United States President Donald Trump and the talented comedian Kim Gyeong-jin. According to the pub's owner, these portraits were not chosen for their profound significance, but simply to elicit laughter and amusement.
Spending time together: Customers at Pyongyang Pub can be seen enjoying their time in an atmosphere that draws inspiration from traditional North Korean homes, establishments, and transportation hubs.
A Unique Twist on North Korean Beer: Upon first inspection, this particular beer cabinet seems to house Taedonggang beer, a North Korean brew. However, there's a delightful twist - the beer is actually German and the label is designed as a playful parody, with a single letter differentiating it from the original Taedonggang beer.
Although the beer may not be authentically North Korean, this clever parody label adds an element of novelty and intrigue to the experience. It's a creative way for visitors to the bar to engage with the North Korean theme while enjoying a high-quality German beer. Click here to see an image of the beer cabinet and the parody label.
Peeking in: A look inside Pyongyang Pub, which has North Korean-style decor.
Available: The menu at Pyongyang Pub offers a variety of North Korean dishes, including rice with marinated tofu, sweet rice sundaes, potato rice cakes, and sweetcorn pancakes.
A Unique Dining Experience: One of the standout dishes at Pyongyang Pub is the Pyongyang Naengmyeon, a delicious plate of cold noodles that brings the authentic flavors of North Korean cuisine to South Korea.
What sets this bar apart is not only the outstanding food but also the cleverly crafted atmosphere. The German beer on the menu may seem like a surprise, but upon closer inspection, the Taedonggang label reveals itself to be a playful parody of North Korea's renowned brew. With a quick glance, eagle-eyed diners will notice slight differences in the characters on the bottle, cleverly swapping “dong” for “ddong,” which amusingly means “poop” in Korean.
Owner Kim had a vision to recreate the mystique and allure of North Korea right in Seoul. Determined to provide an authentic experience, he diligently researched images shared by embassy workers and sought advice from North Koreans who had defected to South Korea. To add to the ambiance, Kim adorned the bar with genuine North Korean artifacts that were smuggled out through China.
If you're looking for a truly unique and immersive Asia experience, be sure to visit Pyongyang Pub and indulge in the tantalizing flavors of North Korean cuisine among an ambiance that captures the enigmatic essence of the country.
Evolution of Business: Transitioning from Japanese Cuisine to a North Korean Bar
Adapting to the changing landscape of geopolitical tensions, the owner of Pyongyang Pub, Mr. Kim, made a strategic decision to transform his Japanese restaurant located in Seoul. With sales declining by 50% due to the ongoing trade dispute between South Korea and Japan, Mr. Kim closed his establishment in July.
Embracing the emerging fascination with North Korean culture, Mr. Kim seized the opportunity to introduce a unique North Korean-themed bar to the area. The bar offers an enticing menu that captures the essence of North Korean cuisine, featuring delightful dishes like marinated tofu with rice, sumptuous sweet rice sundaes, and delectable potato rice cakes.
One of the highlights of the menu is the seasoned rice with soy meat, alongside the highly recommended sweetcorn pancakes. And for those seeking an authentic North Korean delicacy, the Pyongyang Naengmyeon has a prominent place on the menu, as it was served during the historic first inter-Korean summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the previous year.
With its diverse range of North Korean-inspired dishes and a captivating atmosphere, Pyongyang Pub promises a unique culinary experience that brings a touch of North Korea to the heart of Seoul.
The Pyongyang Pub features a dish known as Pyongyang Naengmyeon - a cold noodle delicacy.
However, before its doors could even open, the establishment's proprietor, Kim, found himself embroiled in a hot debate.
There was a stir on online platforms as some were concerned that the pub might be infringing on the decades-old National Security Act of South Korea. This law prohibits acclaiming factions that oppose the government, particularly North Korea.
The legislation itself has always been a contentious issue. Crafted during the era of South Korea's military dictatorship between the 1960s and 1980s as a means to guard against North Korean indoctrination and root out covert agents, violators could face the harshest sentence of capital punishment.
Nonetheless, in more recent times, organizations championing human rights have pointed out the possibility of the act being exploited to victimize political critics and curb freedom of expression.
Law enforcement officials from Mapo-gu, the neighborhood housing the pub, declared that the establishment didn't seem to breach the act. Despite this preliminary conclusion, they're continuously assessing the situation and the final judgement is yet to come.
The bustling city of Seoul is home to a unique cafe that resembles a whimsical cartoon. With its vibrant colors and playful décor, this cafe stands out from the rest.
Recently, there were concerns about the cafe potentially violating any regulations by praising North Korea's regime or its leader. However, a police official clarified that it was simply a marketing strategy, without the intention of glorifying North Korea.
To dispel any serious atmosphere, the cafe owner, Kim, replaced the portraits of former North Korean leaders with pictures of renowned figures like United States President Donald Trump and comedian Kim Gyeong-jin. These humorous depictions were meant to induce laughter and lighten the mood.
Kim emphasized that his goal in opening the bar was not to praise North Korea's leaders, but to create a fun and enjoyable environment for people to relax and unwind.
Without a doubt, this Seoul cafe offers a unique experience where visitors can immerse themselves in a lighthearted and vibrant setting while savoring their favorite beverages and treats.
Welcome to Pyongyang Pub, where North Korea-style propaganda sets the stage for a unique and intriguing experience. This bar has become the talk of the town, enticing locals and foreign patrons alike with its controversial theme.
A Novel Concept
Curiosity led 27-year-old Byeon Yoon-suk and his colleagues, who work at a beverage company, to step foot in this unconventional establishment. Byeon describes the interior as "most unique" and finds the concept to be refreshing.
Despite concerns about potential legal ramifications, many customers view the bar as a harmless parody rather than glorifying North Korea itself. Kim Jin-ah, a 45-year-old television host, assures that the Pyongyang Pub is solely meant for entertainment and amusement.
While the bar undeniably offers a novelty experience, some visitors have expressed their desire to return for more. It seems that Pyongyang Pub has successfully captivated its guests with its distinctive atmosphere.
Location: Pyongyang Pub, 6 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Contact: +82 2-332-3066
This report was contributed by Sophie Jeong from Seoul and Julia Hollingsworth from Hong Kong, with additional reporting by Kim Na-yeong, Shin Jae-eun, and Jake Kwon from Seoul, as per CNN sources.