118-15 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu
tel. 02/734-3095
HOURS: Daily noon-1 a.m.
COST: Free
SUBWAY: Anguk (Line 3)
A very bohemian little spot, Pureunbyol Jumak (Blue Star Pub) is something of a shrine to the sociable, nomadic landlord’s world travels—items from Tibetan prayer flags to postcards and album covers adorn the walls—and magkeolli, the tangy old-time rice beer with a typical alcohol content of 6-7 percent that’s been rediscovered recently by fashionable youth.
The proprietor knows his magkeolli and has gone to great trouble to source some of the country’s best, and he refines it even further infusing ingredients to create varieties like green tea, mulberry, and mugwort. The food is also exceptional and includes vegetarian choices such as tofu and fried kimchi.