The Wine House
City: Seoul Shop Name: The Wine House Merchandise type: Liqueur, Cognac, Brandy, Whiskey, Wine Restaurant Address: Seoul-teukbyeol-si Jung-gu Euljiro 6-ga 18-187 (서울특별시 중구 을지로6가 18-187) Link for the location on Naver Maps: http://map.naver.com/local/siteview.nhn?code=18001571 Directions: Take the subway to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station Exit 2. Exit straight and walk three blocks toward Cheongye Stream (청계전) along the main road. Turn left onto Dadong Road (다동길) and walk one block. The store will be on your left. Living in Seoul this year, it’s been nice to see good craft beer, wine shops, and other varieties of alcoholic beverages becoming more commonplace. Most of the cheaper choices can be found in E-Mart or Costco (for the hard to find imports). The Wine House, though adjacent to the discount clothing stalls of Myeongdong, is not a shop to find cheap deals. This shop caters primarily to the liqueur connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts. Ranging in price from 40,000 won to 600,000 won, The Wine House’s selection of whiskeys, wines, and liqueurs are a marvel. Some of the lower priced items are reasonable if you’re looking for that special gift for your principal, boss, or host family that says “I care enough to buy you a really expensive bottle of wine.” The vast array of designer decanters, glasses, and limited edition bottles definitely makes this a worthwhile stop in your Myeongdong meanderings. The owner, Mrs. Huh is very nice, and if you’re looking for any particular vintage, vintner, or taste pairings, she’s extremely knowledgable. Even if you don’t expect to make a purchase, the shop has the atmosphere of a fine liqueur museum. It is highly recommended, and definitely a 5-star stop in your Seoul window-shopping adventures.
City Guide Review: Cafe Gilssalong (Cheonan)
Cafe Gilssalong isn’t the kind of cafe that you would want to bring a book to or lesson plan in, but if you want to meet up with some friends or take that special someone on a date, it’s a wonderful place to sit down and relax for a while with some good food and your favorite wine or cocktail. Check out the random graffiti and art scattered around the place while you’re there.