5 Best Bars in Side Trips from Busan, South Korea

Reflecting a trend in other Korean cities, Bancheon Market has been repurposed from a traditional street bazaar to a nightlife destination. Gone are the vendor stalls, replaced with an array of bars, eateries, and pochas---old school-style drinking establishments that focus on side dishes and flowing rivers of soju. The market is conveniently situated right next to Kim Kwangseok Street, a pedestrian lane filled with murals dedicated to Daegu's most celebrated folk singer.

Though it doesn't look like much from the outside, entering this \"avant-garde rock bar\" is like stepping into another, psychedelic world. Bathed in blue light, the cozy, slightly odd pub manages to strike that perfect balance between cool and inviting, with a nice cocktail list to boot. The owner is an ex-college professor who walked away from the ivory tower in order to open a bar and play his favorite tunes, so like any good little boozer, it's a true labor of love.

This basement pub has been Daegu's main expat watering hole since 1995. Owner Hyunshik can usually be found behind the bar holding court, pouring beer, or spinning LPs from his huge collection of vinyl. On Wednesdays, Communes is home to a popular open mic.

Occupying a renovated makgeolli (rice wine) brewery that now resembles a redbrick church, Daedo offers a number of solid craft beers on tap that are brewed on the premises. The food menu features delicious pub fare like schweinshaxe (German pig knuckle), garlic fried chicken, and pizzas, which you can enjoy in the big outdoor seating area.

Situated on a pleasant corner in the maze of side streets that makes up Tongyeong's Hangnam neighborhood, Viento is a nice place for a quiet drink, with a great array of bottled European beers, along with wine, cocktails, and a couple of draft brews. The inside is home to just three or four tables, while outside there's a tiny windowfront bar that's perfect for sitting, sipping, and watching the night unfold.