4 Best Bars in Side Trips from Seoul, South Korea

For good cocktails, beer, and a social atmosphere, come to this lively Kiwi-owned expat bar in Songdo. The staff is friendly and inviting, and even though it won't provide an authentic Korean experience, it's a good spot to meet fellow travelers. Bar food including buffalo wings, burgers, and fish and chips are available to order.

Housed in a colonial era warehouse (and at one time, discotheque) in the trendy Gaehangno neighborhood, Incheon Brewery brews a fine collection of craft beers, including the popular and light-bodied Gaehangno Lager, which has the distinction of being Korea's first certifiably vegan beer. For something a bit stronger, go with the Sleepwalker Hazy Double IPA at 8%, or the Tuxido Imperial Stout at 11% with hints of chocolate and caramel. They don't serve their own pub grub, but you can bring in food purchased from one of the surrounding eateries. You can drink outside, too, weather permitting.

Record label Ruby Records purchased an abandoned Korean-style inn from the 1960s, transforming it into one of Incheon's hippest cafes and pubs. Much of the cozy, three-story building hidden in a narrow alley has been left as is in tribute to the space's history, giving it a charming retro vibe. Popular with the local creative community, the place also hosts concerts, DJ parties, and art exhibitions. The owner used to run a record shop, and some 2,000 LPs are crammed throughout the space.

Located in Suwon's hip "Haengnidan" district near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress's old detached palace, John & Jean's Pizzeria serves huge New York–style pizzas, including its signature John & Jean's Pizzeria, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sliced ham, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The Hawaiian Pizza is also popular, but for something a bit different, try the Blue Cream Pizza with mozzarella, cream cheese, blue cheese, mushrooms, and syrup. They've got inexpensive beer on tap, as well as bottles of imported beer like Big Wave.