I have been to many a bar across this beautiful world, for I enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage or two. Now, I don’t think drinking is the coolest thing in the world and I truly respect people who choose to abstain. Today, I will tell you about the bar that has given me the most enjoyment.

Drinking is a huge part of Korean culture. Many jobs have nights where all the workers go out after work and drink massive amounts of alcohol. On any given night if I go out for a walk or a bike ride, I will run into at least one person that is incredibly intoxicated. Very often you will see a Korean person stumbling, puking, or passed out in a public setting.

Soju is the preferred hard alcohol that can be found at almost every bar and restaurant around the country. These small bottles of ethanol and water are cheap, and lead to one of the most terrible hangovers imaginable. Soju is actually the most sold liquor in the world.

Another traditional Korean drink is Makgeolli, which is a sweet alcoholic beverage made from rice. Makgeolli is typically consumed from small metal dishes. It is also often drunk at the top of mountains and after a nice hike.

Beer is also very popular in Korea. There are three main companies that make a pretty shitty product that is comparable to Budweiser or Busch. These days, craft brews are becoming more and more popular in Korea and I for one would love to see more microbreweries and beer choices all over the country. There are no hours of the day that you cannot buy beer at a store and it is perfectly OK for you to have a beer, or any alcohol for that matter, as you walk down the street.

Bars can be found everywhere in Korea. Many bars have no set hours. Most bars close when the last person leaves and this can be as late as 9 or later in the morning. There are many bars called hofs in Korea and it is generally expected that you buy some food with your beers at these places. Itaewon and the Noksapyeong areas of Seoul have many great bars that sell craft beers.

My favorite bar in Korea, and possibly the world, goes by the name of ONDA and it is located in Nowon in the northeast part of Seoul. There are also ONDA bars in Suyu and Konkuk University, but the best in my opinion is the original in Nowon. It is a feel good place. For ten bucks you can drink unlimited tap beer all night. This bar also sells makgeolli, custom sojus, and all the other spirits that you could desire. The food served at Onda is also quite delicious. Another reason that I really like Onda is that I have become good friends with owner. The dude can speak English well and he has helped me whenever I have needed anything in Korea. He is extremely generous and fun to talk to and hang out with. If you are ever in the area or are feeling adventurous go visit Onda. At Nowon station, go out exit 9, take your first right and walk straight until you see it.

Here is a video for ONDA: