One thing you gotta love about South Korea is that they got a proper dive bar culture, which even includes quite literally walking distance from the airport. And this is where I found The Cinder Bar a proper local boozer.
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What the Cinder Bar
Cinder Bar was opened about ten years ago by a Korean and expat duo who wanted somewhere simple and unpretentious for locals and travellers. The interior is basic wood and brick, posters on the walls, a few string lights, and a couple of dartboards.
The owners are usually behind the bar, chatting with whoever walks in, pouring drinks themselves, and keeping the vibe relaxed and proper local. It’s one of the few spots near Incheon Airport where people actually hang out instead of rushing back to their terminals.
Click to read about Soju.
The Cinder Bar Menu
Here’s what they actually offer, prices in Korean won (KRW) and approximate US dollars (USD):
Beers on Tap & Bottles
• Juicinder IPA — ₩10,000 (~$8)
• Cass lager — ₩8,000 (~$6)
• Hite lager — ₩8,000 (~$6)
• Assorted bottled beers — ₩8,000–₩10,000 (~$6–$8)
Cocktails
• Moscow Mule — ₩15,000 (~$12)
• Gin & Tonic — ₩15,000 (~$12)
• Margarita — ₩15,000 (~$12)
• House mixed specials — ₩12,000–₩18,000 (~$9–$14)
Shots
• Skittle shot — ₩5,000 (~$4)
• Toffee shot — ₩5,000 (~$4)
Food
• Fries with dip — ₩8,000 (~$6)
• Fried chicken wings — ₩15,000–₩20,000 (~$12–$15)
• Kimchi pancakes — ₩12,000–₩16,000 (~$9–$12)
• Spicy squid rings — ₩12,000–₩16,000 (~$9–$12)
• Cheeseburger & fries — ₩18,000–₩22,000 (~$14–$17)
The Cinder Bar Vibe
Cinder Bar is a small place, simile in size to my old DMZ Bar, which ironically was North Korean themed. This means it could take maybe a maximum of 50 people. On this night though there were never more than about 5, which made it feel like a proper local.
They’ve a whole heap of stuff on tap, with my trying an Jvcehon lager, before a Moscow Mule and a skittle shot and some chips. This led the bartender to buy me a toffee shot and for me to lear. Ne was Khmer (I live in Cambodia). To be fair I should have guessed as he was pretty friendly.
All this just gave it the feel of a proper boozer rather than a faceless corporate bar and honestly it really made my night.,
Where the Cinder Bar Incheon
Quite literally WALKING distance from the airport, and yes I mean walking distance. Even easier though if you take the free shuttle bus that takes 3 minutes! There’s chemo hotels here, so it really is a perfect place to transit.
Address:
50 Gonghang‑ro 424beon‑gil Space #138
World Gate Building
Jung‑gu
Incheon 22382
South Korea
Click to see my South Korea Tours with YPT.