Beyond Soju: A Hidden Wine Dining Gem in Myeongdong
I have previously introduced you to the concept of “Imokase”—a fun Korean compound word combining “Imo” (meaning aunt) and “Omakase”. It’s a unique dining style where a friendly older female chef (the “aunt”) serves up a continuous stream of her best daily dishes without a set menu.
But as much as I love pairing those hearty dishes with Soju or Somaek (Soju + beer), I don’t drink only those every day! Haha. Today, I want to introduce you to a fantastic wine bar located in Myeongdong.
I first discovered this spot when meeting up with friends on a day we specifically craved wine. It is actually run by a wine distribution company, meaning they offer an amazing selection of bottles at incredibly reasonable prices! I have been a regular here ever since.
Since it is located in the basement of a hotel where many international travelers stay, and is right near the Chinese Embassy, I thought it would be the perfect recommendation for tourists exploring Myeongdong.
Are you ready to experience a unique wine dining paired with Korean flavors? Follow me!
This is “Mowa”, the perfect Myeongdong wine bar to visit after enjoying a day of shopping and sightseeing in the heart of the city!
The Art of Korean Wine Pairing: Full Bellies and Great Bottles
Even if you are traveling in Korea, you might suddenly find yourself craving a good glass of wine! And you might also wonder: “What is it like to pair wine with authentic Korean flavors?”
When I drink wine, I often enjoy it with light cheese or charcuterie. However, if I’m having wine instead of a regular dinner, I much prefer having it with hearty dishes that can double as a real meal!
There is a strong cultural belief in Korea that your stomach must be full and satisfied before you start drinking to keep yourself healthy. Haha. This is exactly why I frequently visit wine bars that serve proper Korean-inspired dining, and why I also love bringing a bottle of wine to Korean beef (Hanwoo) barbecue restaurants!
Pairing a bold red wine with rich Korean beef or a crisp white with savory Korean dishes is a culinary adventure you definitely shouldn’t miss.
A Hidden Gem Loved by Locals: Mowa’s Unique System
Although Mowa is located right in front of the Chinese Embassy in the middle of bustling Myeongdong, it is still a hidden gem that many international tourists don’t know about yet. Since there aren’t many online reviews in English or other languages, it remains a quiet favorite primarily for local Koreans and travelers staying at the hotel right above it.
Because it is operated directly by a large wine distribution company, you can find a massive and diverse selection of bottles here, ranging from very affordable daily wines to rare premium labels. The best part? The prices are significantly more reasonable than what you would pay at typical restaurants or other wine bars in the city! I personally love picking up bottles here on a regular basis for this exact reason. Plus, hunting for great promotional deals on selected bottles is another fun experience you shouldn’t miss.
The system here is quite interactive and fun:
First browse through their massive selection and pick your bottle. And you can actually select your preferred wine glass from a variety of shapes and designs (Please note: there is a small additional glass charge!) Once you have your bottle and glass, sit down and relax!
The space is incredibly spacious, clean, and modern. It is designed with enough room between tables, making it the perfect spot for deep conversations with a group of friends without feeling crowded.
The Magic of “Anju”: Wine Meets Budae-jjigae
In Korea, there is a very important word in our drinking culture: “Anju”. It refers to the food specifically ordered to be eaten alongside alcohol.
Honestly, it’s a running joke among Koreans whether we drink alcohol to enjoy the Anju, or eat Anju to enjoy the alcohol! That’s how seriously we take our food-and-drink pairings. Haha.
At Mowa, you can experience an elevated version of this culture by pairing fine wine with authentic Korean flavors. They are constantly developing and updating their menu. In fact, every time I visit, I feel like I spot a brand-new dish!
Take a look at this! Budae–jjigae (Army Stew)—a hearty, comforting stew usually eaten as a casual daily meal in Korea—has been reinterpreted here as a gourmet wine dish. Can you believe we are boiling this rich stew right at our table on a portable gas stove while sipping elegant wine?
The contrast of a classic Western wine and a bubbling, savory Korean stew on a portable stove is so uniquely Seoul. It is an experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Elevated Korean Comfort Food at Mowa
When you think of Myeongdong, popular spots like Dak–galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), Dak–hanmari (whole chicken soup), or street food stalls probably come to mind first. But who says you only have to eat those?
At Mowa, you can taste traditional Korean ingredients plated in a incredibly modern and sophisticated way. Here are some of my absolute favorites that you must try:
Korean Beef Tartare (Yukhoe) & Pork Jowl Suyuk
The raw beef is seasoned to perfection, and the boiled pork jowl is unbelievably tender, both served with a gorgeous, high-end presentation.
Yukhoe Mugeunji Maki & Perilla Oil Makguksu (Deulgireum Makguksu)
Savory beef tartare rolled up with aged, washed kimchi. It is a brilliant fusion of textures and flavors! And cold buckwheat noodles tossed in rich, nutty perilla oil. It is wonderfully fragrant and clean.
None of these are just “ordinary” dishes. Eating these elevated Korean comfort foods alongside a nice glass of wine in such a chic atmosphere is a pure joy. I highly recommend stepping outside the usual tourist menu and treating yourself to this special dining experience!
Take a Bottle Back to Your Hotel!
My friends and I often buy an extra bottle of wine on our way out to enjoy at home because the prices are just too good to pass up!
If you are staying in Seoul and want to keep the night going in your hotel room, or if you want to buy a nice bottle as a souvenir, definitely take advantage of their incredible retail prices before you leave.
And just like that, another beautiful night in Myeongdong comes to an end. I’m so curious—how are you spending your nights during your travels?
As many of you probably know, Seoul is famous for being incredibly safe, even if you are walking around way past midnight or in the early hours of the morning. Myeongdong, in particular… well, even if you go there at dawn, it still feels as bright and lively as broad daylight! Haha.
How are you enjoying the vibrant nightlife here in Myeongdong? Let me know in the comments!
Well then, see you again soon!
From Seoul, MJay
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