Landed in Ilsan and want one relaxed drink on your own — but not sure where to go? This guide is for you. Around La Festa and Jeongbalsan Station, we cover how to get there, what a Korean solo-drinking bar actually feels like, what to order, and a few practical tips for foreign visitors.
Why start near La Festa or Jeongbalsan?
If you want one easy area for a drink in Ilsan, make it La Festa. The reasons are simple.
- Easy to reach — about a 10-minute walk from Jeongbalsan Station Exit 2, along a wide central street that stays bright and busy at night.
- Everything is close together — restaurants, cafes, and bars sit side by side, so it is easy to eat first and drift over for a nightcap.
- Parking and transit both work — the La Festa buildings have parking, and the subway back to central Goyang or Seoul is a short walk away.
In short, it is a spot that is easy to get to and easy to wander — which makes it a low-pressure place to try drinking solo.
What is a Korean solo bar (honsul bar) like?
Short answer: far more welcoming than you might expect. A honsul bar — literally a "solo-drinking bar" — is built for people who come alone, so you are not the odd one out. Here is how it differs from a regular pub.
- The owner or staff seat you, ask what you like, and pour something to match. You are never stuck decoding a menu by yourself.
- Many places have a U-shaped shared table, so guests sit near each other and conversation starts naturally — only if you want it to.
- Some add small ice-breakers — balance-game cards, a toy "lie detector," a scribble wall — that make it easy to warm up to strangers.
- And on a quiet night, no one bats an eye if you just sit in a corner, sip, and listen to the music.
✦ One quick tip
If it is your first solo bar, arrive early (8–9 PM). It is calmer before the crowd comes in, so it is the best time to chat with the owner and settle into your seat.
What should I order at a Korean bar?
There is no wrong answer, but this approach rarely misses.
- New to drinks? Just say, "Something sweet and easy, please." Letting the owner recommend is the whole point of a honsul bar.
- Want to start light? A low-proof cocktail or a highball. Something fresh like a margarita or tequila sunrise.
- Curious about whisky? Try a single glass on the rocks. It is smoother than most first-timers expect.
- Feeling bold? Ask about the house signature — just pace yourself. 🚨
AZIT Honsul Bar
La Festa Building F · opened June 2026
- Where
- La Festa Bldg F, Unit 121, Ilsan (next to the central stage · 675m from Jeongbalsan Stn)
- Hours
- Daily 8 PM – 3 AM (Fri & Sat until 4 AM)
- Budget
- Avg. 20,000–30,000 won / person · 14 drinks: cocktails, highballs, whisky, beer, non-alcoholic
- Good to know
- Owner-made cocktails + DJ sets · U-shaped shared table · cards OK · outside food allowed · parking
Tips for foreign visitors
A few things that make the night smoother if you are visiting Korea for the first time.
- Cards work everywhere. Credit and debit cards are standard, so you rarely need cash. A translation app on your phone helps with any menu questions.
- Bars run late. Many places near La Festa stay open past midnight, so a late arrival is no problem. AZIT, for example, runs to 3 AM (4 AM on weekends).
- Solo is normal. Walking in alone is completely ordinary here — no reservation needed on a quiet weeknight.
- Getting back. Jeongbalsan Station is walkable, and taxis or ride apps are easy to catch on the main road once you are done.
How do I find the right bar for me?
These four checks travel well to any neighborhood.
- Counter or single seats — a layout where sitting alone feels natural.
- A range of drinks — cocktails, highballs, and whisky so you can match your mood.
- Fair prices — around 20,000–30,000 won per person is right for a solo night; whisky by the glass is a bonus.
- The owner and the room — reviews that repeat words like "friendly" or "great alone" are a safe bet. AZIT's early reviews mention wide drink choice, good music, and a room that suits drinking solo.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a good bar near La Festa or Jeongbalsan Station?
The La Festa complex in Ilsan-dong-gu, Goyang is the easiest area to start. It is about a 10-minute walk from Jeongbalsan Station Exit 2, and the streets stay bright and busy at night. AZIT Honsul Bar sits in La Festa Building F, right next to the central stage, and is set up so that coming alone feels natural.
Is it awkward to go to a Korean bar alone?
Not at all. A honsul bar (solo-drinking bar) is designed for people who come by themselves. The owner or staff usually seat you, ask your taste, and recommend a drink, so you are never left staring at a menu. Some places also have U-shaped shared tables and small ice-breaker games that make it easy to chat with others if you want to.
How much does a night at an Ilsan bar cost?
For a solo-drinking bar, budget around 20,000 to 30,000 won per person. That typically covers a cocktail or highball or two with a light snack. Whisky can often be ordered by the glass, so you can keep the total low or go bigger as you like.
Is it easy for foreign visitors — do bars take cards and stay open late?
Yes. Card payment is standard almost everywhere in Korea, and many bars near La Festa stay open past midnight. AZIT Honsul Bar is open daily from 8 PM to 3 AM, and until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, so it fits a late arrival or a slow night out.
Do I need a reservation?
Solo drinkers usually just walk in, but a reservation is a good idea on weekend evenings or if you are bringing friends. AZIT Honsul Bar takes reservations by phone (0507-1404-3126) or by Instagram DM (@azit.bar_ilsan).