If you're a Seoul beer enthusiast searching for good vibes, stunning alleyway views, and relaxed evenings, Queensguard on Seosun-La-gil, Jongno is a must-visit. It's one of the city’s trendiest craft beer bars, famed on social media—and I finally made it, braving the notorious wait. Here’s my honest account of the beer, ambiance, pizza pairing, and the one flaw: the waiting process.
📍 Location & Essentials
- Name: Queensguard
- Address: 115 Seosun-La-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (1–2F) (Google map link)
- Hours: 2 PM – 11 PM, daily
- Features:
- Pet-friendly
- External food delivery & carry-ins allowed
- On-site restroom (unisex)
🚗 Best Way to Get There
Seosun-La-gil is a narrow alleyway with no dedicated parking. Public transport is strongly recommended over costly private parking nearby.
🏠 Atmosphere & Layout
The bar’s unassuming exterior gives way to a striking interior with seating options on two floors and an outdoor terrace. Its signature scenic backdrop is the iconic Seosun-La stone wall visible from the terrace, delivering a unique visual experience that blends historical charm with craft beer culture.
🍺 Beer-Only Menu (No Kitchen!)
Queensguard serves only house-brewed craft beers. No food is made in-house, but outside delivery is encouraged, and staff handle cleanup responsibly to keep the atmosphere clean and pleasant.
🧾 What I Drank & Thought
Round 1:
- Vanilla Stout – Rich, creamy, and smooth. A heavy, low-carbonation stout better suited to cool evenings than hot summers.
- Seosun-La Lager – Light, crisp, and pleasantly carbonated; a crowd-pleaser.
Round 2:
- British Golden Ale – Subtle hop aromas, light body, perfect for an outdoor autumn or spring sip.
- Stella Artois (Large) – Classic, clean, and worry-free crowd favorite.
🍕 Pizza Pairing
We ordered delivery from “No More Pizza” to share. The cheesy, chewy crust didn’t break the bank but paired perfectly with the beers and casual atmosphere.
⚠️ Wait Time Reality Check
Queensguard’s greatest detractor is its disorganized line system. Before opening, guests line up and press a kiosk button to secure a spot, but order often gets disrupted the moment the kiosk activates. Even after a 1-hour wait and feeling frustrated, the excellent beer and ambiance made it worth sticking around—but a fairer system is overdue.
⭐ Final Verdict
- Beer Quality: ★★★★☆
- View & Ambiance: ★★★★★
- Operational Ease: ★★☆☆☆
If you can tolerate the imperfect wait, Queensguard offers great beer, an intimate city-vibe terrace, and a unique “urban alley with an open-sky bar” experience. Especially on crisp autumn or spring evenings, it’s the kind of place that washes away the day’s stress.
