Gangnam Traditional Korean Bar Ari Valley is a cozy and stylish place where you can enjoy delicious Korean comfort food and drinks just 5 minutes from Gangnam Station. If you want to experience traditional Korean flavors in Seoul with a modern vibe, this is the perfect spot to visit with friends!
Korean Chicken Hot Pot β Similar to Samgyetang ππ₯
This dish was the highlight! Tender chicken thigh + chicken breast with a flavorful broth.
Dip the thigh meat in the special sauce, and cook the breast like shabu-shabu!
Inside the pot, there are ingredients like ginseng (μΌ, sam), which Koreans believe is a healthy, energy-boosting herbal ingredient often used in samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup). Perfect for warming up and recharging after a long day π€
Korean Ginseng in the Hot Pot π±β¨
Inside the broth, I found Korean ginseng β called βSam (μΌ)β in Korean.
Ginseng is often used in Korean traditional cuisine, especially in Samgyetang, because many Koreans believe it helps with energy, stamina, and overall wellness.
It adds a light herbal flavor to the soup, making it feel extra nourishing.
Even if youβre new to Korean food, itβs fun to try because itβs such a unique experience β like eating traditional Korean medicine but delicious π
I wasnβt sure if this was exactly ginseng or another type of medicinal root,
but it tasted healthyβ¦ so I will believe itβs good for my body ππͺ
This part really made me feel like I was eating a Korean health-boosting meal, not just bar food!
Rice Crust & Raw Fish Liver β A Very Korean Combo π½οΈπ³
One of the most unique dishes here is called βNurungji Agu-Liver Yukhoe (λλ£½μ§ μκ·κ° μ‘ν)β.
πΈ Nurungji (λλ£½μ§) = crispy rice crust π
Itβs the crunchy part of rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot when cooking.
In Korea, we often enjoy it as a snack or soup β very traditional, very comforting!
πΈ Agu gan (μκ·κ°) = monkfish liver π
It has a rich and creamy texture β but also a strong taste, so itβs super adventurous!
The fun part π
They give you a wooden mallet π¨ so you can crush the rice crust yourself! Then mix it together with the raw fish liver like Korean-style tapas π½οΈ
Honestly? I think this dish is definitely for bold food lovers π
If you want something more classic or beginner-friendly, I would recommend potato pancake or Korean beef jeon instead π
Still, it was such a fun experience and super Korean β you wonβt easily find this outside Korea π°π·β¨
Korean Dessert β Sweet but Not Too Sweet π π¨
We finished with Sweet Potato + Yakgwa Ice Cream π β¨
Not too sugary, clean finish, and refreshing after hot pot! Perfect if you donβt like overly sweet desserts.
π What is Yakgwa?
A honey-based Korean traditional cookie π― Chewy + lightly sweet + very satisfying!
Omija Highball β My Top Recommendation πΉπ
We ordered a bottle of Omija Highball (β©19,000) β and wow!!
You can make 2 glasses for 3 people β the best price ever.
The flavor is refreshing, slightly sweet, fruit-tea-like, and super easy to drink. If you are not a strong drinker like me, this one is perfect π
π What is Omija?
Omija = βFive Flavor Berryβ πΈ
A traditional Korean ingredient used for tea and liquor β sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors in one sip!
Itβs also a great Gangnam Traditional Korean Bar option for anyone who prefers drinks that are not too strong.
Location Tips & Nearby CafΓ© Recommendation βοΈ
Ari Valley is only 3 minutes away from Triode, one of my favorite modern dessert cafΓ©s in Gangnam:
β‘οΈ Related Post: Gangnam Dessert Cafe Triode
So you can enjoy:
Dinner at Ari Valley β Dessert at Triode π€The perfect Gangnam food tour route!
π₯ Final Thoughts
Gangnam Traditional Korean Bar Ari Valley is a great place to enjoy traditional Korean dishes in a warm and modern atmosphere. If you want to try something new β like ginseng chicken soup, rice crust, or Korean infused liquor β this spot will definitely give you a unique cultural dining experience in Gangnam. Prices are fair, portions are good for sharing, and the mood is perfect for casual night-out with friends β¨
If you are visiting Gangnam and looking for authentic Korean flavors with a twist, I highly recommend checking this place out!
For anyone searching for a Gangnam Traditional Korean Bar that feels both authentic and easy to enjoy, Ari Valley is a perfect choice in the center of Seoul.
π Ari Valley Gangnam β 28-14, Teheran-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
π Official Website: https://arivalley.com/
