Wangsimni Izakaya, Gon’s is a hidden gem near Wangsimni Station, perfect for those looking for a private and affordable dining experience. If you’re searching for a cozy izakaya in Wangsimni that offers great quality for the price, look no further. Just a 5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Wangsimni Station, Gon’s provides easy access for a casual drink and meal, making it an ideal spot for meeting friends or having a quiet date night in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a cozy, high-quality izakaya near Wangsimni Station that offers great value for money, then you’re in the right place!
Let me introduce you to Gon’s, a quiet and intimate izakaya that’s perfect for regulars. It’s the kind of place where once you’ve been, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Overview, Wangsimni Izakaya, Gon’s
Located just a 5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Wangsimni Station, Gon’s is easily accessible and ideal for a quick drink or a casual meet-up. If you live nearby, it’s the kind of spot you’d want to take your friends when they visit. It’s quiet, full of charm, and makes for a great setting for any occasion.
There’s parking available in the basement of the building, and they even provide parking validation for up to 3 hours, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking if you’re driving.
Gon’s Operating Hours:
- Open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Last order at midnight)
- For Sundays, it’s especially recommended to make a reservation in advance.
We arrived just as the restaurant was opening, hoping to enjoy a relaxing evening with some light snacks and drinks.
Interior Atmosphere of Wangsimni Izakaya, Gon’s
When we walked in, they were just finishing up preparations, which allowed us to snag the best seat by the window. Although the space is small, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a sense of openness. Outside, there’s a view of the central plaza of a mixed-use complex, where you might spot cats playing and see the grass and trees, making it feel cozy before the sun even sets.
The entire interior is sleek black, complemented by chandeliers that add a modern, luxurious feel. Finding a bar with this kind of vibe near Wangsimni Station is rare; most places are bustling and noisy, so discovering Gon’s felt like finding a hidden gem.
If you want a specific seat, it’s best to make a reservation through CatchTable or by phone.
More Info and Make a reservation
The open kitchen adds a sense of trust, and the chandeliers add a touch of sophisticated elegance. While taking pictures of the space, I noticed two photos of Shinsegae Group Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin, along with a handwritten note from him. This sparked my curiosity—what’s the connection? Why did he choose to come here? Is this his regular spot? All these questions made me even more excited to try the food and drinks.
The variety of drinks they offer is evident from the empty bottles used as decor. With Gon’s being known for its highballs, it’s no surprise to see the shelves filled with Jim Beam whiskey bottles.
Menu
Upon receiving the menu, I could tell that Gon’s is a genuine hidden gem. It’s rare these days to see menus printed on paper and kept in a binder—this shows they’re serious about the quality of their food. Some items are crossed out with a pen or covered with correction tape, with sticky notes adding new items. It feels like looking at the chef’s personal study notes.
As expected from an izakaya, they offer a wide variety of snacks and drinks. Given their reputation for highballs, I decided to try:
- Beef Tataki (19,000 KRW)
- Grilled Teriyaki Cod (20,000 KRW)
- Two Suntory Kakubin Highballs (16,000 KRW)
Dining Experience at Wangsimni Izakaya, Gon’s
As we placed our order, we could watch the preparations in the open kitchen.
They served us an appetizer and a pre-meal drink, a light and aromatic aperitif with a hint of orange called Aperol, commonly enjoyed in Northern Venice. It’s similar to a light orange Fanta or Miero Fiber, making it an easy drink for anyone to enjoy.
And then came my favorites: tofu and nachos! For complimentary appetizers, the quality was impressive.
The nachos with salsa were delicious—impossible to resist. The salsa seemed like a store-bought variety with a little something extra, but I couldn’t quite figure out what made it taste richer.
The tofu, my favorite ingredient, came with a nutty sauce that was irresistibly tasty.
Whether it’s the nachos or the tofu, the quality of these dishes at Gon’s far exceeds what you’d expect as free appetizers at other izakayas.
Suntory Kakubin Highball
Known for their highballs, Gon’s lives up to the hype. The glass even lights up, highlighting the highball’s refreshing nature, making it a perfect Instagram moment. This level of presentation makes Gon’s not just an izakaya but also a social media hotspot.
The drink was just the right strength for a light evening, but for those who prefer a stronger drink, Gon’s offers a free shot addition, so keep that in mind.
First Main Dish: Beef Tataki
This isn’t something I usually order, as it can be too sweet, but I was in the mood for beef, so I gave it a try.
The presentation was stunning, like a beautiful piece of oriental art, and the beef was incredibly tender. The dish included a mix of sautéed mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and a salad of young greens. The beef was perfectly seasoned—savory and slightly sweet—and when paired with the tangy vegetables and fresh sprouts, each bite was a delightful combination of flavors.
I didn’t expect much because the prices here are quite reasonable, but Gon’s delivers a premium izakaya experience without the high price.
Next Up: Grilled Teriyaki Cod
This dish features perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy cod with a delicious teriyaki sauce. Normally, I avoid ordering cod unless I’m at a high-end izakaya, as it can often be fishy, too dry, or not well-seasoned. But here, it was just right—moist and flavorful.
The only minor downside was the pickled jellyfish served alongside, which was a bit too sweet for my taste. Otherwise, everything was perfect.
Final Thoughts
Gon’s is a great find if you’re looking for a quiet spot near Wangsimni Station where you can have an intimate conversation and enjoy a relaxed drink.
- If, like me, you’re looking for a quiet izakaya near Wangsimni Station where you can have a good conversation…
- If you want to try high-quality appetizers at a great price…
- Or if you want to enjoy a perfectly made highball,
I highly recommend visiting Gon’s without hesitation.
related post you might enjoy: [Seoul / Wangsimni Restaurant] A Perfect Spot for Grilled Pork Neck and Highballs at Joker Japanese Restaurant in Wangsimni