Seoul for Cigars?

[Bill Hayes]

I'm heading to Seoul, Korea for a mate's traditional wedding in late September and I am the best man - otherwise known as 'the goose handler'. Staying in Gangnam area. Just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions for cigar smoking in Seoul. Not for the wedding so much because my mate wont touch cigars but just around town? Cheers.

[gigabyte056]

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=105972&hl=seoul

here you go

[ArtemusGordon]

I just got back from there!

Burn cigar lounge was pretty cool and I also went to the LCDH ikura I think it was!

Also both hotels i stayed at had humidor with some goodies!

[nem]

(1) Maska's - Cigar shop at the J.W. Marriott in Gangnam owned by a very nice gentlemen named Vince who knows his stuff. Good cigar and pipe selection, but prices aren't exactly cheap due to local taxes, but definitely better than the other venues in town. There's a small smoking area with a selection of books on cigars, including the MRN encyclopedia. If you're in Gangnam and need cigars, this is the place to go. If you run into Vince, tell him Alex sends his regards.

(2) Havana Cigar Divan - This is or was a cigar shop and lounge owned by Pierre, the local authorized distributor, and located at the Grand Intercontinental Parnas in Gangnam. Last I heard the place shut down due to hotel renovations, not sure if they are back or gone for good so give the hotel a ring to confirm before heading over.

(3) Burn - Cigar lounge by the main US military installation in Yongsan, and is open late on the weekends (think ~4 am). The owner Hal is a fun character often found with a fedora, and will go out of his way to make his customers feel welcomed. If you see him, tell him Alex sent you. Good selection of whiskies and friendly staff, but the cigar selection can be hit or miss.

(4) The Paris Bar - This is the lounge at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan, and probably my favorite place to smoke in Seoul. The drinks are not cheap, but the whiskey selection is impressive, the service is impeccable and the venue itself beautifully adorned. It's a place where time seems to slow down. They maintain a small and expensive selection of cigars stored in a desktop humidor, so you're probably better off bringing your own. I'm a little concerned that this place has fallen victim to Korea's evolving indoor smoking ban since January 1st, 2014, but they do have an outdoor patio, so you'll most likely be fine.

[milo]

For smoking, Burn is great. They have live jazz many nights of the week. Cigar selection is mediocre at best, so bring your own; but, do buy at least one of theirs for good form. For buying in quantity, stick to our hosts...

[milo]

There is also a small Divan across from the casino in Gangnam that is housed in a bakery...a great bakery with plenty of outdoor seating. Also a nice place to smoke during the afternoon, especially for people watching.

[Bill Hayes]

Thanks guys. I think I'll probably bring a few of my own cigars and hopefully find time to enjoy a few in between bouncing from one bar/restaurant to another. Cheers.

[Lotusguy]

I enjoyed several sticks I brought of my own and enjoyed the local scenery at the Woo Bar in the W hotel when I was there in May...