Icebar Sub-Zero

Beat the heat and try something unique at the Icebar Sub-Zero in Seoul , a popular summer destination not just in Korea but also around the world.

An ice bar is literally a "bar," or drinking establishment, only that it is primarily made of ice. Often considered a tourist attraction, this type of bar can be seen in colder regions and captivating cities such as Dubai , London , Copenhagen , Amsterdam and Seoul .

The first icebar in Korea , Sub-Zero is a giant freezer like no other. Nestled in the midst of Hongdae (near Hongik University ), everything inside Sub-Zero is made of ice: the walls, tables, sculptures and even your own cocktail glass. Definitely the best place to "chill out" and "be cool," Sub-Zero is open all year round. The place may be relatively small, but it would be more difficult in keeping the temperature down if there are more people. Its maximum capacity is 40 people.

Definitely a giant commercial freezer, the entire bar is maintained at a constant temperature of °C (23°F). Furthermore, every ice in the bar is made of pure and clear water. Upon entering the bar, one will notice that the entrance looks like a real industrial fridge, with a small window and a fur hung on it. The visitor will then step beyond the plastic curtains after the latch and door were opened to give way to the freezing temperature of the bar. But before that, a parka, gloves and boots will be provided.

Inside, there's a throne of ice with a fish sculpture behind it. Blocks of ice line the walls with red and blue lights that give the place a glacial feel. Pulling up a seat at the bar also adds to this fully authentic experience because even the stools itself are made from slabs of ice. But these stools (as well as the ice benches) have furry rugs thrown on top of them to lessen the coldness. Even your own cocktail glass has been made by drilling a hole in a big-sized ice cube. Aside from the ice paintings, there are also pictures of famous guests on the walls.

Sub-Zero personifies itself every year with the bar's different ice sculptures and themes. Furthermore, there is also an annual competition known as the "Iceman" wherein the contestants have to stay as long as possible inside the bar. Recently, the contest's name has been changed to "Ice person" because of the increasing number of female participants. Because of the popularity of the competition, most contestants come from as far as the United States of America , Canada , Ireland , Mexico and Japan . As to date, the unbeatable record goes to Clark Liedberg, JD Armes and Andrew Neumann (all Americans) with a remarkable 13 hours and 30 minutes. Their pictures, together with the other contestants that stayed at least 4 hours, are also displayed at the Icebar.

Icebar Sub-Zero opens at 1:00 PM and stays open until 2:00 AM every day. Entrance fee is 15,000 won including a coat, gloves and boots for rent to keep you warm, as well as one vodka cocktail in your personal ice glass. Refill is 10,000 won. Drinks and side dishes are in line with the same freezing Arctic theme. For cocktails, there are the Tundra Fox, Siberian Moonlight, Cruel Summer and Far East Aurora. Their specialty is the Absolut Vodka, but Sub-Zero also offers different kinds of beers and wines. Warmer drinks are also available like coffee and tea. Food, on the other hand, is also served on ice such as the bestsellers - Eskimo Smoked Salmon and Salami Sausage in Snow.