Former Seoul Zest GM Opens a Bar in Hong Kong: Yeon-Sool Hides Two Atmospheres in One Place
Who knew the bar snacks would be this tempting
Summary
- Yeon-Sool is set to open in Hong Kong's Central district in November 2026, led by Danny Park, former general manager of Seoul's Zest.
- The bar features two entrances: an 18-seat communal counter on Peel Street and an intimate space serving signature cocktails on Graham Street.
- The drinks menu centers on Korean soju, yakju, and makgeolli, infused with elements inspired by Wong Kar-wai films and Korean sauces.
- A lineup of bar bites is available, including a white kimchi grilled cheese sandwich and Korean braised short rib dumplings.
Stretching between Peel Street and Graham Street in Central, the interesting thing about the new bar Yeon-Sool is how it fits two entirely different atmospheres under one roof. Helmed by Danny Park, former general manager of the popular Seoul bar Zest, the space offers not just thoughtful cocktails made with traditional Korean spirits, but drinking food good enough to make you want to stay a little longer.
Graham Street or Peel Street? Choose your entrance based on your mood
Step through the entrance at 53A Graham Street and you’ll find an industrial-style cocktail space. With exposed brick walls and concrete, the room has five bar seats and 23 lounge seats. A soundtrack of ’90s hip-hop and K-pop plays in the background, making it the right spot if you want to quietly enjoy a drink and watch the bartenders at work.
Go in through 48-52A Peel Street instead, and the scene changes entirely. A communal table for 18 extends out toward the street, creating a lively, relaxed energy that is perfect for grabbing a few highballs with friends after work.
Traditional Korean spirits and a nod to Chungking Express
The drink menu centers on Korean soju, yakju, and makgeolli. On the Graham Street side, you’ll find a cocktail named California Dream, inspired directly by director Wong Kar-wai’s film Chungking Express. Mixing gin with lavender, Shine Muscat grapes, and tonic water, it tastes fresh with a hint of city neon. Another highlight, the 3 Jang Old Fashioned, boldly incorporates torched gochujang butter and doenjang syrup, turning the classic cocktail into a rich, savory drink.
Over on the Peel Street side, the focus is on highballs. The Somaek IPA features buckwheat soju and a tropical IPA elixir. If you prefer something light and refreshing, the In-Yeon Cider mixes clarified Korean pear juice with popping candy for a fun, playful texture.
You planned on just drinking, but the white kimchi grilled cheese draws you in
In Korean bar culture, anju—drinking snacks—are essential. Yeon-Sool serves street-style corn dogs with a gochujang tomato ketchup, while the Korean fried chicken is served with shrimp crackers and a blue cheese doenjang dip.
The real standout, though, is the white kimchi grilled cheese sandwich. Crispy toasted sourdough is stuffed with white kimchi, mozzarella, and Swiss Emmental cheese, and served with spicy gochujang for dipping—a direct replacement for the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup pairing. For dessert, there is the Hongdae Sundae, finishing things off with makgeolli cream and white chocolate pearls.
Yeon-Sool
Address: 53A Graham Street and 48-52A Peel Street, Ka Lee Building, Central, Hong Kong
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