As K-content continues to gain global popularity—from K-pop and K-dramas to K-food—South Korea is seeing a steady rise in international visitors. In line with this trend, Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam has introduced four new K-Cocktails at The Bar, combining Korea’s cultural essence with a creative dining experience. These signature cocktails are designed as a must-try for international guests visiting Korea during the K-culture wave, available exclusively at Grand Mercure Imperial Palace.
The new lineup features:
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Bokkenhyang: Highlighting the nutty notes of roasted sesame and traditional Korean heritage.
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O-reum: Inspired by Korea’s vibrant hiking culture.
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Cheese Popcorn: A cozy and playful pairing of creamy flavors with buttery popcorn.
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Poison Apple: A modern reinterpretation of the iconic fairy tale motif.
Each cocktail blends unique Korean ingredients with storytelling, offering more than just a drink—an immersive cultural experience.
Bokkenhyang
This cocktail showcases the heritage of K-culture through traditional hanok-style door panels and a mother-of-pearl coaster. Premium Neurin Maeul Hanbeon Deo makgeolli and Andong Jinmaek Soju create a deep, nutty profile, enriched with roasted barley tea and roasted Solomon’s seal tea for layered flavors. The garnish—a rice cake with sweet red bean—can be dipped into the sprinkled sesame seeds on top, completing the sensory experience. Inspired by the modern reinterpretation of traditional motifs seen in contemporary K-culture, this cocktail goes beyond taste to deliver an authentic cultural moment.
O-reum
Drawing inspiration from Korea’s mountain hiking culture, O-reum is crafted with Sojudaum 50 Rose Gold from Paju’s Miumnet Distillery. It blends refreshing sports drink notes with banana and peach, balanced with a hint of sea salt. Served in a traditional bangjja yugi brass cup, it symbolizes Korean identity and craftsmanship. Garnished with rice crackers and seaweed to represent gimbap, it evokes the shared spirit of hiking companions. This award-winning cocktail earned bartender Jungjun Byun a silver medal in the Creative Cocktail category at the 18th Korean Cup Cocktail Competition, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on June 27 at COEX.
Cheese Popcorn
Pairing a creamy cocktail with the rich flavor of blue cheese and buttery popcorn, Popcorn evokes comfort and warmth. Served in a popcorn-style pouch with a playful smoky effect, it offers both a cozy solo treat and a unique date-night option reminiscent of a Netflix evening at home.
Poison Apple
Inspired by the fairy tale Snow White, this cocktail captures the duality of beauty and danger through flavor and presentation. A clear cocktail is served alongside a small green vial of “poison,” which guests pour in themselves to complete the drink. While visually striking, its taste is unexpectedly refreshing—combining crisp green apple with soft sweetness. This interactive experience invites guests to relive a classic story while enjoying a modern twist.
A spokesperson from Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam stated:
“Our K-Cocktails were designed as a creative bridge between Korea’s tradition and modernity, offering international guests a new way to discover Korean culture. We will continue to introduce unique programs and services that allow travelers to deeply experience the Korean lifestyle in step with the growing global wave of K-content.”
📍 Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam
🌐 grandmercureimperialpalace.com
📷 @grandmercure_imperialpalace
📞 02-3440-8000
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