Gin Tonic Gin

Gin and Tonic in Korea – Tradition Meets Modern Mixology

South Korea is internationally known for soju, makgeolli (rice wine), and beer, yet in the past two decades, it has also become one of Asia’s fastest-growing hubs for cocktail culture. Among the wide variety of mixed drinks now found in Seoul and Busan’s bars, gin and tonic has risen to become a symbol of cosmopolitan sophistication.

Once seen only in luxury hotels or expat lounges, gin & tonic is now a staple in trendy bars, speakeasies, and rooftop lounges across the country. Driven by a mix of global cocktail trends, urban nightlife, and Korea’s openness to fusion flavors, gin in Korea has developed a character all its own.

A Short History of Gin in Korea

Gin arrived in Korea mainly through Western imports in the mid-20th century, particularly in hotels catering to American and European visitors after the Korean War. For decades, gin was overshadowed by soju and whisky, which dominated both everyday drinking and the premium spirits market.

The real shift came in the 2010s, when Korea’s booming craft beer and artisanal spirits movement inspired bartenders to experiment with gin-based cocktails. Around the same time, Korean entrepreneurs began to establish local gin distilleries, blending traditional juniper-forward recipes with uniquely Korean botanicals such as perilla leaves, green tea, jujube, ginger, and pine needles.

Famous Korean Gin Brands

1. Buja Gin – The Pioneer of Korean Craft Gin

Distillery: Buja Distillery, founded in Seoul

Botanicals: Juniper, tangerine peel, ginger, perilla leaf, and jujube.
Style: Herbal and citrusy, with a distinctly Korean character.
Reputation: One of Korea’s first and most famous craft gins, showcased in Seoul’s high-end cocktail bars.

2. Tokki Gin – From a Soju House to Gin Innovation

Distillery: Tokki Spirits (originally famous for craft soju)

Botanicals: Juniper, ginseng, Korean herbs, and citrus.
Style: Earthy, smooth, with subtle spice from ginseng.
Reputation: Popular with both locals and expats; a creative brand that links soju-making traditions with gin.

3. The Korean Gin Project (Experimental Labels)

Several micro-distilleries have launched limited-edition gins infused with:

Pine needles from Korean mountains
Chrysanthemum flowers
Sesame seeds
Local teas (green tea, barley tea, or fermented tea)

These boutique gins remain niche but showcase Korea’s culinary creativity applied to distilling.

Imported Gin in Korea

Despite local craft growth, imports still dominate the Korean gin market. Widely available brands include:

Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Standard London Dry gins, found in supermarkets and bars.
Bombay Sapphire – A premium staple in hotels and cocktail lounges.
Hendrick’s – Popular for luxury gin & tonics with cucumber and rose garnishes.
Monkey 47 (Germany) – A favorite in high-end gin bars.
Japanese Gins (Roku, Ki No Bi) – Increasingly trendy due to cultural and geographic proximity.

Tonics in Korea

1. Schweppes Tonic Water

The most common and widely available mixer in stores and bars.

2. Fever-Tree (Imported Premium)

Available in cocktail bars and upscale restaurants, pairing especially well with craft gins.

3. Local Korean Tonics (Emerging)

A few Korean beverage companies are experimenting with craft tonics infused with yuzu, ginger, or green tea, aligning with the country’s unique flavor profile.

Korean Gin & Tonic Culture Today

Seoul Nightlife: The capital city has gin-focused bars such as Alice Cheongdam and Bar Cham, where gin & tonics are served with theatrical garnishes and premium tonics.
Busan & Jeju: Tourist hubs on the coast and islands serve gin cocktails with tropical and citrus garnishes, often using local produce like hallabong (Jeju tangerine).
Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic traditions — large balloon glasses, bold garnishes, and premium mixers.
Garnishes: Cucumber, yuzu peel, perilla leaves, green tea leaves, or chrysanthemum flowers.
Cultural Identity: Korea’s gin culture reflects fusion thinking — blending global traditions with distinctly Korean botanicals and aesthetics.

Conclusion

Gin & tonic has firmly established itself in South Korea as a modern, stylish drink that resonates with both locals and international visitors. With pioneering domestic brands like Buja Gin and Tokki Gin, and strong imports like Hendrick’s, Bombay Sapphire, and Roku, Korea’s gin culture balances tradition and innovation.

Paired with Fever-Tree or Schweppes, and garnished with yuzu, perilla, or chrysanthemum, a Korean gin & tonic is refreshing, sophisticated, and unmistakably local.

For gin lovers, sipping a G&T in Korea is more than a cocktail — it’s a reflection of the country’s ability to blend heritage, creativity, and global culture into one elegant glass.