Now coming from the UK the idea of a tent bar, sounds cold and not that enjoyable unless it's by the coast or for a special event, as the British weather is well known for being wet, windy, and grey. However in Korea, tent bars (pojangmacha 포장마차) are on another level, and therefore popular with locals and tourists alike! We've also seen numerous K-drama scenes where the female lead spills her feelings for the guy she's in love with over a bottle of soju! In this article, Dojeon team member, Lewis, will focus on the history of tent bars, but also why he enjoys them each weekend. Let's find out why!
If I mentioned "tent bar" to a Korean they would most likely have no idea what I was talking about, the term Pojangmacha (Korean: 포장마차; also abbreviated as pocha 포차) is a street stall or small tent in South Korea, which is known for selling popular street foods such as hotteok, gimbap, tteokbokki, sundae (blood sausage), dak-kkochi (Korean skewered chicken), fish cake, mandu (dumplings), and anju (foods accompanying drinks). Many of these establishments serve alcoholic beverages such as soju and beer.
The origin of pojangmacha is unclear but many trace it back to the street vendors of the 1950s and ‘60s who would drag around their wheeled stalls, selling soju by the shot along with munchies like roasted sparrow. It grew along with the country’s economic development over the following decades, expanding both in size and menu while cementing its place as a haven for office workers to let off steam. I believe that this is still the case in this day and age and with tourists they are unique to Korea allowing for a more genuine and interesting experience, with a sense of localness, which is something that I look for when I am away.
I live in a fairly residential area and I have to say going to a tent bar (Namssooni) each week gives me a feeling of community, and I always find them to be filled with locals having a great time. I have a local tent bar and the atmosphere is always great, especially on the weekends. I find that the drinks offerings are simple yet effective and I always have a great time! I also think that it is great to try local foods from the menu which I typically would not try like pork neck and bean sprouts.
Let's check out what I mean from the time I visited my local tent bar in Daegu!
Now it has been said that the plainer the bar is the more popular it is, and in a Western culture that sounds strange, though in Korea it makes total sense. Franchises although popular offer no individual character or charm and often guests there can feel less remembered or special.
Despite their popularity, many regard indoor pochas as a completely different beast from the original tented stalls, and just feel relaxed and comfortable drinking and eating there. That's what it's all about right?
Typically I go to one bar every weekend and feel welcome there, and often get "service" (complimentary goods) for going so often. I think that the small touches like keeping local businesses open are what more people should be doing, and these days when I go I often don't have to order a drink as the waiter or waitress knows what I want which I think is really nice.
A great thing for me as well, since I have three rescue dogs, I am able to take my dogs to these places and sit outside, which makes me feel more comfortable, and I also find that it sparks conversations with local people which is great!
Check out my favorite tent bar in Daegu!
What is your opinion on Korean tent bars? Let us know in the comments below! Also, share your experiences with us by tagging us on your socials!