Drinking spots near KAIST are generally well known among students, but you can never have too many bar recommendations to unwind and chill out after those especially stressful weeks during exam periods. Here are five bar recommendations to pique your interest, and maybe later, wet your taste buds.

The White Flower in Desert

An underrated spot found on Rodeo Street in the heart of Gung-dong, this basement bar is known for their offerings of shisha. The seating is on ground cushions around low-lying tables, and you have the choice between private booths sectioned off by curtains, or under one of the gazebos next to the central water feature. If you’re thinking a water feature is quite the decoration to have in an indoor bar, you’d be right, and they have the cocktail designs to match. Their lineup of “Special Cocktails” will have you taking photos for longer than it takes to finish the drink. If you want to join your friends for the vibe but want to avoid the influence of alcohol, they have that covered too with a range of mocktails as well as unlimited free servings of snacks, the cheesecake being the most popular choice. A night here isn’t complete without ordering a shisha, which comes in five fruity flavors, all of which are highly recommended.

Lucky Strike

Another find on the streets of Gung-dong is Lucky Strike. A small, cozy bar decorated with bank notes and messages from previous customers, they’re known for both their food and their drinks. The environment is on the quieter side, as it’s just off to the side of Rodeo Street. The bar is lined with one row of seats, so it’s a great spot to go with a small group of people. The offerings of casual, pub-style food with their exciting cocktails are a match made in heaven. A night out here with a few close friends is one you won’t forget.

Nerd

If you’re looking for a quieter and more refined bar experience without having to venture too far from campus, this is the place for you. Located right in front of Rico Taco, the elegant décor can be a little intimidating, but the welcoming demeanor of the bartender will soon evaporate those nerves. The bar has full-length windows with both bar stools and tables around the room, so both going in small and in larger groups are options. Nerd has quite a wide variety of drinks, all of which are made exceptionally well, but you won’t have to squeeze your wallet dry for this experience. Put on a nice outfit and bring your current or soon-to-be significant other for an enjoyable night out. 

FML

The name of this bar sets the tone quite well. Newcomers to this bar come for the relatability of the name, but return regularly for the environment. The place is found in Dunsan, near Galleria Timeworld – a short taxi trip out of campus. This downstairs bar is very popular amongst expats and international students living in Daejeon, and you’ll find foreigners from all over the city on a weekend night out. Their signature drink is appropriately called “the FML”, a surprisingly strong soda-based cocktail that can hit like a truck while still being enjoyable. It’s guaranteed to set your night on the right track. Whether you’re bar hopping, having a chill night out with your mates, or pre-gaming for the club, you’ll always find a reason to stop by in FML. 

Thursday Party

Not quite as wild as the previous Dunsan location, Thursday Party is a short walk from FML. A larger bar than the others on the list, you’re able to come here in much bigger groups and not feel crowded. Featuring a beer pong table with all the equipment provided (as well as a prize for the game winner), you’ll still experience some of the party environment while being able to enjoy a quiet chat with your friends on the tables further away from the action. The bar as a whole is designed to cater to as many people as possible, and the drinks menu and the music both reflect that. All of your most common classic cocktails are offered, and you’ll be enjoying the occasional throwback to the peak of 2010s pop music.

By no means is excessive drinking encouraged, but it’s perfectly okay to go out occasionally with some friends to relax and forget about the stresses of university life. Of course, there are a multitude of other equally fantastic options around campus and in Daejeon as a whole, but this list is a great starting off point for those that want a few recommendations.