NORI PEOPLE, RODEO DRIVE, APGUJEONG

Tel: 02 549 6674 http://www.noripeople.com/, 657-12 Shinsadong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul

Turn left off Rodeo Drive as after the large convenience store and you will find Nori People on your right.

It is called a lounge but is an open-fronted korean "pub" full of good looking 30-somethings getting drunk, eating and having a real laugh. Funky korean tunes play and posters for reggae gigs are plastered around the walls. The toilets are outside round the corner, basic but have loo roll. Metal and plastic tables and chairs and good service from cheerful bar folk.

We loved this place. It feels real and gives you a good look at Koreans having a good time. A mix of couples out on a Friday night, mates having some beers and a chat together and small groups of friends in cool kit ready to go clubbing later (it didn't look like some of them would make it, though. There was a guy at the table next to us with his mates, just passed out fast asleep, sprawled on the table - too much Soju I think, or maybe too much beer, or perhaps a mixture ... his mates were absolutely plastered, funny to watch, lots of animated conversations, back slapping and swaggering around with their hats on sideways).

On another note, and following our visit to a pretty people bar, there are some mighty good looking Korean men here ....