Favorite hangouts in the Global year

Cass Town: The beer hall in the basement of the Global building was the most easily accessible place to get our maekju on.

The Chicken Hof: Also known as Chicken on a Plate Place, this hof directly across the street from Global was where we spent our Monday nights following the onset of the IMF crisis. The most interesting aspect of the hof was the chicken troll -- the adjuma would receive the plate of chicken from some hands through the wall, but I couldn't figure out where the troll was working because the other side of that wall was the exterior of the building. Hmmm.

Chess Club: We spent many a night at the Chess Club in Kangnam. You could play chess there, but we usually played pool. And, of course, drank beer.

Hollywood: As in my first year at ULI, the Hollywood nightclub in Itaewon was a favorite place for good times. By the way, the nightclub was on the second floor at that time, but has since been relocated to the basement. There was also a cigar lounge on the third floor, and I remember having a couple puffs from a Cuban there once.

Just Blues: Is there any place greater to spend a relaxing evening with some drinks than a live blues bar? Just Blues was located in Itaewon, but it seems to have disappeared.

Nashville: Once again, the burger joint in Itaewon was one of my favorite hangouts. Great burgers and, of course, beer.

Web Village: As far as I know, it was the first Internet cafe in Seoul. Located just a stone's throw away from Global, Web Village was where I got my first email account and learned how to use a computer. No more going downtown to buy USAToday -- I could read it online.