Girl power

Seoul's female bartenders liven up the city's drinking scene with their artistry and expertise.

- JOCELYN TAN

Haebin (Ellen) Choi, senior bartender at Villa Records Bar

What initially drew you to the world of bartending, and how did you get started in the industry?

While studying design, I wanted to express myself in different ways. I was contemplating how to share what I wanted to express, and what I loved. During that time, I discovered that beverages carry many emotions and moments. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a glass of alcohol, or even a sip of water, there’s a lot of conversation and emotions involved. This fascinated me. I wondered what could bring me closest to all three, and that’s how I started bartending.

As a female bartender in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Working late at night initially caused a lot of misunderstanding and concern among my family. Especially since I started this job as soon as I became an adult, I faced a lot of rejection.

However, looking back now, I think all these experiences gave me positive energy. Studying and preparing for competitions all night long without my family knowing taught me persistence. Now, I proudly show my results and work with pride.

Are there any misconceptions about bartending or being a female bartender that you would like to address?