The neon sign for Skunk on the Sunset lights an alley in central Seoul's Itaewon, Oct. 30. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar By Jon Dunbar If something smells funny in Itaewon these days, it might be due to Skunk on the Sunset, a newly rebranded bar located on the ground floor of a small building in a particularly narrow alley.
Skunk isn't a new name to the local live music scene, as the name has been affixed to the signs of many earlier punk music venues all around Seoul, including in Sinchon, Hongdae, Mullae and Sindang. All of these have been the work of Won Jong-hee, the charismatic, hardworking and notorious lead singer of punk band Rux, who now brings his focus to central Seoul's multicultural Itaewon. "I have been friends with the owner of the Sunset Beach space and the building for a long time," Won told The Korea Times.
"That friend asked me to manage this space, and I thought it was a good opportunity for me. So, I renamed it from the original Sunset Beach to Skunk on the Sunset, imagining a skunk riding on the sunset." Despite the makeover, it's still presented as a hole-in-the-wall Itaewon bar, welcoming everyone regardless of musical taste.
The main specialty on Skunk on the Sunset's menu is Long Island Iced Teas, served in bags. "This place has been famous for its special Long Island Iced Tea recipe for 15 years," Won said. "There's a saying, 'If you come to Itaewon, you have to sip a Long Tea at Sunset.
'" He's also begun serving chicken skewers, setting up a smal.