MOBO Bar at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul Named Korea’s Only Bar in 2025 Star Bars List by Forbes Travel Guide

MOBO Bar at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul was named one of the world’s 58 Hotel Star Bars verified by Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the world’s leading authority on luxury hospitality.

Notably, MOBO Bar is the only hotel bar in Korea to be included in this prestigious inaugural list.

This year’s honorees, spanning 19 countries, were identified through data gathered as part of FTG’s 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on exacting incognito inspections globally. The bars named to the list excelled in scores related to their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless, luxurious service and an exceptional guest experience.

The selection of 58 honorees is a tribute to Forbes Travel Guide’s founding as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958.

At MOBO Bar, herbs do more than garnish—they guide the entire cocktail experience. Each sprig of rosemary and every twist of lemon peel is hand-harvested from the bar’s own greenhouse and terrace garden. Guests can enjoy cocktails designed around five distinct themes—Tonic, Fruits, Herbs, Spices, and Earth—each offering a thoughtful, sensory journey.

During the day, the space is filled with warm natural light, soft conversation, and subtle herbal aromas. As evening falls, the atmosphere transforms with ambient lighting, polished glassware, and a tranquil yet sophisticated energy.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized among the world’s best hotel bars,” said the spokesperson to JW Marriott Hotel Seoul. “At MOBO Bar, every detail—from our garden-grown ingredients to our personalized service—is a celebration of nature, design, and the art of cocktail-making. This recognition is a testament to the passion of our team and our commitment to excellence.”

“The 2025 Star Bars represent the pinnacle of hotel bar experiences,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of FTG. “FTG’s in-person inspections in more than 90 countries provide unmatched insight into hotel bars, with our research delving into two years of exacting data to surface the best of the best.”

“These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists, and cocktails that are skillfully crafted and creatively presented," said Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide’s Global Spirits Ambassador. “These are elements that come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience. Congratulations to the remarkable bars on this year’s inaugural list.”

In celebration of this distinguished accolade, MOBO Bar at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul will launch an exclusive limited-time in-house promotion, offering a complimentary Star Bar Celebration Cocktail to all registered hotel guests.

To view the full list of 2025 Hotel Star Bars award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.