Ice Bar Sub-Zero was the first ice bar in South Korea, now closed. Everything inside the bar was made of ice; the walls, tables, sculptures, and even the cocktail glasses.
Contents
The Ice Bar Sub-Zero is built inside a commercial grade freezer which is kept at a constant temperature of -5 °C(23 °F). The bar, now in its third season, has a new incarnation every year with different sculptures and themes. Because not many people come prepared for the cold temperatures the bar supplies patrons with coats, gloves and boots, which is included in the 15,000 ₩ entrance fee. The drink list includes Absolut Vodka cocktails and an assortment of beers as well as warmer drinks like coffee and tea.
Location
The bar is located in the Hongdae area of Seoul, which is famous for its bars, restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs. It is across the playground opposite the Hongik University. Oh and it's not there anymore!
Iceman
Along with the novelty of the ice itself Ice Bar Sub-zero has a competition to attract patrons as well. The competition, known as the Iceman (or most recently "Ice person" because of female contestants), involves staying in the bar for as long as the contestant can. Because the contestants cannot leave even to use the bathroom they often resort to urinating in bottles in the ice bar itself. If the challengers surpass the previous record holders time the bottles containing their urine are enshrined on the wall of Iceman winners.
Past winners
The Iceman competition has garnered attention from all over the world. The owner of the bar claims that at least two news crews from around the world come to do a story on his bar every week. As a result, many of the challengers for the Iceman competition are not native to South Korea. Competitors have come from Ireland, Mexico, United States of America, Canada, Japan, Thailand and other countries. The most recent record, which was set April 12, 2008, stands at 13 hours and 30 minutes. The current Icemen, all from the United States of America, are Clark Liedberg, JD Armes, and Andrew Neumann.