Cocky

UPDATE: March 2013 – Cocky is closed, and has been replaced by Red Ball.

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Welcome Cocky as the newest addition to the Dong-Gu area bars, lounges and nightclubs.   In an area that lately has become rife with foreigners, a number of friendly places to have a drink, play a game and just relax have made the selection of where to spend the evening just a tad more difficult.  Cocky has some special features, however, that should making choosing somewhat easier.

Cocky is brand new and just opened the last week of March. In fact, the night I visited it was only their second night and I was the only customer they had. Given a rainy Friday night, it wasn’t terribly surprising, though.  But with numerous other bars in the area, passers-by  often stopped to look and, swayed by the decor and friendly staff, came in for a drink.   When I left at midnight it had all the hallmarks of being a favorite stop.

One of the special features this bars sports are the owner, a pair of sisters, both of whom were former English teachers and school directors. Consequently, there’s no language barrier to service. Both ladies are fluent and very friendly and outgoing.  Sally, the older of the two, said she understands that there are a lot of foreigner men in the Dong-Gu area, so she selected artwork that would make them feel a little less lonely.   She joked that she was the model and they simply photoshopped her body onto the model’s face.  The younger sister, Anece, is also involved in the community and works as a translator for the Nambu Police agency. Both ladies are very accommodating and a pleasure to hang out with.

I spent some time talking with the owners about their future plans. They plan on serving simple foods such as fried chicken, crisps and other finger foods but may expand as business dictates.  While only a single pool table fills one end, they are getting both a dart system and a foosball table. They are both most excited, however by the back patio.  Sally couldn’t wait to show me. In fact, for every new customer that came in, the patio was the first stop on the tour of the place as she would take them by the arm and show off  the piece de resistance.  Although it was rainy and very cool, I became excited, too.  The prospect of an outdoor patio facing the ocean would make Cocky an outstanding place to chillax.  Moreover, beyond the patio is an extended area in front of the short sea wall that could serve as bigger dance area, BBQ grill zone, live band stage or Wine Party locale.  Their excitement regarding the outdoor area was infectious and I became excited, too.  There are few enough outdoor dining or drinking areas in Ulsan – so few I could probably count them on one hand – but none have ocean front views.  Not even unpacked yet, the tables and chairs await weather more suitable to outdoor relaxing.  I could envision this as a fine place the Ulsan Wine Club to host a party, but just stopping by for a drink and the friendly conversation of Sally and Anece is reason enough to go.

Cocky is located on the far southern tip of the Dong-gu peninsula.  For those familiar with the area, it’s between two of my favorite restaurants, Shalimar  and Toolbox, and just down the hill from Ballantines and Big Bites.   Walk the street closest to the surf and you can’t miss it. A number of other easy to find landmarks are nearby, including Sea Sketch and Rudder, which is just upstairs on the 2nd floor from Cocky. Check out the Dining and Drinking Map to better find this gem.