IGIN Apple Gin Pop-Up in Itaewon: BTS Jin and Baek Jong-Won’s K-Pop Cocktail Collaboration
- Jetta Allen
- Jul 22
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 23
If you're chasing the ultimate K-pop alcohol brand experience in Seoul, don’t miss the LIMITED-TIME IGIN Apple Gin pop-up at Tipping Point Bar in Itaewon. Co-created by BTS’s Jin (Kim Seokjin) and beloved Korean chef Baek Jong-Won, IGIN Apple Gin blends Korean craftsmanship with global star power in the most delicious way possible. During my visit to Seoul, my BTS-obsessed friend begged me to visit there. It was a sunny day, so I figured, why not? I love all kinds of music, but I wouldn’t call myself a crazed fan. However, stepping into this immersive pop-up was a surprising mix of fun, flavor, and nostalgia. Let me tell you why this unique collaboration stood out among all my experiences in Korea.
This immersive event was more than a trendy cocktail stop; it’s where celebrity innovation, regional revival, and Korean craftsmanship converge. Co-created by BTS’s Jin (Kim Seokjin) and celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, together they deliver a refreshing taste of tradition reimagined. And while the gin and canned tonic drinks are right on point, the aesthetic of this pop-up is truly worth visiting!
IGIN Apple Gin: BTS Jin and Baek Jong-Won’s Bold New Liquor Collaboration
Jinnie’s Lamp: A Mission of Korean Craft Revival
Jin and Baek’s business venture, called “Jinnie’s Lamp,” creates unique liquor with a mission to highlight Korean agriculture while reviving traditional liquor culture. Based in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province, this project brings together locally grown apples, premium Korean rice, and artisanal distillation methods to create a lineup of spirited drinks with a K-pop edge. As a Korean gin brand, IGIN is elevating traditional flavors with global appeal and setting a new standard for what locally crafted spirits can be.
In the past, I have written about agricultural tourism and my love for the community in Yesan. The farmers of Yesan have formed cooperative farms using sustainable and supportive methods for apple production, ensuring that all farmers are provided with opportunities to benefit their family-owned farms. IGIN is an extension of that co-operative! Using apples grown right in the heart of Korea. For me personally, knowing where the apples are grown, and being able to say “I’ve been there and seen the farms” makes this even more special! The smell alone took me back to my first time in Yesan on a winery tour. It was abnormally hot for Spring, but the crisp apples make any hot day seem manageable.
Made with Yesan Apples and Korean Rice
Their flagship product, IGIN, is short for “I'm Jin.” IGIN is a distilled rice-based gin that captures the essence of Yesan’s famous apples. IGIN Apple Gin is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about Korean craft gin brands, known for its smooth finish and unique apple-forward profile. With sleek branding, deep cultural roots, and Jin’s global influence, it’s no surprise that fans and foodies alike are flocking to Itaewon to get a taste.
Inside the IGIN Pop-Up in Itaewon
Tipping Point Bar: A Perfect Seoul Venue
Set in one of Seoul’s buzziest nightlife neighborhoods, the IGIN pop-up is a full-on experience. From the giant IGIN poster to the photogenic interiors filled with mood lighting and comic-style branding, every corner is designed to be shared. There is even a custom photo booth allowing visitors to memorialize their visit!
Aesthetic Appeal and K-pop Vibes
The IGIN pop-up delivers on visuals with a curated lineup of merch and art, including stickers, keychains, tote bags, postcards, coasters, and glassware. Each features vibrant, playful illustrations and limited-edition designs in a stick-and-line comic art style. Throughout the space, Instagram-worthy photo ops abound, from interactive displays and photo booths to cleverly branded drink setups. Whether you’re sipping or snapping, the energy is high and the aesthetics are effortlessly on point.
BTS Jin’s Apple Gin Collaboration with Baek Jong-Won
More Than Celebrity Branding
From alcoholic cocktails to ready-to-drink tonics, the IGIN menu has something for everyone, whether you're a gin lover or just here for the vibe.
A Post-Military Comeback with Meaning
IGIN also marks a meaningful chapter in Jin’s post-military comeback, a thoughtful, entrepreneurial move rooted in community—not just celebrity branding.
Must-Try IGIN Signature Cocktails
IGIN Apple Cocoroco: A Tropical Escape
IGIN Apple Cocoroco is a tropical escape in a glass that blends IGIN Apple Gin with pineapple and coconut for a smooth, sunny drink that feels like a vacation.
IGIN Apple Camo: Herbal and Refreshing
IGIN Apple Camo offers something more herbaceous and refreshing, featuring chamomile syrup, lemon, soda water, and the crispness of IGIN Apple Gin. It’s a delicate, calming mix with just the right amount of sparkle.
IGIN Cinnamon Ginger: Sweet & Spicy Perfection
For those craving a warming spice profile, the IGIN Cinnamon Ginger combines IGIN Gin with cinnamon syrup, lemon, and ginger ale, resulting in a sweet-and-spicy blend that’s bold yet balanced.
Each cocktail is thoughtfully crafted to let the regional apple flavor shine through while delivering something new with every sip.
IGIN Tonics: Light and Sparkling with Korean Apples
Saekom Apple Tonic: The Star of the Show
One standout is the ready-to-drink IGIN Saekom Apple Tonic, a 4% ABV pre-mixed cocktail made from premium Korean rice liquor and locally grown Yesan apples, blended with plum for a gently tart sparkle.
Poured over ice, it’s bubbly and bright, and its floral aroma hits first, crisp and invigorating like the start of a summer picnic. On the palate, it’s soft and effervescent, with light apple notes that nod to the Yesan Apple Farm’s Apple Ice Wine, but toned down with tonic fizz and a bit more fruity thanks to the added plum juice.
Available Flavors and Taste Profiles
The tonic’s subtle tartness, paired with just 4% alcohol, makes it perfect for a light cocktail hour or a mid-day cool-down. The IGIN tonic comes in a variety of flavor options to match your mood: sweet, with notes of apple and watermelon; sweet and fruity, combining apple and plum, and a new grape coming soon. All varieties share the signature sparkling quality, delivering a perfectly balanced and refreshingly breezy finish.
Try These IGIN Apple Gin Recipes at Home
Want to recreate the magic at home? These simple recipes bring IGIN’s flavor to your glass in the comfort of your home.
Classic Apple Tonic
1 part IGIN Apple Gin
3 parts Tonic Water
A splash of lemon juice
Serve in a chilled glass or over ice
Sweet Ginger Tonic
1 part IGIN Apple Gin
3 parts Ginger Ale
A splash of lemon juice
Serve in a chilled glass or over ice
Bold Apple Highball
1 part IGIN Apple Gin
4 parts Apple-flavored Highball mixer
A splash of lemon juice
Each variation gives you a different window into the apple-forward aroma and flavor of IGIN gin.
Why You Should Visit the IGIN Pop-Up Now
Support Local Korean Farmers and Tradition
IGIN is more than a celebrity product. With each IGIN purchase, you are supporting local Korean farmers, reviving traditional liquor techniques, and getting to experience the fun of blending global K-culture appeal with domestic craft.
IGIN—it’s not just delicious, it’s a love letter to Korea’s apple-growing region and a bold example of what happens when tradition meets trend in the most sip-worthy way. So, while I may not be on the BTS bandwagon, Jin is creating something that goes beyond music but is still a work of art in itself. Who knows, maybe I am a crazed fan of IGIN now! Bring on the bubbly tastes of spring and summer in a glass! Each bottle represents a new generation of artisan Korean liquor that values quality ingredients, regional pride, and cultural storytelling.
The Pop-Up Won’t Last Forever! Visit NOW!
This pop-up has no official closing date, so if you’re in Seoul or planning a trip, now’s the time to visit. Whether you're a diehard BTS fan, a cocktail adventurer, or a culture buff, this stop should be on your list.
Location Details
Hours of Operation
Sunday-Thursday: 9:00am–Midnight
Friday and Saturday: 9:00am–3:00am (next day)
Accessibility
The mixologists spoke English and Korean.
Bar seating, table and chairs, and booth seating are available.
Wheelchair accessible entry and seating.
Restroom accessibility information is unknown.
Payments accepted in cash won, debit, and credit.
Pop-Up Location
[NAVER Map]
Tipping Point
Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam-dong 737-28
Parking
[NAVER Map]
Hannam Building Public Parking Lot
Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam-dong 737-37
Explore More Korean Culture, Craft, and Culinary Experiences
If the IGIN Apple Gin pop-up sparked your curiosity about Korean tradition, innovation, and flavor, here are a few more stories from United on the RoK to keep the adventure going:
Ki One Distillery: Korea’s First Single Malt Whisky Read more about Korea’s premium craft liquor in our feature. Dive into the world of Korean craft spirits with this in-depth look at Ki One, Korea’s groundbreaking single malt whisky distillery.
Korean Cinema: A Cultural Journey Through Film Explore how Korean cinema connects audiences to culture, history, and modern storytelling—perfect for fans of K-pop, K-dramas, and Hallyu.
Agricultural Tourism in South Korea: Promoting Farming and Culture One Experience at a Time Learn how sustainable farming in Yesan supports Korean products like IGIN Apple Gin in our story on agricultural tourism. The places are creating meaningful tourism experiences rooted in sustainability and tradition.
From Market to Mason Jar: Our Sweet Journey with Maesil Cheong (매실청) Follow a homemade journey into the world of Korean fruit syrups with this beautiful feature on maesil cheong, Korea’s green plum extract.
Want to Learn More About IGIN and the Story Behind It?
For readers interested in the inspiration, business venture, and buzz surrounding IGIN Apple Gin, here are some additional resources and news coverage to dive deeper into the collaboration between BTS’s Jin and Chef Baek Jong-Won:
IGIN Official Instagram Stay up to date with the latest announcements, pop-up photos, and behind-the-scenes looks at Jin and Baek’s craft liquor journey.
BTS Jin and Chef Baek Jong-Won Launch Liquor Business IGIN – KED Global A business and culture-focused breakdown of IGIN’s launch and its ties to Korean agriculture.
BTS Jin’s Family Backs His New Venture With Chef Baek – The Daily Jagran A heartwarming look at the personal support behind Jin’s post-military entrepreneurial project.
Jin and Baek Jong-Won Team Up to Start IGIN – The Statesman An entertainment-focused article outlining the celebrity collaboration and vision for IGIN.
Craft Spirits Meet K-pop Stardom in New Brand IGIN – Chosun Biz (English) An industry perspective on how IGIN is positioning itself in the Korean premium beverage market.
Baek Jong-Won and BTS Jin Combine Forces for Apple Gin – MK Business News Coverage highlighting the product’s local ingredients, sustainability efforts, and early consumer reception.
IGIN isn’t just another celebrity-endorsed product—it’s a rising star among Korean craft gin makers and a standout example of artisan Korean liquor done right. As a bold K-pop alcohol brand, it balances global influence with local tradition. Whether you're discovering a new Korean gin brand or just exploring Seoul’s buzzing cocktail scene, this pop-up is worth every sip.
Final Sip: A Pop-Up That Blends Culture, Craft, and K-Pop Star Power
Whether you're a devoted ARMY member, a gin enthusiast, or simply someone who loves discovering the latest trends in Korean culture, the IGIN Apple Gin pop-up in Itaewon offers a unique, multisensory experience that goes far beyond the cocktail glass. It’s a celebration of Korean craftsmanship, sustainable agriculture, and the creativity that happens when tradition meets innovation.
This limited-time event isn’t just a buzzworthy Instagram stop—it’s a chance to taste a piece of Jin’s post-military journey, support local Korean farmers, and toast to the future of craft liquor in Korea.
If you’re in Seoul, don’t miss the chance to sip, snap, and support something truly special.
Have you visited the IGIN pop-up? Tried one of their signature drinks or made your own at home? Tag us in your foodie adventures and cocktail creations using #unitedontherokmag and #IGINAppleGin. We’d love to see how you’re raising a glass to Korean culture!
Frequently Asked Questions About IGIN Apple Gin
What is IGIN Apple Gin?
IGIN Apple Gin is a Korean craft gin made from locally grown Yesan apples and Korean rice, created by BTS’s Jin and Chef Baek Jong-Won.
Where is the IGIN pop-up located?
The pop-up is located at Tipping Point Bar in Itaewon, Seoul. It offers exclusive cocktails, merch, and interactive displays.
Is the IGIN pop-up permanent?
No—this is a limited-time event with no confirmed end date, so visitors should plan to go soon.
What makes IGIN Apple Gin special?
It blends Korean agricultural pride with modern distillation techniques and celebrity innovation—plus, it tastes great and supports local farmers.
Source
TradeKorea. (n.d.). IGIN Apple Gin, Apple Tonic. Retrieved from https://www.tradekorea.com/product/detail/P830120/IGIN-Apple-Gin,-Apple-Tonic.html
Alcohol Disclaimer: This article is intended for readers of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and interviewees and do not constitute an endorsement of alcohol consumption by United on the RoK magazine or any affiliated organizations. Always follow local laws and military regulations regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol.
I hope I can visit this pop-up the next time I go to Seoul.