Cafes in Seoul
Cafes in Seoul
Café Yeon: Traveler’s Hangout
This is an eclectic little joint in Samcheong-dong that has the styling of a modern han-ok (Korean traditional house). The café is located in the center of a raised area on the main street. You’ll see a sign for “Toy Kino2” and it is right above that. Even though, it is a bit out of the way, it is always packed and it has the vibe of a hippie hangout. The servers rarely wear shoes (even in winter) and dreads on top of their heads have seeped into their personality. It’s a chill place to grab a cup of tea, a beer, or a bottle of wine. They have a diverse selection of books to browse and the atmosphere evokes existential conversations.
There is standard café fare like nachos and beef jerky, as well as, food like banana pancakes and chicken tikka masala. This is a great place to spend a Sunday.
Café Yeon: Traveler’s Hangout
Samcheong-dong
734-3009
cafeyeon.cyworld.com
Bookcafe
If books are your thing, then I recommend the “Bookcafe” in Samcheong-dong. The walls are lined with books for you to browse and the atmosphere is subdued and tranquil. This is a place where people go to read- not to have loud conversations about all the ins and outs of their monotone day. They have very nice standard café drinks. The cappuccino has a wonderful satiny head on it. It’s just coffee done with care and done right.
Bookcafe
Samcheong-dong
730-1087
www.mybookcafe.co.kr
75015 French Bistro
Getting a decent galette or a tart in Seoul can be a hit of a hassle. I’ve found that 75015 in Hongdae has a wonderful flair for food and for atmosphere. The walls are the color of a leaf that is just beginning to sprout in the dawn of spring; the wine bar is fiesta orange, and the back wall is white brick that is artfully decorated with photographs. As gaudy as this might sound, it works. This is one of my favorite places to get a bottle of wine with a couple of friends late at night. Their wine selection is very palpable and affordable (30-80,000 won) and they have wonderful, wonderful food. Apparently, the owner is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and the food is the proof. I highly recommend the eggplant, mushroom, pumpkin, and cream sauce galette and the blueberry tart.
75015 French Bistro
Hong-dae
332-1113