The ‘coffee town’ of Seoul
The ‘coffee town’ of Seoul
Visiting famous coffee streets are considered a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to seize if you set your feet in the country of Kimchi – South Korea
Bangbae-dong street
Bangbae-dong is one of the most famous coffee street in Seoul. This street becomes crowded since the 80s as Korean people, mostly students, usually come here to have dinner. By the 1990s, the Bangbae-dong has become more and more active because a large number of tourists coming from every corner around the world want to learn about Korean coffee and need a place to peacefully enjoy the beauty of Seoul city.
According to some locals, in the old days, because there is no subway system built here in Seoul, traffic jams happened frequently. During peak hours, while heavy traffic was taking place, the Bangbae-dong street reluctantly became a shortcut. In addition, the driver also chose this place to take a rest due to its quietness.
Foreseeing the trend, many coffee shops have opened to mainly serve the drivers. With the presence of several coffee shops located close together, gradually Bangbae-dong became well known as “coffee street”. Later, when the subway system came into operation, the traffic situation in Seoul was significantly improved, and now less congestion of traffic occurs. Thus, fewer drivers visit coffee shops on Bangbae-dong street. Some coffee shops finally transformed into restaurants or supermarkets to serve a wider range of customers. Although the density of coffee shops is no longer thick as before but with its own special characteristics, Bangbae-dong is still an ideal tourism destination for pilgrims.
Visitors can go to Bangbae-dong by walking from Bangbae Station exit number 2 or Naebang station exit number 7.
Garosu
Upon arriving at Garosu, you will immediately be impressed by the green space created by the shady tree lines along the roadside. Particularly in the autumn, the yellowing ginkgo trees make Garosu suddenly become more romantic than ever.
Garosu is about half a kilometer long, staying near Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong-dong. In addition to luxurious restaurants, antique shops, bookstores … this is the gathering place of many glistening coffee shops. Most coffee shops there are designed in a cozy style. On a winter day, sitting at a small corner near the window of any café on Garosu road and sipping a cup of coffee gives you a warm feeling incredibly.
Besides indoor coffee shops, Garosu is also greatly highlighted by Western-style outdoor coffee shops. Because of this, people often compare Garosu with famous cities in Europe like the ancient Rome or the magnificent Paris.
City Guide to Garosu: From Exit 8 of Sinsa Station (line 3), walk about 10 minutes and then turn left at the first crossroad.
Hapjeong
Hapjeong is one of the most exotic areas of Seoul. With special culture elements which were imported from abroad for centuries, where it became the most-to-visit place for those who want to learn about the process of recovery from war and historic transformation of Seoul. Besides the historical monuments, Hapjeong also attract visitors with th coffee street Yanghwaro 6.
Most coffee shops in this area are totally independent not belong to any chain or any brand at all. Each shop has its own style. For example, while in Jaulgeowoon Book Café – a coffee shop “dwell” on the 2nd floor of a small house, you can enjoy hot milk coffee with soft chocolate cake. The books or the Swedish pop Shoegazer music are also featured stuffs of this shop.
Go to the end of the road, you will see a gray building called In The Paper. This is a combination of café and galleries, shops, classes and studios. Coming to The Paper, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional art of making paper which is very famous in South Korea.
Guide to Coffee Street in the Hapjeong: Exit 5 Hapjeong station, right on Yanghwaro-6 street.