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Buildings these days are like living beings; they seem to have multiple incarnations and many lives. Perhaps because life in Seoul can be so fast-paced, buildings here are often transformed and utilized in novel ways. Cafes in Seoul often lead the way in re-purposing old or disused buildings. Tourists to Seoul can visit cafes that have made new use of old spaces, while maintaining the spirit or atmosphere of times long past. Spend time in three of Seoul's best known renovated cafes, Anthracite, Graang Gallery Tea & Bar, and Cafe Onion.
Anthracite is well-known cafe located in Hapjeong-dong; it is housed in a building that was once a shoe factory. Instead of trying to erase the building's past identity, Anthracite incorporates many elements from the shoe factory. The decor is industrial chic and even the factory's conveyor belt remains and steel doors remain. Now, the conveyer belt is a counter and the doors have been upcycled into tables for the cafe. Portraits of famed authors like Natsume Sōseki and Pablo Neruda decorate the walls and Anthracite's coffee varieties are named for authors. The cafe menu is extensive. There are single origin and house blend coffees, detox juices, and other beverages in addition to cakes, madeleines, financiers, and cookies. The house blend coffee is the cafe's most popular drink. Visitors can also purchase tumblers and other small items at Anthracite.
10, Tojeong-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-336-7850
Mon-Sun 09:00-22:00 KST
Ikseon-dong is one of Seoul's oldest neighborhoods and it's known for its hanok, independent restaurants and cafes.
Chanyangjip
An Ikseon-dong establishment, Chanyangjip is over 50 years old and serves kal-guksu (noodle soup).
5, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-1384
Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00 KST *Closed Sundays*
Cafe Onion is located in Seongsu-dong and the cafe is run out of a building that dates back to the 1970s. Until a few years ago, the building was in operation as an industrial factory that made small parts. Traces of the building's industrial past are still visible throughout Cafe Onion. The cafe even kept the factory's metal doors instead of replacing them. Cafe Onion sells bread, sandwiches, and coffee. There are over 20 varieties of bread on offer, and there are so many that it may be difficult to choose just one favorite. One type of bread to try is notable for its appearance. It is delicately covered with powdered sugar, so it is hard to miss. The flavor is buttery and smooth. Visitors may want to try the flat white coffee, which is stronger than a latte, but just as tasty. When ordering drinks to take-out, there is a 2,000 won discount per drink.
Cafe Onion
8, Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongsu-dong, Seoul
+82-507-1386-3238
Mon-Fri 08:00-22:00 KST (Last order 21:30) / Weekends 09:00-22:00 KST (Last order 21:30)
Seongsu-dong doesn't lack for dining options; explore some of the Korean cuisine available in the neighborhood.
Halmoni's Recipe
Tasty, neatly presented Korean cuisine abounds at Halmoni's Recipe.
44-12, Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongsu-dong, Seoul
+82-507-1429-5101
11:30-15:40 / 17:00-21:30 KST (Closed on Tuesday)
Sobang Life
Order from a range of healthy Korean dishes such as rice with wild greens or jangajji bulgogi with rice (pickled vegetables with marinated meat and rice). Prices are reasonable and the food is tasty.
9-16, Wangsimni-ro 5-gil, Seongsu-dong, Seoul
+82-507-1348-0781
11:30-21:10 (Break time: 15:30-17:00 / Last order: 15:00, 20:30)
#Anthracite Hapjeong Branch #Graang Gallery Tea & Bar #Minhwa #Korean Food #Anthracite #Cafe Onion #Ikseon-dong #Mecenatpolis