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I’ve always gone for an iced americano, even in freezing-cold winters. But my first espresso shot made me think that the bitter taste hidden behind the dark coffee aroma and the sweetness of the sugar at the bottom of the cup resembles our life. Espresso is an Italian method of brewing coffee, where finely-ground coffee beans are forced under high pressure to pull the shot. In recent years, espresso has become a rising trend in Korea.

At espresso bars, patrons are not seated but stand to drink a small 20-30ml cup of coffee, which is cheaper than the more common coffee beverages, and the length of stay at the café is generally shorter. The word “espresso” also has the meaning of “express.” However, with espresso, patrons can fully experience the intrinsic charms of coffee despite their short stay. In this edition, we introduce four espresso bars in Seoul that add trendiness and uniqueness to the authenticity of espresso. Join us in welcoming spring at one of these espresso bars that serve the deep, true charms of coffee well-tamped into a small coffee cup called “demitasse.”

Leesar Coffee: Enjoying the Intrinsic Taste of Espresso, the Coffee of Coffees

Seoul is a city sensitive to trends. In Seoul, trends are quick to change and spread. Seoul is in love with espresso these days. Leesar Coffee is considered the very place where all this espresso craze began.

Located in a secluded residential area near Yaksu Station, Leesar Coffee's main store is a celebrated spot among coffee lovers. Over the past few years, Leesar Coffee started to go viral as a place to enjoy authentic espresso. Unlike typical coffee shops, Leesar Coffee is an all-standing bar. The mix of east and west with an oriental painting and calligraphy hanging on the wall create a unique ambiance. Leesar Coffee pursues authentic espresso with a perfect aroma, body, and flavor balance. A variety of espresso menus are available at Leesar Coffee, including the classic espresso with sugar, Oneroso (espresso with cream and milk), Pieno (espresso dusted with cacao powder), and more.

In addition to the Italian atmosphere and taste, the price of espresso shots at Leesar Coffee is similar to that in Italy. The logo of Leesar Coffee has a wolf symbol that protects and cooperates to protect its family and community members. Likewise, Leesar Coffee goes beyond simply making a profit by running the store but aims to realize social values by supporting facilities for the disabled and orphans.

From seven in the morning until closing up, Leesar Coffee is constantly busy serving patrons fascinated by or just about to fall for the charms of espresso. In addition to the main store at Yaksu, you can also enjoy Leesar Coffee at Myeongdong and Cheongdam. The Myeongdong and Cheongdam stores have seats with tables and a standing bar, and the price differs by store. Stop by Leesar Coffee, the best place to experience the Italian culture of espresso up closest in Seoul. Get ready to dive into the intrinsic charms of coffee with a shot of “original” espresso.

• ○Address: 16-7, Dasan-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

• ○Phone: +82-507-1407-5538

• ○Operation Hours: 07:00-15:30 KST (Closed on Sundays)

• ○Instagram: @leesarcoffee

Draw Espresso Bar: Daily Happiness Found in Coffee

Not everyone can enjoy coffee, as people sensitive to caffeine can’t drink coffee, even if they want to. However, just because one doesn’t drink coffee doesn’t mean one isn’t curious about espresso bars. In this sense, Draw Espresso Bar is an espresso place is for everyone.

Located between Chungjeongno Station and Seoul Station, Draw Espresso Bar is open even to espresso beginners or those who can’t drink coffee but still want to experience the ambiance of espresso bars and implicitly enjoy the dark coffee aroma. In addition to its espresso menus, Draw Espresso Bar also offers a variety of coffee menus, decaffeinated coffee, and non-coffee menus. Unlike most espresso bars that only have standing bars, table seats are available at Draw Espresso Coffee, enabling patrons to take time to enjoy their cup of espresso.

Draw Espresso Bar is where patrons can enjoy the intrinsic taste of coffee in a relaxing atmosphere. Its signature menu Lieto, which means happiness, is made of espresso with ice cream and milk, drizzled with olive oil, offering a happy flavor with its delightful blend of ingredients. Caffe Pieno – a mix of espresso, cream, and cocoa powder – Cheese Potato Soup and Marlenka honey cake made with natural honey are also popular menus.

At Draw Espresso Bar, a barista with more than a decade-long experience is ready to welcome and serve you. Come and experience small daily happiness over a cup of coffee at Draw Espresso Bar.

• ○Address: 453, Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (1F)

• ○Phone: +82-2-6404-8950

• ○Operation Hours: 07:00-18:00 KST on Weekdays (Last Order 17:50) / 10:00-18:00 KST on Weekends (Last Order 17:50)

• ○Instagram: @draw_espresso_bar

Molto Espresso Bar: Italy Found in Seoul

Italy is where coffee espresso first began. Italy is also home to the Vatican City, a city-state governed by the Pope, and many beautiful, renowned cathedrals, including Duomo di Firenze, Duomo di Milano, and St. Peter's Basilica.

The most prominent cathedral in Korea is Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral, which is rich in beauty and history. Right in front of this Myeongdong Cathedral is a fine espresso bar resembling Italy's scenery.

At Molto Espresso Bar, you can enjoy the most beautiful view of Myeongdong, one of the places that top the list when it comes to things to see, enjoy, and eat in Seoul. A cup of espresso with a beautiful view of Myeongdong Cathedral and Namsan Mountain right before your eyes offers an exceptional experience.

Molto Espresso Bar is already a hot place. Its signature menus – con panna, sale, pepe – all include cream, making them enjoyable even for espresso beginners. Various beverages, including coffee, tea, and ades, and brunch menus are also available. The ingredients used at Molto Espresso Bar are brought from Italy, offering the authentic local taste of Italy.

Molto Espresso Bar only has a standing bar indoors. Table seats are available on the terrace, which presents a stunning view. Note that you may have to wait in line for table seats at the terrace if the espresso bar is full.

The wind is already a bit warmer. Come and enjoy the beautiful view and join us in welcoming spring at Molto Espresso Bar, a place already popular on social media for its amazing scenery.

• ○Address: 73, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

• ○Phone: 02-778-7779

• ○Operation Hours: 11:00-19:00 KST (Closed on Sundays) / Last Order 18:30

• ○Instagram: @molto_espressobar

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