Cafe: Gyedong Dabang

There is one of my favourite cafes in one of my favourite areas in Seoul. It is called Gyedong Dabang (dabang means cafe in Korean) which has unique atmosphere. The area, Gyedong, itself keeps the originality which could be described as traditional mood. Still many Hanok (Korean traditional houses) exist in this area and it is easy to find old shops such as hardware stores, laundries, corner shops which arouse nostalgic mood to Koreans. The atmosphere in Gyedong Dabang parallels with the uniqueness of this area.

The menu reminded me of the Korean enlightenment era which I have seen in television. It is because the menu is written with kind of old version of translation that was used to translate foreign languages in early and middle 20th century.

It is even nicer to chill out during evening because the moderate darkness in this cafe with old film screening on the wall vis beam projector takes us to feel as if we went on a time travelling journey away from our daily routine.

Gyedong Dabang

Opening hours
Mon - Sun 11:00 - 24:00

133-6, Gye-dong, Jongro-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Subway: Anguk (Line 3)
From exit 3, 10 minutes on foot

+82 (2) 318 0008

http://mulnamoo.co.kr

Tart place: Tartine

Tartine is a lovely tart cafe in Itaewon run by Korean and American guys. They serve the great American style dessert such as tarts, pies and cakes.

 

Indeed they did have nice selections of tarts so my friend and I spent pretty long time to pick a couple of tarts. (All the tarts looked so tasty!) Finally, we ordered an apple and a cranberry ones which were sweet and lovely. A cup of coffee and tea completed our dessert journey. Bon appetite!

Tartine

Opening hours
Mon - Sun 10:00 - 22:30

119-15, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Subway: Itaewon (Line 6)
From exit 1, 2 minutes on foot

+82 (2) 3785 3400

contact@tartine.co.kr

http://www.tartine.co.kr

Dumpling place: Jonny Dumpling

It is obvious that this is a dumpling place as its name reflects. I have been missing their dumplings for a long time and I finally had them. They never disappoint me!

The semi fried dumpling, crispy outside and juicy and soft inside (it is amazing indeed), is their signature so that I ordered them and a bowl of mussel soup which is good for cold weather to warm your body and soul. In addition, if you add a glass of Tsingtao with these, it would be the most perfect combination at Jonny Dumpling.

Jonny Dumpling

Opening hours
Mon - Sun 11:30 - 21:30

130-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Subway: Itaewon station (Line 6)

from exit 4, 2 minutes on foot

+82 (2) 790 8830

Bakery : Taegeukdang

I quite like this bakery and cafe called Taegeukdang because it has kept its own authenticity and originality since 1946. Indeed, it is the oldest bakery in Seoul. While other small bakeries have closed their shops down or sold them to conglomerates, Taegeukdang has kept its stores proudly as the form of family business. Once you get into the store, you can feel the Korean version of retro mood here in Taegeukdang, which you would have experienced if you were in Korea in the 1950s or so.

Interiors, furniture, other decorative elements are full of retro mood, which I could see from tv dramas or movies. I had ice cream with waffle which is the signature in Taegeunkdang. As always, waffle was so crispy and ice cream was soft and sweet.

Still, Taegeukdang tries to maintain its own identity. If you fancy Korean style bread or puddings, drop by here and grab one made by skilled Korean patissier and explore Korean version of retro mood.

Taegeunkdang

Opening hours
Mon - Sun 08:00 - 22:00

189-5, Jangchung dong 2ga, Jung-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Subway: Dongguk university (Line 2)

from exit 2, 1 minutes on foot

+82 (2) 2279 3152

http://www.taegeukdang.com/

Drinking place: Dandy pink

I am back with a quick post. Actually, I have tried to visit this place a couple of years ago (yeah, now it's 2015!) but at that time it was closed when I arrived here. I nearly forgot this place even after coming back to Korea, however, a friend of mine awaken me that I missed the chance to get in here the other day and took me the place with a lovely name 'Dandy pink'. It is completely a hidden place so that you might have a trouble to find out the location. Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile visiting.

I would say skewers are the speciality of Dandy pink. They are grilled properly and perfect with both beer and wine. The place gives intimate and comfortable mood, thus, it would be nice to chill out and have a peaceful time with your companies. 

Dandy pink

Opening hours
Sun - Thu 18:00 - 00:00

Fri - Sat 18:00 - 01:00
(closed on Mondays and every second and fourth Sunday)

292-4, Itaewon 2-dong, Yongsan-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Subway: Noksapyoung (Line 6)

from exit 3, 10 minutes on foot

+82 10 5581 9441

dandypinkgrublounge@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/GRUB.DANDYPINK

North village to West village

Legendary peanut ice cream! Her face explains everything  

Adorable little gentleman wearing a Gat (Korean traditional men's hat)

Granddad's Korean chess match

wandering around

One Sunday afternoon in Hyochang dong

Shop: Beaker

I dropped by Beaker, a fashion and life style selected store, in Cheongdam dong yesterday to buy a small gift. It has been a year since I visited here last time. There are still full of interesting stuff from clothing, accessaries, cosmetics, fragrances to stationaries and many more.

As you might guess, the name is originated from a lab equipment, beaker, which used for containing chemicals to create new ones. In a similar vein, 'Beaker' plays a role as a platform where fashion and life style mingle together to create new culture and trend. 

It also aims upcycling concept for its business and thus they collected abandoned building materials, unwanted furnitures for its construction and to furnish the space. Throughout this process, Beaker created the new place, its stores, but respects the memories that the old materials inherent and gives a new life for them.

At the moment, they also have Christmas items. Although I introduce only the ground floor in this post, you can find a loads of fancy clothing upstairs. Check out their website to find which brands do they have and the location of its branches.

Beaker

Opening hours
Mon - Sun 11:00 - 20:00

78-6, Cheongdam dong, Gangnam-gu

Seoul, South Korea

Subway: Apgujeong rodeo (Bundang Line)
From exit 3, 5 minutes on foot

+ 82 (2) 543 1270

beakerstore@samsung.com

http://www.beakerstore.com/