#korean trips

[koreaguides]

Place Of The Day: Cafe Ruach

A cozy cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village. 

Located: 19 Bukchon-ro 5 gil, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 

Hours: 11:00-19:00 

You can find trendy postcards and photos that are attached to its walls around the cafe. Not only that, but there are also many beautiful props and decorations all around the cafe you can admire. 

You can even bring your pet to the terrace if you want as it is pet-friendly. 

Menu:  

Americano - 4,000 won

Cafe Latte - 4,300 won 

Cafe Mocha - 4,800 won 

Cappuccino - 4,300 won 

Ice Cream Croffle - 4,800 won 

Matcha Latte - 4,800 won 

Vanilla Latte - 4,8000 won 

Matcha Latte - 4,800 won 

Chocolate Latte - 4,800 won 

Grapefruit Black Tea - 4,800 won 

Rooibos - 4,000 won 

Earl Gray - 4,000

Chamomile - 4,000 won 

English Breakfast - 4,000 won 

Grapefruit Tea - 4,300 won 

Jeju Mandarin Tea - 4,300 won 

Grapefruit Ade - 4,000 won 

Jeju Mandarin Ade - 4,800 won 

Bagel with cream cheese/Strawberry jam - 4,800 won 

Plain Croffle - 4,300 won 

Chocolate Croffle - 4,800 won 

Whipped Cream Croffle - 4,800 won 

Banana/Cheese Croffle - 5,300 won 

Would you visit this cafe? 

[koreaguides]

Place Of The Day: Dalbam Pocha

Address: 77 Haeyangdaehak-ro, Makpo-si, Jeollanam-do

Hours: 16:00-03:00

The term pocha is an abbreviation of pojangmacha which is a type of Korean bar that serves cheap and delicious street food. 

You have the options of sitting indoor or outdoors. For those who are planning on visiting this place, we recommend coming around 5pm. 

Dalbam Grilled Shellfish which is one of their specialties. 

Would you visit this restaurant? 

[koreaguides]

Place Of The Day: Crashop

Located: 198-12 Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan 

Hours: 11:00-22:00 

Recently, pictures of mini croissants in various colors have taken over Instagram and other social media in South Korea. Crashop, better know by its Korean name can now be found in several locations in Busan and Daegu. They also opened their first branch in Gupbal, Seoul. 

At an affordable price, the mini croissants come in countless flavors. The visuals make them highly Instagrammable, and we are not surprised to see croissants trending on social media. 

Croissants: 

Maple Syrup - 1,000 KRW

Lemon Glaze - 1,000 KRW 

Strawberry Milky -  1,200 KRW 

Matcha - 1,000 KRW 

Almond - 1,000 KRW 

Nutella - 1,000 KRW 

Red Bean & Milk Butter - 1,000 KRW 

Pizza - 1,200 KRW 

Holic Corn - 1,200 KRW 

Cinnamon - 1,000 KRW 

Garlic Cream Cheese - 1,200 KRW 

Injeolmi - 1,000 KRW 

Would you visit this place? 

[koreaguides]

Place Of The Day: Billy Angel Cake Company

Address: 619-15 Yeoksam 1 dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 

Hours: 11:00-21:00 

Billy Angel Cake Company interior has very elegant interior decorations. 

They serve coffee, tea, and unique cake. A couple of their most served cake are Rainbow Crepe Cake, Banana Coconut Cake, and many more. 

Would you visit this cake company? 

[koreaguides]

Dabang The Original Coffee House

The Beginning of Dabang: 

Dabang (다방) is a combination of the character ‘da’ which means ‘tea’ and ‘bang’ which means ‘room.’ It wasn’t just a place that served tea though, they sold various types of coffee as well.

It’s said that a dabang first appeared in Korea in the 1920s. It was in fact, during the Japanese colonial period. At the time, there were many coffee houses that were mainly concentrated on the streets of Myeongdong and Jongno. 

It is said that poor Korean artist during the time gathered at dabangs to discuss and write about art and hold cultural events such as poetry recital and music appreciations. You could also say that dabangs from the 1920s to the 1950s were sacred places of elite Korean art. 

The Peak of Dabang: 

From the 1960s to the 1980s, the culture of dabang was enjoyed by men and women of all ages Dabangs became a place for discussion about art, meetings, blind dates for college students, and a place to rest for the middle-aged. 

Also, since this was a time where cell phones didn’t exist, it was important to decide on a firm time and place before meeting up. So it was common for people to set the meeting location at a dabang. The first person to arrive can wait for their friends while having a drink. 

During the time, there music dabangs that were created for people to listen to the latest hit records with a DJ behind glass. Apparently, during this time, a DJ was just a popular as an idol by today’s standards. 

The Disappearance of Dabang: 

Dabangs have gradually disappeared as coffee vending machines gained popularity in the 90s, and cafes that sold espresso-based coffee were created. There were also some cases where dabangs turned into illegal prostitution establishments. 

Dabang Today: 

Eulji Dabang, which has been around for nearly 40 years, was seen on BTS 2021 Season’s Greetings. 

[koreaguides]

Christmas In Korea

Christmas is mainly a romantic holiday in Korea rather than a family-gathering occasion. Couples spend the day together and consider it very special day. They visit giant Christmas trees, exchange gifts and dine at fine restaurants. 

I’ve listed the best places for spending Christmas in Seoul.

1. Seoul City Hall & Cheonggyecheon 

2. Myeongdong Cathedral 

3. Shinsegae Main Branch 

Fun fact: Shinsegae Main Branch was filmed for K-Dramas such as The Legend of The Blue Sea, Pinocchio, My First First Love, Boys Over Flowers, & etc.

4. Lotte World 

5. Everland

6. Namsan

7. Shinchon Yonseiro 

[koreaguides]

Must Visit Cafe in Mokpo

CLB Bakery 

it’s a huge bakery that recently became renovated and modernized. This place is known to be quite packed and there’s usually a line outside to get in. 

Address: 14, Yeongsan-ro 75beon-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do

Hours: 08:00-21:00 

You’ll find all kinds of pastries at affordable prices here!

[koreaguides]

Instagrammable Spots In Korea 2

1. Chuncheon Santorini

Chuncheon is a popular place for locals who live in the vicinity of Seoul, is located in Gangwon province. The K-Drama Winter Sonata was filmed here. Once the sunset, they light up the bell tower, which is unforgettable.

Located: 1154-97 Sunhwan-Dong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do.

Cafe hours: 10:00-23:00 

Admission fees: 

Adults: 5,000 won 

Teenager and Military: 3,000 Won 

Children: 1,000 won 

2. Gangneung Haslla Art World:

Haslla Art World was built on the slopes and peak of a hill with artisan care to showcase the beauty nature. It’s a place where you can enjoy plenty of beautiful nature. Pets are allowed in the museum. 

Located: Yulgok-ro 144, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Hours: 

Museum: 9:00-18:00 

Sculpture Park: 9:00-19:00 

Restaurant (reservation only): 9:00-17:30

Admission fees: 

Adults & Teenagers: 12,000 won 

Children: 10,000 won 

3. Su Gallery Cafe

Climbing this stairway to heaven, you’ll find the sea spread out in front of you, making for a perfect spot to get the shot of your life.

Located: 10 Gajoseo-ro gil, Sadeung-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Closed on Monday)