Jongno area is the most central part of Seoul, but it is also a place that retains the image of old Seoul. It is a street where time flows back to the Joseon Dynasty. Personally, Ikseon-dong was an unfamiliar neighborhood to me, but the place I visited this time was a whole new world. The is cafe Sikmul(plants) in Ikseon-dong, the street of time travelers.
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The roof tiles and unique sliding doors are eye-catching.
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It shows the history of Ikseon-dong alley and the location of shops at the entrance of the cafe.
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This is the alleyway view. It's a scene that would appear in an old tv show, and there are many colorful and young shops.
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When I come back to cafe Sikmul and enter the entrance, the counter stands out first.
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I'm used to those neat big cafes, so this retro style feels a bit strange because it feels like its construction is unfinished.
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Most of seats are table seats, but some are floor seats. You can see the streets from the floow seats, so it's very popular. Most of the customers come to enjoy the unique atmosphere rather than chilling for a long time.
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There are props that seem to be in the grandmother's room everywhere. Also, the dishes are donated retro-flavored tableware. So the atmosphere is very unified, but I don't want my orders served in a chipped bowl.
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Since it is a remodeled hanok, there are quite a few hidden spaces. If I look everywhere, there are hidden seats in every corner.
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This table seems way too much retro.
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The signature menu here is 'sonyeon/sonyeo(boy/girl) coffee. The sonyeo coffee has Baileys added so it has alcohol in it.
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In addition to boy and girl coffee, there are more unique stuffs in the menu. I ordered boy/girl coffee and ice cream waffle.
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Ice cream waffle is about the size of a palm. I think the waffle was just baked at the store. The combination of savory waffle and ice cream is always good.
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This is girl coffee. The scent of Baileys, reminiscent of Kahlua milk, goes very well with coffee. If I drink it with the foam on top, it goes smoothly. Even those who can't drink alcohol can drink this.
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This is boy coffee. It's basically a cold brew latte. They put iced cube frozen cold brew in a cup of milk and condensed milk. It's cool and soft.
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- Food ★★★☆☆
- Cleanliness ★★☆☆☆
It' an old hanok, can't expect much.
- Service ★★★☆☆
Average
- Ambience ★★★☆☆
There will be pros and cons depending on your taste.
- Accessibility ★★★☆☆
3 minutes on foot from exit 4 of Jongno 3-ga Station on line 1,3 and 5.
- Open Hours: From 12:00 to 23:00
- Recommended Number of Guests: 2~4
- Recommended Menu: Sonyeon/Sonyeo coffee, Waffle
- Price Range: 7,000 won for Sonyeon/Sonyeo coffee
- Amenities: Group Seats, wi-fi, Separated rest rooms for men/women
Address: 46-1 Donhwamun-ro 11-Da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
