Ever heard of Yonsei University (which is one of the SKY universities in South Korea)? If you did, you probably know that it is around Sinchon or Hongdae area which are popular meeting spots that are always packed with locals and tourists. However, if you are not a fan of crowded places, I would recommend you to visit Yeonhui-dong – a much more quieter, quainter neighborhood which is located right next to Yonsei University.
About Yeonhui-dong
Yeonhui-dong is a dong neighborhood at the center of Seodaemun-gu in Seoul, South Korea. What makes this residential zone special is that it is filled with lots of lovely restaurants, unique cafes, and other small to mid size business that are scattered all around this neighborhood.
“Itโs a rare mix of residential and commercial areas, where visitors can sip a cup of tea while watching children hang out at the playground.”
The Korea Herald
In this post, I’m going to introduce a few great spots hidden throughout this area. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss them out, especially if they were recommended by a local resident like me!
My top hangout spots in Yeonhui-dong
Sway Coffee Station
One of my top spots to enjoy a quiet afternoon tea or even chill out with my friends. They serve really great coffees and fancy drinks over here, so if you are a coffee lover, definitely check this place out! Oh, not to mention all of their coffee beans are imported from Australia so that might explains why their coffee taste so much different than any other coffees I’ve tried in South Korea.
Moreover, the atmosphere inside this cafe is out-of-this-world! Lovely music, peaceful environment, warm decor – a perfect recipe for great cafe like this. If you are seeking for a place to relax and unwind, this is the perfect place for you.
Address: 61, Yeonhui-ro 11-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hour: 11AM โ 10PM everyday
Sio (์์ค)
Sio is a Japanese restaurant that serves Japanese homemade style food. All of their menu comes with a lot of side dishes and the portions are very generous. What I love about their food is that the ingredients are really fresh and just by the taste of it, you can really feel the amount of effort they’ve put into making their food. If you were to visit this restaurant someday, be sure to come with an empty stomach!
The restaurant itself is very cozy and cute. It was almost as if I were eating inside my own home, but of course, with greater food and company. This restaurant is very popular so long queue is to be expected during peak hours. Overall, great food, great atmosphere. 10/10 from me!
Address: 190-4 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hour: 11:30AM โ 2:30PM, 5 โ 10PM from Mon to Sat; 11:30AM โ 10PM for Sun
Hongdae Sak (ํ๋์ญ ์ฐํฌ๋์ )
When it comes to South Korean street food, one must not forget about tteokbokki, fried food and also fish cake. This small bar serves really good street food and their portions are really big. And fun fact: they serve Japanese sake too! I have never even tried tteokbokki with sake until I came to this bar and guess what? They made a perfect match together! However, if you can’t stand spicy food, the tteokbokki over here might not be for you, but it is always good to challenge yourself to new stuffs, right? Be sure to check this place out if you are craving for some midnight supper or when you have no idea what to eat when you are in Seoul.
Address: 89 Yeonhui-ro, Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hour: 4PM โ 2AM from Mon to Sat
VCAPHE
VCAPHE – the name of this store is the combination of the initial “V” from the word “Vietnam” and Caphe which means coffee in Vietnamese. Yes, your guessing are correct. This is a Vietnamese cafe franchise that is located at the heart of Yeonhui-dong. One of their must-try-menus are the Vietnamese coffee. It is typically made using Vietnamese-grown coffee with a small metal drip filter. After adding some hot water, the drip filter will then release drops of coffee into a cup filled with sweetened condensed milk. A very unique taste in general. And don’t forget to try out their Banh Mi too! They also offer mild version if you can’t stand spicy food.
The interior of the whole cafe is huge and looks very modernized. Definitely a great spot for a large group of people. So if you are looking for a perfect brunch spot or hangout spot, this is it!
Address: 193-10 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hour: 11AM โ 10PM everyday
Yeonhui-dong is definitely one of the must go place in Seoul if you are looking for somewhere to relax and destress. Once you fill up your stomach with good food and drink, a walk around the neighborhood is highly recommended as well. Start exploring and immerse yourself in the beauty of Yeonhui-dong!
Read more: Sinchon: the Young Street
