Solo in Seoul: Hapjeong
My new little mini-series, a listicle about cool places to check out in Seoul (especially if you’re going solo).
This time we’re talking about Hapjeong! My coteacher came in one Monday morning raving about Hapjeong. I was kind of surprised. Although I’d been around just cause it’s close to Hongdae, I hadn’t explored much of it. She insisted I check out all these places, sooo on my last weekend in Seoul, I headed back there and lo and behold, she was right.
Hapjeong is a treasure trove of proud roasteries, vintage thrift shops and vegan restaurants in Seoul. It’s in Mapo-gu, right next to Hongik University (Hongdae area) so very easily accessible. Here are some unique places to go:
Note: I didn’t have time to get to all of these, so some pics are pulled from their naver pages!
1. Musyu Bubu Coffee Stand
If you dig alleyways and hole-in-the-walls as much as I do, this cafe is for you. It’s called a coffee stand because really it’s more of…well, a coffee stand than anything else. But there are seats if you wanna chill and the coffee is so good!
2. La Retro
This is an antique jewelry and vintage clothes store. Buying secondhand in Korea is becoming more popular, but it’s still pretty niche. The clothing style is more feminine and frilly than my tastes, but they have some really unique brooches, earrings and pendants. Expect to pay boutique retail price;, no ahjumma thrift store discounts.
3. Melbeu Coffee 멜브
Another coteacher recommendation. Melbeu is a chic little Australian roastery and café. They offer soy milk and also have fresh juice!
4.Seoul Brewery 서울브루어리
If you want a dark and bougie little brewery to look mysterious in, I recommend this one. I tried two beers—their Robust Porter and some IPA I can’t remember. Both were great! They also sell quiches and lots of bar foods, like truffle fires.
5. Cook & Book 쿡앤북
I came here as well but it was closed. This is a cute little vegan brunch place and bakery. I’ve heard good things about their cakes! Expect pastas, salads and carrot cakes.
6. Page One 페이지원
We’re getting into more Hongdae territory here, but this is another vintage clothing store. This place collects a lot of vintage Japanese dresses and blouses, but you can also find interesting Americana knick knacks.
7. Dangdo 당도
A gelateria where you can find all your gelato, cup or cone. The basic option is two flavors—their specialty seems to be fruity flavors. It’s quite small but there’s a few places to sit inside.
8. Urban Plant 어반플랜트
This is a jungle of a little brunch place. Another one I haven’t been to personally, but my friend went and had glowing things to say about it. Their specialty their signature omelet and fancy teas.
9. Harong Banh Mi 하롱반미
My coteacher recommended this little banh mi sandwich shop. I walked past it around lunch time and promised I’d go back because it smelled amazing. I’m so sad that this place was closed when I came back. You should go! Tell me how it is!
10. Fish Bucket
Okay, please don’t mind the name ahhaha. Fish Bucket is a little poke bowl shop. I dropped by here after the banh mi place was closed. I got their wasabi mayo salmon poke and it was sooo good. Came with complementary soy-marinated egg.
11. Saek Dareun Han-jan 색다른한잔
Yet another one I haven’t been to, but my friend has. The name means “A different color cup/shot”—which makes sense because this is gay bar with craft beer, wine and fried pub food (including foods like burgers and mash). Their menu even says you MUST be LGBT friendly.
That’s it for Hapjeong~ I had a great little solo day trip, and this isn’t even scratching the surface. I wish I had more time to check it out all but in lieu of me, I hope you can go to Seoul and do it yourself instead!