Solo in Seoul: HBC
Back at ya with another Solo in Seouls, my mini series where I give you lists of my favorite (or wish could be my favorite) places in Seoul!
This time we’re talking about HBC, which is short for Haebangchon 해방촌. This is a neighborhood in Yongsan, right at the base of Namsan. It’s like the gayer, trendier cousin of Itaewon—and it’s actually right next to it.
Itaewon is known for its foreign residents and few, and its neighbor HBC is no different. You’ll find lots of vegan places, foreign restaurants and even Texas bars.
List in no particular order.
1. El Pino 323 엘피노323
I once told my coteacher about El Pino. She went and liked it so much she literally teared up over her food, and then spent ages trying to recreate the tacos she ate at home.
El Pino is LA-style Mexican food. I can’t explain how but it’s a bit different from the Tex-Mex I’m used to back home, but it’s still damn good. Probably the best Mexican food in all of Korea. They have brunch, enchiladas, tacos, the classics. I recommend their margaritas too, but expect to drop a lotta cash. Mexican food is not cheap here and chips and salsa will not be free (I weep Texan tears).
2. The Baker’s Table 더베이커스테이블
The Baker’s Table is a German bakery near HBC. They serve take-away bread, but they’re known for their brunch: schnitzel, sandwiches on thick slices of garlicky focaccia and lentil soups. This place is pretty popular, so expect lines during peak brunch hours, but it’s probably the best bread I’ve had outside of Sung Sim Dang.
3. Southside Parlor
Ah, a Texan bar. The owners are most definitely Texan, with a menu featuring Longhorn favorites, migos tacos (I miss you, Austin) and lots of tequila cocktails. I go here when I’m homesick, and sometimes they even have photography events and drag shows (covid willing).
4. Vegan Space 비건스페이스
Vegan Space is a cafe and foodstore. They sell all sorts of international foods—especially of the vegan variety. You can even find Beyond Meat here! Their cafe also offers dairy-milk alternatives, which is rare in Korea (but becoming less rare).
5. Piuda 피우다
Piuda (sometimes spelled Piooda) is an adult lifestyle shop. Sex shops in Korea are not that uncommon, but extremely queer friendly ones are. This place is flies all the rainbow colors: it’s very queer and poly friendly. The owner also speaks English and can explain stuff to you, so don’t be afraid to ask. One of my friends used to work here and we’re really proud of a place like this in Korea!
6. Casablanca 카사블랑카 샌드위치
Casablanca is another yummy lunch place featuring sandwiches, soups and salads. We came here once after Baker’s Table’s wait was too long; I was a little disappointed until I tried my food. It was REALLY good, and it’s little patio area is very relaxing on a warm day.
7. Nuldam Letter Cafe 널담은공간 해방촌점
I came here on my last day in Korea. I ordered a coffee and their letter writing set (4,000 won; comes with two postcards), then wrote a little letter to myself for the future. They have a calendar wall; you simply put your envelope in whatever day you’d like it to be sent to you. NOTE: It will be sent in the next year. So if you go on August 25th, 2021 and put your letter in for December 25th, it will arrive to you on December 25th, 2022. Also they do send letters internationally for an extra 1,000 won.
Alright, that’s it for HBC! Check out it’s companion piece, Solo in Seoul: Itaewon. Thanks for reading and I hope you can go to some of these places :)