Tucked away in the quiet alleys of  Seochon (Seoul), just a 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, lies Bear Café, a beautifully restored Hanok café.

The walk from the busy station exit to this tranquil spot offers a noticeable shift in atmosphere. Unlike the bustling streets near the palace, this café sits peacefully in a quiet neighborhood, inviting visitors to slow down and unwind.

Housed in an 80-year-old Hanok, Bear Café is one of the largest Hanok café in Seochon. With its stunning traditional architecture and a spacious garden, it provides the perfect setting to soak in the serene ambiance of the area.

The café retains much of its original Hanok structure, creating a space full of character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read, enjoy a cup of coffee, or engage in heartfelt conversation, this place has it all.

Just last week, the crisp autumn breeze and gentle warmth of the sun made lounging in the garden an absolute pleasure. As the temperatures drop, the garden’s charm doesn’t fade. Picture yourself sitting on the wooden floor of the Hanok, gazing at raindrops or snowflakes drifting down, an utterly serene and enchanting experience.

Most of my past visits coincided with busy book events on weekends, but visiting on a weekday afternoon revealed a completely different side of the café. The calm, unhurried atmosphere made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you want to read, work, hold a meeting, or simply relax, Bear Café offers a quiet retreat from the city’s hustle.

 

Menu

While the café serves excellent coffee, its signature drinks are Salted Cream Latte and Einspänner. With such a wide selection of coffee options, I always find myself debating what to order each time I visit.

For those who enjoy sweets, the Mont Blanc and tarts are perfect pairings for any drink.

On this visit, I originally planned to have their signature Salted Cream Latte. However, having already had coffee and crepes earlier in the morning, I opted for the Omija (Schisandra berry) Ade instead.

The slightly warm weather made this choice even better. The deep ruby-red Omija Ade, with its balanced sweet and tangy flavors, was incredibly refreshing and uplifting.

My very first visit to Bear Café was during a time when I was deeply into independent publications. Back then, the café hosted a flea market-style book fair showcasing indie books from various authors.

Today, the event continues under the name Bear Book Market, held twice a year in spring and autumn. It remains one of the best independent publishing fairs in the city.

Bear Café also operates Bear Books, an independent bookstore housed within the same space. Currently, they are hosting a calendar exhibition alongside their impressive collection of indie books, which range from essays and comics to novels and illustrations.

Independent books often shine with the unique and creative perspectives of their authors. Beyond books, the store also features an array of eye-catching goods, making it a paradise for merch lovers.

Books by renowned Korean author Han Kang.

For those looking for a peaceful café near Gyeongbokgung, Bear Café is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Combining the timeless elegance of a Hanok with the charm of an independent bookstore, this café offers a quiet escape with excellent coffee, thoughtful exhibitions, and a serene garden.

Whether you’re here for a solo reading session, a casual meet-up, or a bit of creative inspiration, Bear Café provides the perfect atmosphere to relax and recharge.

 

Address : 62 Hyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-70-7775-8001

Operation Hours : Wednesday-Sunday : 11:00 - 19:00 (Mon,Tue closed)

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/arasi56/223669064211

Writer : arasi56

Special thanks to arasi56

 

bear cafe seoul seochon cafe hanok