Today, I visited Center Coffee Seoul (Seongsu, Seoul), a café owned and operated by Park Sang-ho, the renowned British Barista Champion and coffee roaster.

The café, converted from a residential house, is almost unnoticeable from the street due to the lack of a visible sign. However, it is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Seongsu-dong is a bustling café hotspot, filled with countless coffee shops. If I were to recommend two cafés in the area, Center Coffee and Lowkey would be at the top of my list.

Upon entering, I noticed two baristas working diligently, one specializing in espresso-based drinks, while the other focused on brewing coffee.

The bar seating near the entrance is a prime spot, especially on a sunny day. The ground floor has about five or six tables, and while it’s relatively quiet during the week, the café gets crowded on weekends.

Menu

Since Center Coffee roasts its own beans, the brewing coffee selection changes seasonally.

In addition to brewed coffee, they also serve espresso-based drinks and milk alternatives, though the menu is primarily focused on coffee.

I first visited Center Coffee in 2017, back when I was only drinking coffee and watermelon juice. At the time, I had no idea this café would grow into one of the most respected coffee spots in Korea.

Looking at the menu now, it’s clear that Center Coffee has fully embraced its identity as a specialty coffee shop.

Ethiopia Sidama Natural  6,500 won

This coffee had the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with a silky smooth texture. The clean finish and satisfying acidity made it an exceptional cup.

​Tasting note: "At first, you'll notice the peach flavor, but as it cools, the tropical flavors will become more prominent."

Latte 6,000 won

The latte had a more pronounced sweetness than nuttiness, making it a smooth and enjoyable choice.

CEO Park Sang-ho

For those interested in coffee, CEO Park Sang-ho has a fascinating background.

After moving to England at a young age, he became a British citizen and started his career as a café manager in London. Later, he transitioned into coffee roasting and eventually won the British Barista Championship.

Inspired by his success, he returned to Korea and opened Center Coffee, bringing his expertise in high-quality coffee roasting.

If you’re curious about his journey, check out his YouTube interviews where he shares his philosophy on coffee and business.

2F

The upper floor offers a clear view of Seoul Forest, making it a great place to relax, especially in summer. However, the breeze can get strong, so bring warm clothing if you’re visiting on a chilly day.

Merchandise

Why not grab a cup to-go and enjoy a peaceful walk through Seoul Forest? It’s the perfect way to experience Seongsu-dong’s thriving coffee culture.

Address : 28-11 Seoulsup 2(i)-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-0507-1448-2017

Operation Hours : Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 - 21:00 (Monday closed)

Website : centercoffee.co.kr

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://blog.naver.com/forma2013/222982703745

Writer : forma2013

Special thanks to forma2013

center coffee seoul seongsu roastery