Observatory Cafe (Darak)
After having lunch with a friend in Euljiro, I stepped outside to find a sky so clear and blue that it felt almost unreal. It was the perfect day to finally visit Jeongdong Observatory, a place I had always wanted to go.
Recently, the café inside the observatory was renovated, and many people mentioned that the atmosphere has become much nicer. I was curious to see it for myself — and indeed, the space felt bright, cozy, and inviting. You can simply enjoy the view, or take a moment to relax over a cup of coffee.
Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of the Seosomun Building 1, right across from the Deoksugung Stone Wall Walk. It’s less than a five-minute walk from Exit 1 of City Hall Station (Line 1 or Line 2).
Once you enter the building, you’ll see a sign on the right guiding you to the observatory.
From the observatory, you can see all of Deoksugung Palace spread out below. To the left stands Jeongdong Church, and to the right, you can spot the Seoul Metropolitan Library and the City Hall building, a beautiful panoramic view right in the middle of the city.
Inside the observatory is Café Darak (Jeongdong, Seoul), where you can enjoy coffee or tea while gazing at the beautiful view of Deoksugung.
There’s also a standing area for those who just want to enjoy the scenery. Even if you don’t order anything, you’re free to appreciate the view.
Menu
Coffee starts at around 3,000 KRW, while their signature drinks; 'the Butterscotch Einspänner' and 'Vanilla Bean Einspänner' are 5,000 KRW.
They also serve non-coffee drinks like green tea latte, black tea latte, and hot chocolate,
and light desserts such as scones, muffins, and cakes are all quite affordable.
I was surprised to see quite a few people even on a weekday. I couldn’t help but envy the staff who get to see Deoksugung’s ever-changing scenery every day.
I’d love to come back in autumn when the leaves turn red, or in winter when snow covers the palace roofs. They say the sunset view from here is stunning too, I’ll definitely be back.
Address : 15 Deoksugung-gil, Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Operation Hours : Mon-Fri: 13:30 - 17:30, Sat-Sun : 09:00 - 17:30
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Source : https://blog.naver.com/su12192000/224005113427
Writer : su12192000
Special thanks to su12192000
Jeongdong Observatory Cafe Darak seoul korea