Sometimes you have to go to a bit of effort to get a reward. This is definitely the case to get to Cafe Sanmotoonge, as it is up one motherf***** of a steep hill.
Sensible people might perhaps take a taxi, but me, I decided to walk on a hot day because I’m an idiot. My mapping app made it look like it wasn't too far. It lied.
These are just some of the steps...
The Whanki Museum is in the same neighbourhood of Buam-dong, and if you like art it is definitely worth a visit. The area has many other small galleries and studios.
Whilst there are lots of nice cafes around here, I wanted to see the view from this particular one.
Once you arrive, (preferably not dripping with sweat and looking like a beetroot), a yellow VW Beetle greets you from the front yard. Naturally, a stuffed Mickey Mouse is driving.
Once inside, this cafe is an eclectic mix of plants, modern design, and British themed items. As a location for a Korean Drama ‘Coffee Prince,’ it also has memorabilia related to this.
The drinks menu is not extensive, but you don't come for the drinks. The view from the large windows that wrap around the multiple rooms is what draws the eye.
I chose a seat overlooking the mountain side, and a garden with some creepy ceramic animals. Some would call them charming…
This room has plants and a more rustic feel, which I preferred to the others. It has a vase on each table with a single flower, and the name and details of the flower on a card. Some of the tables bases are made of vintage sewing machines.
I also had a piece of cheesecake, because my god had I earned it with that climb. It was the standard catering fare cake but tasted pretty good.
Outside to the back of the cafe there are seats with sunshades, and an incredible view of Seoul in the distance. This area would be great to hang out in the evening and watch the lights of the city come on.
I went on a weekday lunchtime, and all of the other customers seemed local, although I imagine weekends are busier.
If you like walking up steep hills, or if you don't mind a short taxi ride, this cafe is well worth a visit to see the spectacular views. As Seoul Cafes go, it's a stunner.
97-5 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울시 종로구 부암동 97-5
Bus Stop: Buam-dong Community Center