Overhaulin'

Cozy cafes with all the comforts of home

Summary: Park Ji yeong a 26 year old Seoul resident says that on weekends she ventures out to the cafe street in Bojeong dong in the city of Yongin Gyeonggi to escape Seoul s concrete jungle and enjoy a leisurely day with friends According to the young urbanite Seoul s countless cafes and eateries have become increasingly commercial and crowded in recent years In contrast to the crowded similarly themed eateries in Seoul Bojeong s cafes and restaurants exude a much more laid back comforting ambience she said savoring a piece of chocolate fondant at a Bojeong dong dessert cafe Located about 33 kilometers 20 miles from central Seoul by car on the southern outskirts of Gyeonggi near Jukjeon Station Bojeong s cafe street looks like a little village of its own with around 60 cafes and restaurants The area used to be just another secluded suburb of Seoul with apartment complexes and villas but about three years ago it began to gain a reputation as the go to place for Seoul and Gyeonggi residents looking for something different Along with the cafes and restaurants the area also boasts over 40 clothing and accessories stores that sell unique items that can t be found anywhere in Seoul Kim Su hee director of Cheongsol Consulting a real estate agency that opened about six years ago on Bojeong s cafe street says that the area s development has been stunning By the middle of 2009 there were no places left for new shops or restaurants to open on this street Restaurant and cafe owners from Jeongja dong in Bundang and Sinsa dong in southern Seoul had already come here to open eateries Kim said They were all looking for an area with nice scenery and a relaxed atmosphere The cafe street is located right next to Tancheon a tributary of the Han River and is surrounded by a neighboring park Kim Da hye another regular visitor to the area says that she prefers this street to the food district in suburban Jeongja dong Bundang which became popular a few years ago Among the suburban areas near Seoul Jeongja dong caught on quickly but Bojeong s vibe is more serene Kim said One of Kim s favorite hangouts in Bojeong is I m Home a brunch and dessert place featuring homemade tarts and ice cream The cafe with its eggshell colored walls and rustic wooden tables reminds her of a cozy European cottage Since its opening in 2008 the cafe has emerged as a hot spot in the area The cafe s owners Choi Jin a and her younger sister Choi Yu ran bake the desserts themselves Rather than relying on fancy decorative elements they say they are more concerned about procuring the best ingredients for their dishes which has paid off by giving them a solid customer base Like I m Home many of the cafes and restaurants in Bojeong dong offer homemade dishes Many of their owners double as chefs or operate them as family run businesses At Bittersweet a patisserie and cafe in the area the sweet scent of macarons and cakes fills the room which is covered in dreamy blue and pink pastel wallpaper Lee In joong a Bojeong dong resident says that he regularly drops by the cafe with his daughter drawn by the original desserts The owner of this cafe is also the chef which seems to enable him to offer more unique elaborate cakes he said while handing a peanut macaron to his daughter The owner and chef of Bittersweet Han Ki ho says he is devoted to experimenting with new pastry recipes Two of the most popular items on the menu are the Ganesha cake which is made with masala or spices and Assam tea concentrate and squid ink macarons Han says that it takes him three days to make a Ganesha cake because he prepares all the ingredients by hand including the chai tea More than half of the eateries on the street are in fact dessert cafes and all offer a broad range of choices from homemade tarts to original sweets and aromatic teas One cafe Ribbon in the Sky specializes in crepes while Urban Glade appeals to customers with its original moffles a portmanteau of mochi and waffles In addition to dessert cafes the street also prides itself on restaurants offering dishes from Korea Mexico and Italy among other countries Because the neighborhood is located near large residential areas restaurant owners say they cater to people of all ages and backgrounds Here you can find a Korean restaurant featuring temple style bibimbap rice with mixed vegetables an authentic Mexican restaurant offering fajitas and a classic Italian restaurant specializing in pasta Soguk a traditional Korean teahouse and restaurant is known for its large selection of Korean teas and bibimbap The place sells nearly 20 kinds of Korean tea which are roasted by owner Ju Lee myung who is also an interior designer Ju says that it is the area s comfortable rustic simplicity and healthy food that draw a steady stream of regulars When you walk through this area it feels as if you are visiting a friend s home Ju said Contrary to my initial predictions I find that many young people especially couples in their twenties and thirties come here to enjoy the traditional tea and bibimbap The newly opened Mexican grill and pub Las Margaritas gives the street a Latin flair Opened three months ago Las Margaritas has become popular among expats in the area for its tacos and fajitas Our regulars are mostly foreigners who work as English teachers in the Pangyo area or at hagwon private academies nearby said Kang Jun koo owner of Las Margaritas Italian restaurant Il Piacere has an authentic Mediterranean feel Posters of famous Italian operas hang on the walls and the main dishes are all made with high quality Italian olive oil The owner Kim Hyun tae became familiar with Italy when he studied singing there as a student Today in addition to running the cafe he teaches classical music at Korea National University of Arts He is also the head of a co op of shop owners on Bojeong s cafe street Kim says that the co op has recently begun a push to give the area a stronger brand identity As its first step the co op hosted a Halloween party last year that drew over 400 visitors The co op is also making an effort to be designated as one of Yongin city government s Streets of Culture I hope people come to Bojeong and discover that it s not just an area for spending but is also a good place to relax said Kim Las Margaritas Margaritas tequila and beer complement a menu of tacos enchiladas and fajitas Beer prices range from 6 000 won to 10 000 won and a la carte items range from 4 200 won to 35 000 won Hours are 11 30 a m to 2 a m from Tuesdays to Sundays and 5 p m to 2 a m on Mondays 1181 8 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 4343 Soguk Soguk is a teahouse in a renovated hanok traditional Korean house and owned by chef Ju Lee myung It roasts more than 20 kinds of tea which are popular for their robust flavors The interior is decorated in a traditional Korean style accented by oversized flower paintings done by Ju who is also an interior designer Tea prices range from 5 000 won to 8 000 won The bibimbap and tea set is 13 000 won Hours are from 10 a m to 11 p m daily 1181 10 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 8165 Bittersweet This vintage patisserie and cafe serves cakes and macarons by proprietor and chef Han Ki ho There are over 12 different cakes and macarons on offer several of which are the owner s original creations including the Ganesha cake The cafe s pastel tones exude a feminine atmosphere and the cafe s terrace is a congenial place to enjoy your dessert during milder weather Cake prices range from 4 000 won $3 60 to 6 000 won per piece Coffee prices range from 3 500 won to 6 000 won Hours are from 11 a m to 12 a m daily 1186 12 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 272 7325 www b sweet net Il Piacere Operatic arias entice visitors to enter this classic Italian restaurant owned by Kim Hyun tae who gained familiarity with Italian cuisine when he was studying voice in Italy Once inside they are treated to classic Italian dishes from pasta to antipasti The restaurant s balsamic dressing made with high quality Italian olive oil is a popular item Pasta prices range from 14 000 won to 18 000 won Hours are from 11 a m to 11 p m daily The cafe is closed on Tuesdays 1187 2 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 8326 Eco s Books Named after Umberto Eco this book cafe offers visitors a selection of hundreds of books including recent best selling novels Opened two years ago Eco s Books has served as the backdrop for several advertisements and films most recently the upcoming feature film Eerie Romance starring Son Ye jin Brunch is available from 11 a m to 6 p m and prices range from 11 500 won to 16 000 won Coffee and drinks prices range from 4 500 won to 11 000 won Hours are from 10 a m to 11 30 p m daily 1187 7 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 266 1138 www caffeeco co kr Urban Glade With intricate decorations using leaves and ivy walking into this small cafe feels like entering a forest One of the most popular menu items here are the moffles a combination of mochi Japanese rice cakes and waffles The moffle and Americano set costs 9 000 won The moffle cake set ranges from 10 000 won to 10 500 won Hours are from 12 to 11 p m daily The cafe is closed on Tuesdays 1189 12 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 9261 Ribbon in the Sky Taking its name from Stevie Wonder s song Ribbon in the Sky this cafe has a dreamy atmosphere with sky blue walls and ivory colored drapes The cafe specializes in crepes that are crispy rather than soft Crepe prices range from 8 000 won to 13 000 won Coffee prices range from 5 000 won to 8 000 won Hours are from 11 a m to 12 a m daily 1193 7 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 898 1922 I m Home This tart and brunch cafe owned by sisters Choi Jin a and Choi Yu rann serves one of a kind desserts in a homey atmosphere Customer favorites include the strawberry yogurt and dark chocolate tarts and the homemade chocolate and cheese fondant ice cream The cafe transforms into an American style brunch cafe during the day and becomes a dessert cafe in the afternoon Tart prices range from 5 500 won to 10 000 won Brunch prices range from 13 000 won to 13 500 won Hours are from 10 a m to 12 a m daily 1183 8 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 265 7791 This article was reported by Cho Jae eun Yoo Sun young and Chang Hae won By Special Reporting Team jainnie joongang co kr Copyrights ⓒ JoongangIlbo Jcube Interactive Inc All rights reserved Park Ji yeong a 26 year old Seoul resident says that on weekends she ventures out to the cafe street in Bojeong dong in the city of Yongin Gyeonggi to escape Seoul s concrete jungle and enjoy a leisurely day with friends According to the young urbanite Seoul s countless cafes and eateries have become increasingly commercial and crowded in recent years In contrast to the crowded similarly themed eateries in Seoul Bojeong s cafes and restaurants exude a much more laid back comforting ambience she said savoring a piece of chocolate fondant at a Bojeong dong dessert cafe Located about 33 kilometers 20 miles from central Seoul by car on the southern outskirts of Gyeonggi near Jukjeon Station Bojeong s cafe street looks like a little village of its own with around 60 cafes and restaurants The area used to be just another secluded suburb of Seoul with apartment complexes and villas but about three years ago it began to gain a reputation as the go to place for Seoul and Gyeonggi residents looking for something different Along with the cafes and restaurants the area also boasts over 40 clothing and accessories stores that sell unique items that can t be found anywhere in Seoul Kim Su hee director of Cheongsol Consulting a real estate agency that opened about six years ago on Bojeong s cafe street says that the area s development has been stunning By the middle of 2009 there were no places left for new shops or restaurants to open on this street Restaurant and cafe owners from Jeongja dong in Bundang and Sinsa dong in southern Seoul had already come here to open eateries Kim said They were all looking for an area with nice scenery and a relaxed atmosphere The cafe street is located right next to Tancheon a tributary of the Han River and is surrounded by a neighboring park Kim Da hye another regular visitor to the area says that she prefers this street to the food district in suburban Jeongja dong Bundang which became popular a few years ago Among the suburban areas near Seoul Jeongja dong caught on quickly but Bojeong s vibe is more serene Kim said One of Kim s favorite hangouts in Bojeong is I m Home a brunch and dessert place featuring homemade tarts and ice cream The cafe with its eggshell colored walls and rustic wooden tables reminds her of a cozy European cottage Since its opening in 2008 the cafe has emerged as a hot spot in the area The cafe s owners Choi Jin a and her younger sister Choi Yu ran bake the desserts themselves Rather than relying on fancy decorative elements they say they are more concerned about procuring the best ingredients for their dishes which has paid off by giving them a solid customer base Like I m Home many of the cafes and restaurants in Bojeong dong offer homemade dishes Many of their owners double as chefs or operate them as family run businesses At Bittersweet a patisserie and cafe in the area the sweet scent of macarons and cakes fills the room which is covered in dreamy blue and pink pastel wallpaper Lee In joong a Bojeong dong resident says that he regularly drops by the cafe with his daughter drawn by the original desserts The owner of this cafe is also the chef which seems to enable him to offer more unique elaborate cakes he said while handing a peanut macaron to his daughter The owner and chef of Bittersweet Han Ki ho says he is devoted to experimenting with new pastry recipes Two of the most popular items on the menu are the Ganesha cake which is made with masala or spices and Assam tea concentrate and squid ink macarons Han says that it takes him three days to make a Ganesha cake because he prepares all the ingredients by hand including the chai tea More than half of the eateries on the street are in fact dessert cafes and all offer a broad range of choices from homemade tarts to original sweets and aromatic teas One cafe Ribbon in the Sky specializes in crepes while Urban Glade appeals to customers with its original moffles a portmanteau of mochi and waffles In addition to dessert cafes the street also prides itself on restaurants offering dishes from Korea Mexico and Italy among other countries Because the neighborhood is located near large residential areas restaurant owners say they cater to people of all ages and backgrounds Here you can find a Korean restaurant featuring temple style bibimbap rice with mixed vegetables an authentic Mexican restaurant offering fajitas and a classic Italian restaurant specializing in pasta Soguk a traditional Korean teahouse and restaurant is known for its large selection of Korean teas and bibimbap The place sells nearly 20 kinds of Korean tea which are roasted by owner Ju Lee myung who is also an interior designer Ju says that it is the area s comfortable rustic simplicity and healthy food that draw a steady stream of regulars When you walk through this area it feels as if you are visiting a friend s home Ju said Contrary to my initial predictions I find that many young people especially couples in their twenties and thirties come here to enjoy the traditional tea and bibimbap The newly opened Mexican grill and pub Las Margaritas gives the street a Latin flair Opened three months ago Las Margaritas has become popular among expats in the area for its tacos and fajitas Our regulars are mostly foreigners who work as English teachers in the Pangyo area or at hagwon private academies nearby said Kang Jun koo owner of Las Margaritas Italian restaurant Il Piacere has an authentic Mediterranean feel Posters of famous Italian operas hang on the walls and the main dishes are all made with high quality Italian olive oil The owner Kim Hyun tae became familiar with Italy when he studied singing there as a student Today in addition to running the cafe he teaches classical music at Korea National University of Arts He is also the head of a co op of shop owners on Bojeong s cafe street Kim says that the co op has recently begun a push to give the area a stronger brand identity As its first step the co op hosted a Halloween party last year that drew over 400 visitors The co op is also making an effort to be designated as one of Yongin city government s Streets of Culture I hope people come to Bojeong and discover that it s not just an area for spending but is also a good place to relax said Kim Las Margaritas Margaritas tequila and beer complement a menu of tacos enchiladas and fajitas Beer prices range from 6 000 won to 10 000 won and a la carte items range from 4 200 won to 35 000 won Hours are 11 30 a m to 2 a m from Tuesdays to Sundays and 5 p m to 2 a m on Mondays 1181 8 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 4343 Soguk Soguk is a teahouse in a renovated hanok traditional Korean house and owned by chef Ju Lee myung It roasts more than 20 kinds of tea which are popular for their robust flavors The interior is decorated in a traditional Korean style accented by oversized flower paintings done by Ju who is also an interior designer Tea prices range from 5 000 won to 8 000 won The bibimbap and tea set is 13 000 won Hours are from 10 a m to 11 p m daily 1181 10 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 8165 Bittersweet This vintage patisserie and cafe serves cakes and macarons by proprietor and chef Han Ki ho There are over 12 different cakes and macarons on offer several of which are the owner s original creations including the Ganesha cake The cafe s pastel tones exude a feminine atmosphere and the cafe s terrace is a congenial place to enjoy your dessert during milder weather Cake prices range from 4 000 won $3 60 to 6 000 won per piece Coffee prices range from 3 500 won to 6 000 won Hours are from 11 a m to 12 a m daily 1186 12 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 272 7325 www b sweet net Il Piacere Operatic arias entice visitors to enter this classic Italian restaurant owned by Kim Hyun tae who gained familiarity with Italian cuisine when he was studying voice in Italy Once inside they are treated to classic Italian dishes from pasta to antipasti The restaurant s balsamic dressing made with high quality Italian olive oil is a popular item Pasta prices range from 14 000 won to 18 000 won Hours are from 11 a m to 11 p m daily The cafe is closed on Tuesdays 1187 2 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 8326 Eco s Books Named after Umberto Eco this book cafe offers visitors a selection of hundreds of books including recent best selling novels Opened two years ago Eco s Books has served as the backdrop for several advertisements and films most recently the upcoming feature film Eerie Romance starring Son Ye jin Brunch is available from 11 a m to 6 p m and prices range from 11 500 won to 16 000 won Coffee and drinks prices range from 4 500 won to 11 000 won Hours are from 10 a m to 11 30 p m daily 1187 7 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 266 1138 www caffeeco co kr Urban Glade With intricate decorations using leaves and ivy walking into this small cafe feels like entering a forest One of the most popular menu items here are the moffles a combination of mochi Japanese rice cakes and waffles The moffle and Americano set costs 9 000 won The moffle cake set ranges from 10 000 won to 10 500 won Hours are from 12 to 11 p m daily The cafe is closed on Tuesdays 1189 12 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 889 9261 Ribbon in the Sky Taking its name from Stevie Wonder s song Ribbon in the Sky this cafe has a dreamy atmosphere with sky blue walls and ivory colored drapes The cafe specializes in crepes that are crispy rather than soft Crepe prices range from 8 000 won to 13 000 won Coffee prices range from 5 000 won to 8 000 won Hours are from 11 a m to 12 a m daily 1193 7 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 898 1922 I m Home This tart and brunch cafe owned by sisters Choi Jin a and Choi Yu rann serves one of a kind desserts in a homey atmosphere Customer favorites include the strawberry yogurt and dark chocolate tarts and the homemade chocolate and cheese fondant ice cream The cafe transforms into an American style brunch cafe during the day and becomes a dessert cafe in the afternoon Tart prices range from 5 500 won to 10 000 won Brunch prices range from 13 000 won to 13 500 won Hours are from 10 a m to 12 a m daily 1183 8 Bojeong dong Giheung District Yongin 031 265 7791 This article was reported by Cho Jae eun Yoo Sun young and Chang Hae won By Special Reporting Team jainnie joongang co kr Copyrights ⓒ JoongangIlbo Jcube Interactive Inc All rights reserved

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