A trio of floral cakes, old houses, and idol drama-themed Seoul

Seoul is not just the capital of South Korea but also a stylish city where shopping, food, design, technology, and other elements collide and blend. Traveling in such a city, you greedily absorb the colorful information, indulge in rich and luxurious Korean cuisine, and beyond that, Seoul has a café every three steps and a teahouse every five. When you’re tired of sightseeing, find a favorite spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy an unhurried, leisurely afternoon tea in the bustling city.

 

Known as the “Champs-Élysées of Seoul,” Sinsa-dong features tree-lined streets lined with trendy boutiques opened by designers who have returned from studying abroad, making it feel like strolling down Paris’s Champs-Élysées. In addition to shops selling highly fashionable and trend-driven clothing, there are also many uniquely styled restaurants and cafés. In autumn, golden ginkgo trees add a romantic touch to the street, and you can often see people enjoying brunch or afternoon tea at the outdoor seating of cafés, exuding a chic and relaxing vibe.

It is precisely because of the joyful faces at the outdoor seating that, on a solitary afternoon in Seoul, I pushed open the door of bloom and goûté, chose a seat where I could see both the café scenery and the street view, amidst the wafting sweet aroma, ordered a coffee and a beautiful cake, and while eating, admired the men and women passing by the window, as if watching a fashion show.

Looking around the shop, vintage large wooden tables are adorned with fresh flowers. Are the cakes beside the blossoms the main attraction or just an accompaniment? Is this a flower shop or a bakery? In fact, bloom and goûté was co-founded by two good friends — one who studied floral art in the UK and the other who studied patisserie in France. As the name suggests, "bloom" means "flower" in French, while "goûté" refers to "tasting" or "cake." This space uniquely blends fragrant blooms with freshly baked sweets, allowing visitors to spend a relaxing time in Seoul amid floral scents, sugary aromas, and the aroma of coffee.

 

Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Insadong was once home to many high-ranking officials and nobles during the Joseon period. During Japanese colonial rule, impoverished former aristocrats, struggling to make ends meet, were forced to sell family heirlooms, which eventually gave rise to a unique antique street. This historical backdrop has shaped today’s Insadong, now filled with specialty shops offering Korean cultural goods. In addition to restaurants, galleries, and art shops, the area also boasts numerous traditional teahouses themed around classic Korean aesthetics. Winding through the bustling crowds of Insadong and turning into a quiet alley, you’re instantly drawn in by the faint aroma of tea and traditional charm. Ascending creaky wooden stairs to the second floor, you’re greeted by traditional wooden furnishings that have lost some of their luster but gained a sense of old-world character. Tea drinkers lounge in pairs or small groups on wooden chairs cushioned with Korean fabric, chatting casually. The entire teahouse feels enveloped in a laid-back, tranquil atmosphere, as if even the sounds around you grow distant.

With a soft “flap,” the sound of wings suddenly flutters behind your ear. It turns out that Old Tea Shop has set up an open bird nest inside, where birds can freely fly about, adding a touch of liveliness and vitality to the otherwise classic Korean teahouse. Order a cup of papaya tea, and let its sweet yet slightly tangy aroma spread through your mouth, paired with the rice crackers served with the tea. The traditional Korean flavors dance on your taste buds, letting you feel the gentle pulse of bygone days through your palate.

 

“Hongdae” refers to Hongik University, but nowadays it’s more commonly understood as the surrounding commercial district. Hongdae is packed with quirky independent shops, bars, and cafés, and hosts art markets on weekends, making it a hub of youth and subculture. Its distinctive vibe has made it a popular filming location for many idol dramas. Just observe the reactions of female fans at the filming location of Coffee Prince Branch 1 in Hongdae to understand the tourism impact of Korean idol dramas. Originally a café beloved by veteran professors at Hongik University, it was a place where drinking a cup of black tea was considered a refined pleasure during a time of relative scarcity. As time passed and business declined, the shop was slated to close — until it was chosen by MBC TV as the main filming set for a new drama. After the show premiered on MBC in 2007 and became a huge hit, the café reopened under the drama’s title, “Coffee Prince Branch 1.” The blend of its real history and K-drama allure transformed it into one of the hottest tourist spots, attracting fans from Taiwan, Japan, and beyond.