In 2007, about 13 years ago, there was a K-drama called 'Coffee Prince' which was a huge hit. This cafe 'Sanmotung-i(corner of a mountain)' is the place where one of the drama's main character's home. It was originally a house, but thanks to the popularity of the tv show, it was renovated into a cafe.
This yellow car was the drama's character, Choi Han-sung(Lee Sun-kyun)'s car. That is the only one parking spot.
It was a private house and as its name suggests, it is located at the foot of the mountain, and the surrounding roads are narrow, it is difficult to get there by public transportation.
Around the time when the Korean drama became a hit in Japan, many Japanese tourists must have been there. There are articles introduced in Japanese magazines and notices in Japanese. There are Portraits of the four main characters and props used in the drama are displayed.
They even have their business cards in four different languages.
Don't you expect that the outdoor view from inside would be beautiful?
In fact, the view is much more incredible than I expected. As I've been walking up the mountain for a while, the view is even greater.
This seat looks good to enjoy the scenery.
This is the view of the cafe from the outside. Despite the hot weather, many people who can't give up on the view are sitting in the shade outside.
I can see the ridge and the mountain fortress in the distance. The outdoor seats are the first class no matter which one you take.
Actually the props here have no theme. I can feel the years of the old cafe that has been thriving for 13 years.
It's not a big cafe that we see on these days, but there's a lot of hidden space here, so it's fun to look around.
There are quite a lot of seats up to the second floor. Each floor has different atmosphere.
There are tables on the terrace on the second floor.
There are plenty of tables on the 2.5th floor.
If you come down to the basement, you'll find another unexpected place.
The scenery outside is nice, but it's fun to explore the inside, so if you visit here, take a look at everywhere.
Overall, it's quite expensive. However, considering the view, it's not a waste of money.
I had lunch before I visit here, but the road was so rough and I was craving for something sweet. I ordered iced coffee, opera cake, and raspberry cake.
It would be so perfect if the food taste good in this view, the coffee and cake are all below average. Maybe it's because dessert cafes these days are so high quality.
Coffee doesn't taste burnt, but it is too light, and the cake tasts like mass-produced.
Their food is not the best however, at the expense of all this, the view is so great that it's worth a visit.
- Food ★★☆☆☆
Only the view is good.
- Cleanliness ★★☆☆☆
Nothing can beat the time. No matter how much they sweet and wipe, there's a limit.
- Service ★★☆☆☆
Hard to expect kindness. There's even no wifi.
- Ambience ★★★★☆
To be honest, the indoor atmosphere has nothing much to comment. The outdoor is perfect.
- Accessibility ★☆☆☆☆
Take 1020, 212, 7022 bus from exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung station on line 3, get off at Buam-dong office, walk 700m.
- Open Hours: 11:00~22:00 (Closed on Holidays)
- Recommended for 1 or more people. There are group seats, so it would be nice for many people, still it would be nice to enjoy the view alone.
- Value: From 7,000 won for drinks
- Amenities: Separated rest rooms for gender, group seats
Address: 153 Baekseok-dong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
