Seoul Food Girl: Sanmotoonge boasts as the most idyllic coffee shop in Korea

Sanmotoonge is located in the beautiful hillsides of Buam-dong in Jongno-gu Seoul.

The Seoul Fortress Wall is one of my favorite destinations in Seoul. Sanmotoonge offers great views of the historic site.

   
     Gazing off the corner of a mountainside up at the Seoul Fortress Wall, Sanmotoonge (Corner of the mountain) will offer you the most tantalizing coffee and desserts in Seoul. I have been to many extravagant and fun coffee shops in Seoul, and none of them beat the quaint and inviting atmosphere of Sanmotoonge. Looking out to the left of the coffee shop you will see hikers going up and down the steep steps of Seoul Fortress Wall. Surrounded by lush mountain scape you will feel like you are far away from the hustle and bustle of the city as you gaze down upon the city of Seoul far below.

      If you are really adventurous you may hike all the way from The Seoul Fortress Wall's Malbawi section in Jongno and finish at Sanmotoonge. I did this one day and it took me about 3 hours. I also enjoy walking from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Sanmotoonge which takes about 1 hour. For those less adventurous you might want to take the bus or subway to 97-5 Buam-dong,Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. 

      The Coffee Shop is famous for being the house where Choi Han Seong (played by Lee Sun Gyun) lived, after the popularity of the Korean drama Coffee Prince. Items from the set remain in the house that has now been turned into Seoul's most picturesque coffee shop.

      The prices are more expensive than most coffee shops in Seoul Coffee (6,000 ~ 7,000 won), Tea (6,000 ~ 8,000 won) however their coffees and treats are truly amazing. Everything that you eat or drink will be worth the price. Between my ice green tea latte and a delicious raspberry cheese cake my taste-buds had re-entered Westernized heaven.

The Korean coffee shop is a hit among Seoulites looking for an enjoyable afternoon.

Iced lattes are a perfect summer treat to bear the humidity in Seoul.

I recommend the iced green tea latte. Its frothy creme is among the best I've tasted in Seoul.

Real cheesecake is hard to come by in Korea.

Walking around the streets of Buam-dong is an idyllic adventure.

Here is what the walk looks like up the hill to the coffee shop. Girls shouldn't wear heels for the long walk!

One of the adorable countryesque houses on the walk up to the coffee shop.

A beautiful place to celebrate spring in Korea.

The coffee shop is a great place for a romantic date.

The coffee and tea menu. Courtesy of HappyDalki.

I won't show any pictures of the inside because I am partial to the outside patio area!

Directions From Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno to Sanmotoonge Cafe -about 9 minutes by subway and bus.  http://maps.visitseoul.net/index.jsp?lang=eng

Start Gyeongbokgung

Line 3 (Anguk stop)

Get on train for Gyeongbokgung at Anguk.

Get off train at Gyeongbokgung Stn after 1^st stop.

1020(Gyeongbokgung Stn)

Get on bus at Gyeongbokgung Stn

bus stop and get off bus at Gyeongbokgung Stn bus stop after moving in 7^th stop.

90m on foot to destination.

End Buam-dong Community Service Center

 

or

 

Take subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung (exit 3), Get on a bus (No 7022, 1020, 0212, 7018) and get off at Buam-dong office. 

 

Once in Buam-dong walk around the neighborhood and enjoy all of the scenery and shops! head up the hill to Sanmotoonge (about 10 minute walk).  

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