Little Waves — Restaurant in Jeju

Janmulgyeol (literally "rippling waves" in Korean) is located in the quiet seaside town of Geumneung on the North West coast of Jeju Island.

From the outside the cafe looks traditional, with a recently renovated Jeju-style low stone bungalow facade. The concept inside however feels more European than Korean, with retro and antique European furniture and coffee cups, most noticeably from France and England. Even the doors and stools have been bought overseas to match the cream interior and wooden counter. The cafe has three main seating areas including a small cocktail bar, an outdoor patio and group seating in the adjacent bungalow.

Alongside the coffee and dessert menu, Janmulgyeol also serve a selection of single malt whiskies, available from 11am till close (currently 6pm). Some of the whiskies on offer include Scotch brands Bowmore, Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Bourbon from Makers Mark and Jack Daniels.

Janmulgyeol source up to five different roasted beans including their signature "Little Waves" blend. Their single origin line up at the time of visiting included:

1. Ethiopia Samii Urago Raro #4 Washed
2. Honduras Las Flores Natural
3. Costa Rica El Diamante Yellow Honey Anaerobic
4. Colombia Cerra Azul Geisha Natural

Another nearby cafe option is the equally quaint local roaster and Chemex brew cafe "The Other Side" (카페 이면).

While in the area, I recommend also visiting the nearby white sandy beach of Geumneung, just a five minute walk away from the...

Such a lovely hidden gem. There are two parking spots next to the store, but if it’s full you can street park along the road.

There are two separate seating areas and plenty of outdoor seating. I sat in the room where the coffee bar is, and it filled up quickly with more guests.

I got the original blend pourover and a slice of cheesecake — the cheesecake was so delicious! Creamy and had a bit of tartness, and the crumbly crust(?) at the bottom was perfect. Coffee was smooth and well-balanced, but I kind if wish I tried the single origin for a more complex flavor. Next time!

If I had the chance I’d come here quite...

If you are wet from the beach they won't serve you, and have no signs saying so. We went inside to order and they told us we had to wait outside for a seat, then only after we waited and entered again did they tell us we couldn't sit inside. I'll add that we were pretty much dry and brought our own towels...

Rude service, and wasted our time... A business across the street at least had a sign in English and Korean that if you are wet from the beach only outside seating is available.

It's clear from the effort they put into their decorations that they have enough money to put a sign like that on...