In Seoul, there's an old, well-known café called 'Hakrim.' If I remember correctly, at the entrance, there was a poetic statement describing the café as an island, isolated by its simplicity and innocence. While Jazz Peanut is quite different from Hakrim, it evokes a similar sense of solitude, standing apart in Anamdong, where most storefronts seem focused solely on money and profit. As the name suggests, this café is steeped in jazz music. The coffee, made in an old-fashioned style, reminds me of Japanese hand-drip methods. It doesn’t offer the sharp, clean profile you’d get from a flat burr grinder, but rather something more like a ghost burr, the kind you rarely see these days. Taste-wise, the acidity is present but subtle—it's more about balance and sweetness here. Generosity defines this place, and kindness is felt in every interaction. The coffee is well-executed, leaving nothing to complain about. And when you look at the prices, it’s truly a steal. I hope coffee enthusiasts at Korea University discover this hidden gem, because once they do, I’m sure they’ll visit daily. If Haruki Murakami had opened a coffee shop instead of a jazz bar while writing his first novel, I imagine it would look something like...
Read moreJazz Peanut! A hidden upstairs coffee shop. The nice couple that runs it was very friendly and they roast the coffee in the shop themselves and brew it hand drip for you! The music is old school jazz and 1940s/1950s music on vinyl. Very calm and comfortable despite the tiny size of the cafe. No problems if your Korean isn’t so good either, they have an...
Read moreOne of the best cafes near Korea University! I’ve been studying here for about 8 years, and this place offers a versatile lineup of coffee beans, a perfect match for every season. Reasonable price for single-origin coffee, compared to other well-known roastery cafes in Seoul. Highly recommended for anyone visiting this area....
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