Hakrim Dabang — Restaurant in Seoul

Just like Rome’s Antico Caffe Greco, or Paris’ Cafe de Flore, Seoul’s longest running cafe Hakrim Da-bang has played a significant role in the context of South Korea’s modern history. Established in 1956 the cafe is now in its seventh decade and is recognised by the local government as an integral part of “Seoul Future Heritage” (서울미래유산) due to its role in the democratisation movement that took place in the 1980s. Located close to the original Seoul University campus the cafe was a regular for poets, writers and later student activists who used the cafe for their National Democratic Students League meetings. More recently the cafe has appeared in a number of K-Dramas (including “A Love From Another Star” - 별에서 온 그대) and films, popularising the location with tourists and younger Korean visitors alike.

The interior aesthetic and atmosphere remains much the same as it was in the 1950s and 1960s; tiered mezzanine seating, stained glass windows, graffiti covering the walls and dark wooden booths full of students enjoying house blend drip coffee and cream cheese cakes. This classic combination (pictured) is a must-order treat; I recommend ordering a “Royal Blend” (8,000원 / $6.90) paired with the Blueberry Cheese Cake...

Really cute cafe with an exceptional ambiance and old school feel. Beautiful music and an excellent crustless cheesecake. It is not at all too sweet, and it comes with two options, orange and blueberry preserve. The orange preserve was perfect, slightly tangy with little bits of orange peel that made it fabulous. This place does not have a one drink per person policy line it so often happens in Seoul. We really liked that. On our second visit, we had an ice Vienna coffee and a hot latte. Both...

I went on a rainy day. Asked them to play my favorite classical music on a record player. It was idyllic. Never knew this place was famous due to K drama. I'm glad I went on a lazy afternoon when the place was half empty. Drip coffee was solid. There are plenty of hip stylish coffee shops in Korea but this one is different. It's memorable and I constantly...