Shinleedoga — Restaurant in Seoul

Beautiful cafe in Hanok setting - especially when it's snowing!

On our last day in Seoul, the kids finally gained enough strength to bug me to bring them out to play. But this time, it was the minister's turn to go under the weather so it was a Hans Solo mission this time.

Head to Hongdae where they went to play in an arcade - gave them some money to play for an hour while I adjourned to a cafe which I'd bookmarked earlier.

Sinidoga is located behind the ultra-busy shopping street of Eoulmadang-ro and this cafe has the traditional Hanok settings, just like Fritz Coffee Dohwa that I'd gone few days ago. It has a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics that made it stood out, particularly the fire place in the alfresco area.

I ordered a red velvet cake plus a cup of black sesame latte (yes, you'd read it right!) which tasted so yummy and warm in the cold weather. The fire did little to warm up the area actually but the scenery was so beautiful especially when the white snow covered the outdoor.

Set this cafe as a must-visit list if you love nice place for coffee.

Note: this marks the end of my South...

Hidden away just outside of the main Hongdae Shopping Street shines this little gem of a cafe. A blissful break from the bustling hustle of Hongdae, this Hanok style building offers a peaceful welcome for weary tourists and locals alike.

The decor is artfully zen, with plenty of seating spread across 3 floors. All seating thoughtfully surrounds the centrepiece, a small zen garden that also allows wonderful sunlight into every corner. Definitely designed by a good architect. Oh yes, it's mostly enclosed in glass and air-conditioned, a welcome break from the summer heat.

As mentioned in other reviews, seems to be a one man show, so don't expect instant service. However, the one barista is friendly and skillful. The coffee and drinks are pretty spot-on, but the pastries are meh. The food highlight would be the cute cakes so do give them a try. They are tasty and almost too pretty to eat!

A must try it you're in the...

SIN LEE DOGA 신이도가 | HONGDAE | SEOUL

Live out your best Joseon Dynasty dreams at Sin lee doga 신이도가 - a gem of a café enshrined in a traditional Hanok.

Hanoks are common in villages, but rather rare and surprising to find one in youthful Hongdae aka University town - not complaining because just 10 min walk from my hotel (Ryse Autograph Collection).

Like every structurally shaped Hanok, the cafe has a courtyard at its center which features a functioning fire pit to warm up those coffee lovers outdoors during the wintry days. Selling marshmallows to roast by the pit was sheer brilliance!

Must order - Injeolmi cake, black sesame latte and jujube tea.

I felt like a Joseon royalty today. Glad to check this one off my list! A must visit if you are in Hongdae area! . . 📍Sinleedoga 신이도가 @shinleedaga) 20-12 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 서울...