good ‘ole anam-dong
After spending much time writing on my experiences outside of where I actually lived, I realized that I haven’t provided much detail about the area of Seoul where I called home: Anam-dong. This neighborhood district is quite unique in the sense that it boasts a slower pace, a casual vibe, and an overall “university-town” feel. It was this area of Seoul where I found interest in KU, knowing that the surrounding area felt a bit more homey than others. I truly felt at home as the restaurants offer a more homestyle vibe and the people and residents live with a more humble and easygoing lifestyle.
In this chapter, I’ll bring you in on my favorite cafes to study and get work done, as well as my favorite restaurants that have been my routine place to visit for a meal. Links to their location (via Naver Map) are included for your convenience!
Note: I’m not a food connoisseur so I don’t recommend food places often. But when I do, it’s only because I believe that those entities have served me very well and are truly deserving of patrons. I’ve even included my own recommended item for you to consider. If you would like more information regarding ratings and menu products, they are all included on the Naver Map links!
After spending much time writing on my experiences outside of where I actually lived, I realized that I haven’t provided much detail about the area of Seoul where I called home: Anam-dong. This neighborhood district is quite unique in the sense that it boasts a slower pace, a casual vibe, and an overall “university-town” feel. It was this area of Seoul where I found interest in KU, knowing that the surrounding area felt a bit more homey than others. I truly felt at home as the restaurants offer a more homestyle vibe and the people and residents live with a more humble and easygoing lifestyle.
In this chapter, I’ll bring you in on my favorite cafes to study and get work done, as well as my favorite restaurants that have been my routine place to visit for a meal. Links to their location (via Naver Map) are included for your convenience!
Note: I’m not a food connoisseur so I don’t recommend food places often. But when I do, it’s only because I believe that those entities have served me very well and are truly deserving of patrons. I’ve even included my own recommended item for you to consider. If you would like more information regarding ratings and menu products, they are all included on the Naver Map links!
charming cafes
Cafes to Study In:
Cafes to Study In:
- Waffle Alley
- Probably one the best cafes to study in. Café serves an assortment of beverages and is reputedly known for their Belgium waffles (never had them myself, but many friends and locals approve!). Second floor is filled with tables with outlets, making it ideal for taking online classes.
- [Naver Map] Waffle Aelli, 서울 성북구 고려대로28길 21, http://naver.me/GMessZmY
- Cafe J
- One of my favorite cafes in town. Simple ambience, smaller environment, and overall ideal study habitat. Beverages and reasonably priced, and the cheesecake is to die for
- [Naver Map] Cafe J, 서울 성북구 개운사길 36 1층 B1층, http://naver.me/GEWbHBKL
- Less is More
- Cafe J’s neighbor. Just as good as Cafe J, and I honestly only go here when Cafe J is busy.
- [Naver Map] Reseu is More, 서울 성북구 개운사길 42-3 CASA 1517 http://naver.me/F7s6PzZe
- Pika Coffee
- A blend of a wine bar and coffee shop into one experience (didn’t drink wine though - I suppose it wouldn’t be ideal for studying!) A bit more on the “feels-at-home” environment due to furniture that could grace a house. May not be best for studying, but is probably the best place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with friends.
- [Naver Map], PIKA COFFEE, 서울 성북구 고려대로30길 29 1층 피카 http://naver.me/Fn8adYX4
- Jeongwangsu Coffee House Korea University Branch
- Coffee shop with a quaint home style feel. Beverages are more creative and the ambience of the place is ideal for classes and studying. There a big open windows that face the street, so everyone can see you. Might want to consider this if you’re planning to sleep during online class!
- [Naver Map] Jeongwangsu Coffee House Korea University Branch, 서울 성북구 고려대로 104-1 http://naver.me/x0mSCoIm
- Coffee shop with a quaint home style feel. Beverages are more creative and the ambience of the place is ideal for classes and studying. There a big open windows that face the street, so everyone can see you. Might want to consider this if you’re planning to sleep during online class!
reputable restaurants
- Dongu Ox Bone Soup
- [Naver Map] Dongu Ox Bone Soup Main Branch 서울 성북구 개운사길 45 http://naver.me/5355NOfI
- Recommended Item: Ox bone soup. Just order this and adjust the taste with the variety of spices and herbs available at your table.
- Fromaqi
- [Naver Map] Pro Machi, 서울 성북구 고려대로24가길 13 http://naver.me/FHZgBrAA
- Recommended Item: Grilled Pesto Chicken Panini with Mushroom Soup. One of the best sandwich places I’ve ever visited in my entire life!
- Mua Noodles
- [Naver Map] Mua Noodles, 서울 성북구 개운사길 18 http://naver.me/xbc81pee
- Recommended Items: bibimbap, mandu-guk. I visited this place at least twice a week for their bibimbap! One the best I’ve had in Seoul!
- Ssaumui Gosu
- [Naver Map] Ssaumui Gosu Korea University Branch, 서울 성북구 고려대로24가길 1 http://naver.me/xXrQAQlM
- Sinuiju Korean Sausage & Small Octopus
- [Naver Map] Sinuiju Korean Sausage & Small Octopus Anam Branch서울 성북구 고려대로 99 1층 http://naver.me/5axsQQfX
- Recommended Item: hangover soup! You don’t need to be hungover to enjoy this stew packed with flavor and soul-healing magic!
- Godae Grilled Meat Restaurant
- [Naver Map] Godae Grilled Meat Restaurant Korea University Branch 서울 성북구 안암로 81 http://naver.me/G6DswxHb
- Youngdabang
- [Naver Map] Youngdabang Korea Univ. Anam Branch 서울 성북구 안암로 77 http://naver.me/FGl1FI6C
- Ttaeng Korean Pancake
- [Naver Map] Ttaeng Korean Pancake 서울 성북구 고려대로24길 24 http://naver.me/FQamkyU5
- Magkeolli-jib
- [Naver Map] Makgeolli 서울 성북구 고려대로26길 14 http://naver.me/xIh0X7U9
market vibes
While the eateries of Anam has satisfied my stomach and heart many times, let me shout out some food markets that have been quite memorable. After scrolling through my camera roll, I realized that I haven't taken much photos of my time at the following markets. Not to worry though, a simple Google search or a search on Naver Maps should provide enough evidence why I think these places deserve clout. If you're like me and a sucker for cheap yet delicious street delicacies, you would not want to miss these markets:
While the eateries of Anam has satisfied my stomach and heart many times, let me shout out some food markets that have been quite memorable. After scrolling through my camera roll, I realized that I haven't taken much photos of my time at the following markets. Not to worry though, a simple Google search or a search on Naver Maps should provide enough evidence why I think these places deserve clout. If you're like me and a sucker for cheap yet delicious street delicacies, you would not want to miss these markets:
- Gwangjang Market
- Namdaemun Market
- Tongin Traditional Market