Seongsan-dong has become a weekend outing destination for everyone in the neighborhood. But now it’s more laid-back than other Hongdae neighborhoods like Mangwon-dong, Yeonhee-dong, and Yeonnam-dong. It’s a gem of a neighborhood where you can have brunch, stroll through cafes, find sweets to raise your blood sugar, and have a beer afterward. We recommend the Seongsan-dong course, which will always be successful.
Hat hed.
Seoul may have gotten a lot of polished brunch spots, but it’s not without its share of really good ones. The owner of Godo, a longtime favorite brunch spot in Mapo-gu, opened a new space last October. They serve new dishes every season using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and does not accept reservations. A maximum of three people are allowed per team. It’s especially beautiful this time of year, thanks to the lush green views of trees that you can enjoy from the second floor.
📍 2F, 125, World Cup Buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
🎟️ Reservations not accepted, maximum 3 people
Coffee House Honu
On the second floor, directly across the street from HAT, is Honu, a coffee shop. The space resembles a childhood after-school nap. It looks like a relocated family home, and is most charming in the daylight. It’s reminiscent of a Japanese kissa, but it’s not just pretending. There’s hand-drip coffee, pies, donuts, spaghetti, and more.
📍2F, 126, World Cup Buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., closed Wednesdays
Uncafe Ejugeero
Uncafe Ejugeero is another cafe that makes you want to live in this neighborhood. It’s a neighborhood cafe where you can read and chat comfortably, and I hope it stays open for a long time.
📍 1F, 31, World Cup-ro 32-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ Check Instagram for closing days and hours
Biscuiterisan
Stop by Biscuiterisan when you’re still hungry from brunch. From light sables to sandwiches, this is biscuit heaven. Be sure to get there early, though, as they often run out of sweets before closing time.
📍 1F, 121-8, World Cup Buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 10am-4pm, closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Sojeom
If you don’t want to go home, how about a beer or highball at a Japanese restaurant? They serve teppanyaki dishes, from Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style okonomiyaki to yakisoba and Neapolitan pasta. The chef will customize your meal according to your preferences, and you’ll be impressed with the flavors.
📍 99, Seongmisan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., closed on Sundays