Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Discover Retro Charm at JOYANGBANGJIK Café: A Unique Incheon Experience JOYANGBANGJIK Café: A Blend of History and Modern Art When planning your trip to Incheon, South Korea, one must-visit destination is JOYANGBANGJIK Café, located on Ganghwa Island. This extraordinary café was originally established in 1933 as the first rayon factory in Ganghwa. Over time, as the textile industry in the region declined, the factory fell into disrepair. However, it has since been brilliantly transformed into a spacious and stylish café, preserving the historical essence while integrating modern aesthetics. Historical Transformation The original building of JOYANGBANGJIK, which once lay abandoned, has been revitalized into a grand café. The dilapidated walls have been converted into an impressive art museum and movie theater. The long workbenches that once served the factory workers have been repurposed as coffee tables. The space, once bustling with machines and workers, is now adorned with antiques from China and Europe. Unique Décor and Atmosphere The décor of JOYANGBANGJIK Café is one of its most striking features. British-made doors with broken windows, round mirrors from old Czech trains, and Taiyaki machines that were used every winter are strategically placed as if they were always part of the building. This thoughtful arrangement allows the café to retain the essence of its historical past. The expansive factory site and the building's framework, spanning over 990 square meters (approximately 300 pyeong), have been preserved, adding to the café’s unique ambiance. Menu and Offerings JOYANGBANGJIK Café offers a wide range of beverages and cakes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Some of the standout menu items include: - Americano - Coconut Latte - Blueberry Hibiscus Tea - Mugwort Latte - Lemonade - Honey Ginger Tea Operating Hours - Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last order at 7:20 PM) - Weekends and Holidays: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:20 PM) Location and Additional Information JOYANGBANGJIK Café is located at 12, Hangnam Mokdo 5-gil, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon. If you are using public transportation, you can take a bus from Ganghwa Terminal Station and get off at the "Girls' High School Entrance" stop, followed by a short walk of 195 meters. Final Thoughts JOYANGBANGJIK Café is a perfect blend of history and modernity, offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The café not only provides a place to relax and enjoy delicious beverages but also allows you to immerse yourself in a piece of Korea’s industrial heritage. When visiting Incheon, make sure to include this one-of-a-kind café in your itinerary to enjoy its retro charm and artistic ambiance.


Daejeon(Jung-gu)

Guibin Dolsotbap is one of the top restaurants in Daejeon and one of the very first to offer dolsotbap (rice in sizzling stone bowl) meals. The restaurant was first opened in Daeheung-dong and later moved to the current location. Tables are set with 17 types of different side dishes. This restaurant serves vegetarian dishes cooked in traditional Jeonju style. All the dishes have mild flavors and are not spicy, so they are suitable for children, seniors, and foreigners. The dining halls on the first floor to the third floor are also appropriate for important gatherings or dining occasions.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Haeundae beach has shallow waters and the difference between high and low tides is small. The facilities are also well maintained, making this first rate beach a popular summer holiday destination. Donbaekseom Hoetjip is a nearby gourmet restaurant. It is a three story white building with a curved glass front on the second floor. The hearty modeum-hoe (assorted sliced raw fish) is the flagship dish of this restaurant. The portion is quite filling, despite the deceptively low price. You can enjoy the fresh raw fish of Busan, or any of the other dishes such as hoe-deopbap (raw fish bibimbap) and maeun-tang (spicy fish stew) which are also tasty.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Tteokssam is a delicious dish using sticky and tender dough made from non-glutinous rice mixed with glutinous rice. Ssukttekssam is a dish with soybean flour and wormwood added to dough that gives off a spicy smell and has a sweet flavor. Meat grilled on a hot stone plate and dipped in a specialty sauce can be wrapped up with seasoned leeks, and makes for a fantastic flavor.


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu)

Located near the back gate of Ewha Womans University, Sokran (석란) is a Korean restaurant with 20 years of history. Originally a small restaurant, Sokran has continued to expand over the years and can now seat up to 170 guests. The restaurant has been privileged to be featured in numerous books (both at home and abroad) as one of Korea’s most representative restaurants.Popular menu items include the Royal Table d’Hote and the Sokran Table d’Hote. Another crowd favorite is the Gaeseong Joraengi Rice Cake Soup that has long, white rice cakes that look like caterpillars and are shaped using a wooden knife.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Just like a restaurant in France, the indoor as well as outdoor tables create a sense of romance. The scenic beauty of Montmartre decorates one of the walls near the outdoor tables.Restaurant specialties are from the Mediterranean seacoast. Mussels from Belgium, located near France, are a treat. The mussels in cream sauce are extremely tender and savory. The most popular is the Brussels mussel dish, made of cream sauce, chopped onions, and parsley. The correct way to enjoy the fries that come with any mussel dish is to dip them in the sauce. Wine is also recommended with mussel or fish cuisine, with around 40 different types available. Ask an employee to help you choose a wine that goes with your meal.


Seoul(Gwanak-gu)

Badalbi, which means a broad field, is a restaurant that specializes in Korean table d’hote. This place offers a new menu with a variety of items such as a full-course meal with 10 kinds of dishes made from only fresh and seasonal ingredients. The chef has 15 years of experience cooking at various restaurants including Seogyo Hotel. Here you can enjoy the spirit of the artisan. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government      


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Mum Aroy, a term in Thai which means “extremely delicious,” is a restaurant that specializes in Thai cuisine. The interior as well as props used in the restaurant are carefully designed to make customers feel as if they are dining at a local restaurant in Thailand.


Busan(Busanjin-gu)

Samihun serves hansik (Korean food), such as sutbul galbi (short ribs), shabu-shabu, and galbi-tang (short rib soup).


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

An authentic American burger joint along one of the main restaurant streets of Itaewon, ’Smokey Saloon’ (est. 2005) is decorated like an old pub from the American ‘Wild West.’ Visitors may be surprised, however, that the burger restaurant is not filled with the scent of cigarette smoke, but rather the heavenly aroma of quality beef. The restaurant is famous for serving up thick beef patties that are seasoned only with salt and pepper, preserving the juicy flavor of the meat. The representative burger, the ‘Smoky Burger’ (a thick patty with roasted bacon, sauce, and cheese) is a customer favorite.