In Korea, coffee isn’t drunk just for the sake of drinking it. Nor is it drunk merely as a caffeine boost. Instead, coffee plays a huge role in creating an atmosphere for social interaction.
An abundance of coffee shops are found on every street. While some may focus more on aesthetic, others prioritize the taste of their coffee.
But, you know that you’ve hit the jackpot when you find a place that values both.
Cue – Onion!
In the cafe I sit, taking it all in. I smile as if I have woken up from a dream, except I haven’t. I’m living it. A coffee in my right hand and a dessert an arm’s length away beckoning me to reach for it. There’s an atmosphere of ease and comfort. It’s a fragment of heaven. A moment of refuge. And I find myself smiling even more.
General atmosphere
The omnipresent contrast of modern and traditional trickles throughout the streets of Seoul. Onion is no exception. You’ll find the design here to be reminiscent of traditional Korea, but perfectly blended with modern life.
The ambiance changes with the time of day, making it the perfect place to go to for whatever mood you’re in.
Enjoy peace and tranquility? Go in the morning and enjoy the lack of crowds.
Want a more lively atmosphere to re-energize your spirits or to socialize with friends? Go in the evenings and find yourself surrounded by people.
And to top it all off, you’ll meet some of the most friendly baristas – tell them I say hi!
Coffee and other beverages
What kind of coffee do you feel like having? Because Onion’s got you covered.
Something sweet or bitter? Light or strong? Iced or hot?
You name it and it’s yours.
If you’d rather skip the coffee, there’s a selection of teas, ades, and juices to enjoy.
Make them iced on a hot afternoon or enjoy them warm to cozy you up on a chilly morning.
Food
Pastry and treat galore. All presented beautifully and immaculately.
The masterminds behind these creations definitely know what they’re doing. There is a pastry for every kind of taste bud, each with it’s own uniqueness and each equally as good as the next
Although they’re all good, the strawberry pastry and the chocolate cake have a special place in my heart and probably a high calorie intake in my stomach.
Location
Address
Seoul, Jongno-gu, Gye-dong, 계동길 5
서울 종로구 계동길 5 카페 어니언
Opening hours
Weekdays 7:00am – 10:00pm (last order at 9:30pm)
Weekends 9:00am – 10:00pm (last order at 9:30pm)
Useful Korean words/phrases to know for coffee shops
Please give me a cup of ___.
___ 한잔 주세요 (__ hanjan juseyo)
e.g., Please give me a cup of coffee. 커피 한잔 주세요 (Kuhpi hanjan juseyo)
Is there soy milk?
두유 있어요? (duyu iss-eoyo?)
Iced
아이스 (aiseu)
Hot
뜨거운 (ddeu-geo-un)
Thank you!
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
What makes you fall in love with a coffee shop?
Is it the aesthetic? Is it the coffee itself?
Let us know in the comments below!
For more coffee shop recommendations, click here.
