Hey beautiful friends & enemies~

As a proud Sogang child, I’ve spent countless hours on and around Sogang University (서강대학교)—whether it’s studying, training with my racquetball club, or just enjoying the familiar atmosphere. Back in 2017-2018, I first came here as an exchange student, and in 2024, I was back for my PhD research, once again calling Sogang my academic home. Naturally, after all this time, I’ve developed a deep love for certain places around campus, some of which have been my go-to spots for years, while others are new favorites that I’ve recently discovered. Here are some of my top picks around Sogang!

Alles Coffee (알레스 커피) – An absolute OG, standing strong since 2015. I’ve already raved about it in a previous post, so I’ll just link it here for anyone interested. Café Chronicles -> Seoul: alles Café 알레스카페 Trust me, it’s worth checking out! https://www.instagram.com/allescafe2015/

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Kauf Rosters (카우프 커피 로스터스) -o, I absolutely love their cold brew (콜드브루)—it’s smooth, rich, and just the perfect pick-me-up. And what’s even more exciting? They recently launched a new menu, featuring an Injeolmi Tiramisu (인절미 티라미수) that’s seriously so good! If you’re a fan of traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist, this one is a must-try. Another standout from their menu is their special drink with coconut ice cream —a unique and refreshing combo that totally hit the spot. Overall, everything here is really solid, but if we’re talking about black coffee, this place really knows what they’re doing. What more the cafe has a sleek, industrial-style interior with raw concrete walls, dark tones, and minimalist decor. The space is well-balanced with modern lighting and large windows that add warmth to the moody atmosphere. Clean lines, dark wood furniture, and an open barista station create a stylish yet cozy setting perfect for coffee lovers. Its design perfectly blends modern sophistication with industrial elements, creating a refined yet edgy ambiance that feels both trendy and timeless. Definitely a must-visit for coffee lovers! https://www.instagram.com/kaufff.roasters/

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Hawfinch (호핀치) – This place holds a special place in my heart because of their banana pudding, and by now, everyone knows about my obsession with it. Especially their chocolate version of it… Mhmm… The interior is a blend of earthy tones, natural wood, and soft lighting, creating a warm and inviting space for coffee lovers. It is highly praised for its high-quality coffee and carefully curated menu, offering a variety of hand-drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, and unique seasonal specials. Their latte art is stunning, making every cup feel extra special. Beyond the drinks, Café Hawfinch also serves delicious homemade desserts and pastries. If you’re lucky, you might even get a taste of their freshly baked goods, straight from the oven. The aroma inside is always incredible, making it the perfect spot to indulge in something sweet while sipping on a perfectly brewed coffee. I usually grab my morning coffee from here, as their cold brew is right up my alley—smooth, strong, and absolutely delicious. If you love aesthetic cafés with a focus on quality coffee, this place is definitely worth a visit. https://www.instagram.com/cafe.hawfinch/

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The Credit (더크레딧) – one of my all-time favorite spots, and I find myself visiting almost every day. This café offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy high-quality coffee. The minimalist interior design perfectly matches the vibe, creating a calm, peaceful environment to either get some work done. The coffee here is consistently exceptional, and their drip coffee—both hot and cold—is my go-to. I also tried their latte variations, pretty good. In addition to their great coffee, they have a nice selection of teas. Another highlight is their French toast, which is absolutely delicious. One of the best parts is that The Credit also functions as a bar, so it’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine or a gin tonic after a long day. The staff is friendly, adding to the welcoming vibe, and the ambiance is perfect for spending time with friends or just enjoying some time alone. All in all, it’s a great spot for coffee lovers, casual hangouts, or even a nightcap. https://www.instagram.com/cafe_the_credit/

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Biroso Coffee (비로소 커피) – it may not be my most frequent stop, as places like Kauf, Credit, and Hawfinch usually draw me in, but every visit reminds me of just how good their coffee is. Their menu is impressive, and their Einspänner is especially delicious—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. What truly makes this spot special is the view; their large window overlooks Gyeongui Line Forest Park (경의선 숲길), or Yeonnam-dong’s Cherry Blossom Road (연남동 벚꽃길), which is absolutely stunning in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. As someone who loves rain, this is one of my favorite places to visit when it’s raining. The peaceful vibe and cozy interior make it feel extra magical, especially when the raindrops tap against the window. So, definitely forth a check out. https://www.instagram.com/birosocoffee/

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On&Puff – is newly opened charming bakery that combines a cozy atmosphere with the delightful aroma of freshly baked pastries. Specializing in French-style pastries, they also offer pretty decent drinks. I tried their iced americano and iced vanilla latte, both were quite satisfying. I absolutely loved their pain au chocolat and croissants, but everything they offer is delicious. It’s definitely one of the best spots for European-style bread around Sogang. The only downside is the limited seating, with only three tables inside, but the vibe and quality make it totally worth visiting. https://www.instagram.com/on_and_puff/

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Calmild (카밀드) – truly lives up to its name—calm and mild. This charming café offers a perfect blend of exceptional coffee and mouthwatering food, all in a serene, minimalist environment. The space exudes warmth and comfort, making it an ideal spot to unwind or focus on some work (during the quieter hours of course). I’m a big fan of their iced Americano, which never disappoints, and their tuna sandwich is a must-try, although it’s a bit on the pricier side. Additionally, their French toast is another standout item that I absolutely love. Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee break or a light meal, Calmild delivers both in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. I do enjoy visiting it quite frequently, although I must admit, I don’t go too often due to their prices. https://www.instagram.com/calmild_home/

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There are also places I visit occasionally, but they just don’t make it to my top list. For example, Sulton Coffee (술탄커피), (another OG I’ve known since 2017, but it’s not really my style. However, they do serve alcoholic beverages, and their peach highball is definitely worth trying. https://www.instagram.com/sulta_ncoffee/ RIP Brewing Mansion (브루잉맨숀), which I actually liked very much but that’s closed now. Really unfortunate as I loved their delicious scones. https://www.instagram.com/brewing_mansion/

P.s. Before it melts (녹기 전에) – while it’s not exactly a traditional café (though they do have a few seats inside and plenty of books to browse), this place is absolutely worth mentioning as one of my all-time favorite gelato spots near university. They offer an amazing variety of unique and ever-changing flavors, so there’s always a delightful surprise with each visit. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely a must-visit for anyone who loves creative, crazy, colorful and high-quality gelato! https://www.instagram.com/before.it.melts/

There are definitely a few more spots I still want to check out, but I haven’t gotten around to them yet. I guess it’s just my habit of picking a few favorites and sticking to them, haha!

And for now…

…stay tuned

Au revoir

– M