Hanok café in Gangneung with a pink strawberry coffee latte: Cafe Giwa

While traveling in Gangneung, I stopped by Cafe Giwa (카페기와) after finishing a meal of Chodang sundubu (soft tofu). I was looking for somewhere quiet to rest rather than somewhere crowded, and the hanok atmosphere, with its tiled roof and courtyard, drew me in.

Is it near Chodang Sundubu Street, and is parking available?

Cafe Giwa was close to Chodang Sundubu Street, so it was easy to reach after a meal. Its address is 15 Chodangwon-gil 54beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon, South Korea, and the dedicated parking made it convenient to visit by car.

At the time of the original post, the listed hours were 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last orders at 8:30 PM. It was listed as regularly closed every Wednesday, so it would be wise to check its official channels for same-day operations before visiting. Pets are also listed as permitted, but it is best to ask in advance about indoor conditions.

What is the hanok and courtyard atmosphere like?

Following the alley in, the tiled roof and broad courtyard were the first things I noticed. I was impressed by how the old hanok's character had been preserved while making it comfortable to use as a café.

Trees and plants surrounded the building. On a nice day, I thought it would be lovely to sit outside and spend time looking over the courtyard.

What drinks and desserts did we order?

The menu included staple coffees such as Americanos and lattes, along with hand-drip coffee, tea, ade drinks, and desserts. The signature drinks that caught my eye were Giwa Black Latte, Mung Bean Flower Latte, and Pink Strawberry Latte. It also said that hand-drip coffee made with beans roasted in-house was available.

We ordered the Pink Strawberry Latte, an Americano, and Real Chocolate Cake.

Was the interior comfortable for relaxing and talking?

The hanok atmosphere continued indoors. Warm-toned lighting complemented the wooden columns and rafters, while the furniture and accessories added a modern touch. It felt comfortable rather than old or inconvenient.

There was relatively generous space between tables, making it easy to talk without paying much attention to neighboring tables. Each area had a slightly different mood, and the window seats looked onto the courtyard and garden. It was a good place to slowly drink coffee and take a break during a trip.

Did the Real Chocolate Cake pair well with the Americano?

When our drinks and cake arrived, the presentation also caught my eye. The antique feel of the plates suited the indoor atmosphere well.

The Real Chocolate Cake was dense and fudgy rather than light and fluffy. With each bite, the rich sweetness of chocolate slowly spread. It was intensely flavored, so I thought one would be a good size to share, and it paired well with the pleasantly bitter Americano.

The Americano had a clean taste that went well with dessert. Alternating it with the sweet, smooth Pink Strawberry Latte felt like it refreshed my palate.

What does the signature Pink Strawberry Latte taste like?

The Pink Strawberry Latte was strawberry milk with Dutch coffee added. Before stirring, its layers and soft pink color made me want to take photos first. Be sure to stir it well before drinking.

It began soft and sweet, followed by a subtle coffee aroma. The strawberry sweetness did not stand out too strongly, so it was easy to drink like a dessert. I felt that even those who find a strong bitterness overwhelming could enjoy it relatively comfortably.

At Cafe Giwa, the comfort of the space stayed with me as much as the drinks and desserts. After a meal in Chodang-dong, it was a nice place to look out at the hanok and garden while slowly talking with my companions.