Dongdaemun gallery wine bar: egg in hell & baked brie at Athlonga

• Address: 18 Dongho-ro 34-gil, 3rd floor, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Hours: daily 11:00–24:00 (last order 23:00)

What kind of place is Athlonga?

Athlonga is a wine bar and restaurant near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, a great place to head after an exhibition at DDP. Its name carries the meaning "art is long, life is short," and it's also well known as a filming location for Heart Signal (a Korean dating show), so I was quietly looking forward to the atmosphere before I even went.

Some days in the everyday routine, you suddenly crave a different mood. An evening when you want to escape the city noise and wrap up the day with calm conversation. I was looking for a good Dongdaemun DDP spot to go to after seeing an exhibition nearby, and I found this gem.

How to get to Athlonga and where to park

Athlonga is only a 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, so it's very easy to reach. Leave the busy main road and step into an alley with that hip Euljiro vibe, and you'll come to the entrance leading up to the 3rd floor of the building.

At night, the Athlonga sign is projected in light on the ground, which makes finding the secret-feeling entrance kind of fun. Parking at the Sangmyeong Building car park has no time limit after 5 p.m., which is another reason I'd recommend Athlonga as a place to eat near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.

What is the gallery-style interior at Athlonga like?

The inside of Athlonga is built on a refined stone interior, with stylish paintings covering the walls, so it feels like stepping into a gallery. Open the door and a completely different world unfolds, with care visible everywhere in the space.

The soft jazz was set at just the right volume to keep the focus on conversation, and the quarterly exhibitions and monthly jazz concerts add depth to the space.

What we ordered at Athlonga

The Athlonga menu catches your eye with a wide range of snacks that go well with wine, and during the day it's a spot near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park for brunch and pasta. We were already full, so we ordered egg in hell (eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce) and baked brie cheese, plus tiramisu and mango sorbet to finish the meal on a sweet note.

Egg in hell with wine

The egg in hell at Athlonga came out first, and the rich aroma of spicy tomato sauce tickled my nose. When the poached egg burst and its richness mixed into the sauce, I dipped in crispy bread and it was full of savory depth.

Baked brie

The baked brie came next, freshly baked and warm, with chewy, stretchy cheese topped with nuts and the sweetness of maple syrup. It struck an excellent balance as a wine snack.

Tiramisu and mango sorbet for dessert

The Athlonga tiramisu melted softly, with bittersweet notes and creamy cheese richness, and the mango sorbet freshened up my mouth for a lovely finish.

How is the service at Athlonga, and can you take out?

The Athlonga staff were relaxed and helpful in letting us pick wine to suit our taste, so I felt well looked after the whole time. The time at Athlonga was a treat for the eyes, mouth and ears, and it left a lasting impression.

For takeout, you get a dedicated shopping bag along with a discount, which makes it a nice treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for someone. If you're looking for a Dongdaemun DDP spot that blends exhibitions, music and food, I'd recommend a meal at Athlonga without hesitation.