Afternoon Steam Sipper · 5 stories

Afternoon Steam, Seoul Cafes

Writes about Seoul cafes visited on quiet afternoons, mostly around neighborhood corners. · Writes about: Cafés · Restaurants

PlaceYeongdeungpo, SeoulRestaurants

Yeouido Japanese spot: kaisendon for two with chawanmushi, Ilpum

Ilpum Yeouido Branch is a Japanese restaurant serving kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), unagidon (eel rice bowls) and sushi on basement level 1 of the Anwon Building, near Exit 3 of National Assembly Station in Yeouido, Seoul. Two diners shared a basic kaisendon (26,000 won) and a premium kaisendon (37,000 won), and the meal unfolded like a course, from chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) to tempura udon and mango panna cotta. With thick-cut sashimi and generous rice, Ilpum Yeouido Branch is worth recommending when you want an upscale meal.

Written Oct 25, 2026Sponsored
PlaceMapo, SeoulRestaurants

Hapjeong shabu-shabu lunch with soy milk skin rolls: Shabu in Seoul

Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is a premium shabu-shabu restaurant in Delight Square Building 1, near Mecenatpolis and Hapjeong Station Exit 8 in Mapo, Seoul. At lunch, the writer had prime Angus chuck flap (₩27,000) and chuck eye (₩22,000) in spicy mushroom broth, added soy milk skin rolls as a side, and finished with rose risotto and omija (five-flavor berry) tea. With its calm, upscale feel, Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch suits a meal with parents or a wedding invitation meetup.

Written Oct 22, 2026Sponsored
PlaceEunpyeong, SeoulRestaurants

Saejeol Station ramen shop with a baby and stroller: Oreno Ramen

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong (오레노라멘 은평점) is a chicken paitan ramen shop on Bulgwangcheon-gil in Eunpyeong, Seoul, near Saejeol Station Exit 1. Over lunch with a baby in a sofa seat, the writer had tori paitan and karai paitan (13,000 won), with free cilantro, free refills of noodles, broth, rice and kimchi, and chicken that melts in the mouth. Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong breaks the idea that all ramen tastes the same, so be sure to add the cilantro.

Written Oct 16, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYeongdeungpo, SeoulRestaurants

Yeouido Station gyukatsu restaurant for first-timers: Hurato Sikdang

Hurato Sikdang Yeouido (후라토식당 여의도직영점) is a Japanese restaurant specialising in gyukatsu (beef cutlet) and Japanese-style omurice, on the 3rd floor of Yeouido Finance Tower near Yeouido Station Exit 3 in Seoul. Trying gyukatsu for the first time, the writer grilled several slices of the 19,500 won gyukatsu at a time on the table's personal brazier, cooking them for a long while, and ate them with salt, special soy sauce and wasabi. The meat was still reddish yet tender rather than tough. For anyone wondering where to try their first gyukatsu, Hurato Sikdang Yeouido is a strong recommendation.

Written Oct 11, 2026Sponsored
PlaceMapo, SeoulCafés

Washed vs natural Ethiopia drip at a Yeonnam-dong café: Central Site

Central Site Yeonnam is a three-floor brewing coffee shop at 29-1 Yeonhui-ro in Mapo, Seoul, a short walk from Hongik University Station in Yeonnam-dong. The writer ordered two drip coffees — Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Chelbesa Washed and single-farmer Nigusse Gemeda Baturo 74158 Dark Room — watched the pour-over from the bar with the barista explaining each step, and shared a classic tiramisu (8,500 won). Coffee, dessert and the second-floor window view of the trees all landed, making Central Site Yeonnam a favorite Seoul coffee shop.

Written Sep 25, 2026Sponsored
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