Autumn terrace café in Ulju, Ulsan: pepperoni pizza bread at MUG

With blue skies and crisp air like we've been getting lately, I visited MUG, a large café in Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. The modern landscaping and interior, blended into nature, gives the place a charm that quiets a tired mind.

If you want to rest in nature with a cup of coffee and high-quality bakery items, let's head to MUG, a bakery café in Eonyang!

MUG's exterior, parking and outdoor space

MUG has a wide parking area right in front, so you don't need to worry about parking at all. Outside, there's a calm water feature where you can admire the blue sky and clouds reflected on the water.

Walking trail & rest area: around the café, there's an ecological pond, a rest area, a metasequoia path and a walking trail leading up to a viewpoint — great for a light stroll after your drink.

Indoor gallery: near the entrance, artworks are neatly displayed, so while waiting for your drink you can enjoy a bit of culture, like stepping into a small museum.

The wildfire story behind MUG's charred-wood building

Reading the leaflet handed out at the entrance, I learned this place has a very special story. A few years ago, a massive wildfire burned down 10 hectares of forest here, leaving painful memories. Instead of hiding that scar, MUG finished the building with blackened, charred wood, turning the wound into a symbol. The charcoal-black exterior contrasts with the surrounding forest, now restored to green, offering visitors an experience of healing and renewal.

I visited in the early afternoon, and since it was the weekend, the café was full of guests. With such a large space, there were plenty of tables too.

What's on the bakery shelves at MUG

True to a bakery café, MUG's dessert lineup was varied. Freshly baked pepperoni pizza bread, basil tomato bread, vegetable ciabatta, real corn bread and all kinds of desserts caught my eye, all looking delicious.

Fork and knife.

With so many breads and desserts, it's a great place to pair with a cup of coffee.

Pepperoni pizza bread and chestnut cheesecake on the terrace

To enjoy the sunny weather, I took a seat in MUG's outdoor terrace area.

Sitting on the terrace on a clear day, listening to the breeze while enjoying good bakery items and coffee, was healing in itself.

• Pepperoni pizza bread: generously topped with salty pepperoni, cheese, olives and more, it was rich enough to work as a full meal on its own.
• Chestnut cheesecake: soft, dense cheese flavor with the distinctive taste of chestnut, great as a dessert with coffee.

Signature MUG black latte and café latte

• MUG black latte (signature): a latte with condensed milk base and cold brew, capturing MUG's identity with a heavy, nutty sweetness that's quite charming.
• Café latte: the harmony of nutty coffee beans and milk pairs cleanly with desserts.

A properly set brunch spread.

If you want to relax in a space with beautiful natural scenery and special meaning behind it, I recommend visiting MUG in Ulsan!