Hapjeong brunch café where you pick your coffee blend: Seowon Angil

What kind of café is Seowon Angil Hapjeong?

Seowon Angil Hapjeong (서원안길 합정) is a two-floor brunch café on Jandari-ro 3-gil, near Hapjeong Station. On October 8, a lovely sunny day, I finished lunch in Hongik Univ. and wanted to spend some special time with my American younger brother, so we headed to this nice café in Hapjeong.

There are so many pretty spaces around Hapjeong, but Seowon Angil Hapjeong gave off a fresh, upscale feeling right from the entrance, and I loved it from the first impression.

Seowon Angil Hapjeong opening hours and facilities

The 1st and 2nd floors have different opening hours. The 2nd floor is open daily 11:00-18:00 and closes earlier than the 1st floor, so keep that in mind when you visit!

• Location: near Hapjeong Station (pets welcome)
• 1st floor: weekdays 09:30 - 20:00 (last order 19:00) / Sat 11:00 - 22:00 / Sun 11:00 - 21:00
• 2nd floor: daily 11:00 - 18:00
• Facilities: spacious 1st and 2nd floors, pets welcome, separate men's and women's restrooms inside

The café is split into two floors, and the inside is quite large and open, so it never felt stuffy at all.

We wanted to chat more leisurely, so we picked a spot on the 2nd floor. Pets are allowed too, so it looks like a great place to visit with cute doggies.

Can you smell and choose your coffee beans at Seowon Angil Hapjeong?

Yes! There are smelling jars by the counter so you can sniff the beans and choose for yourself. Three beans are available: "Seowon," "Angil" and decaf.

Sadly, I only found the smelling zone after I had already ordered, while waiting for our drinks. If you visit, definitely try the bean smelling at the counter first!

When I ordered, the staff asked which blend I wanted, and that's how I realized you can choose your beans!

What's on the Seowon Angil Hapjeong menu?

True to a brunch café, the menu lineup was really varied. There were hearty meals like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimchi fried rice, steak and pasta, plus lots of desserts and baked goods such as carrot cake and Basque cheesecake.

They also sell high-quality coffee beans separately, which would make a great gift.

What we ordered at Seowon Angil Hapjeong and the prices

• Salmon poached egg Benedict: ₩13,500
• Basque cheesecake: ₩6,400
• Café latte (Seowon blend): ₩7,000
• Einspänner: ₩8,000

How do the Einspänner and Seowon blend latte taste?

The Einspänner (₩8,000) at Seowon Angil Hapjeong was a fantastic combination of thick, sweet cream and bitter coffee. Soon our drinks, dessert and the main brunch dish arrived, beautifully plated. I took a sip of the cream first, and then the deep flavor of the coffee followed. Great.

My brother had the café latte (₩7,000) made with the Seowon blend, and he was happy with its nutty, rich body.

What comes in the salmon poached egg Benedict?

The main dish, salmon poached egg Benedict (₩13,500), comes with a soft poached egg, fresh salmon and crunchy carrot. I gently broke the egg with my knife, and when I took a bite of the moist bread soaked in yolk together with the salmon, the nutty richness just burst in my mouth.

Turns out my American brother doesn't really eat salmon, so I ended up keeping this delicious Benedict all to myself, haha, not on purpose! It was light yet the flavor of the sauce blended well, and it was filling and satisfying.

Does the Basque cheesecake go well with coffee?

For dessert after the meal we had the Basque cheesecake (₩6,400), browned outside and moist inside with a deep, smoky cheese flavor. It paired perfectly with hot coffee.

Is Seowon Angil Hapjeong worth a return visit?

On the spacious, comfortable 2nd floor, with a cup of hot, strong coffee and a tasty brunch, I had a really fun and precious time with my brother.

If you're looking near Hapjeong for a brunch café with a nice atmosphere where you can enjoy everything from pasta to sweet desserts, I strongly recommend stopping by!

Every dish was solid and delicious, so I'm planning to go back again soon.