Hanok café in Gangneung for rainy-day garden views: Cafe Giwa

Where is Cafe Giwa, and is parking available?

Cafe Giwa is tucked into Chodang-dong in Gangneung, at 15 Chodangwon-gil 54beon-gil. The hours listed in the original post are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with last orders at 8:30 p.m. It is closed every Wednesday, and pets are allowed.

It rained throughout this Gangneung trip, so I came here while looking for somewhere with easy parking and a nice atmosphere. With its hanok and green garden together, it was a peaceful place to spend time even on a rainy day.

Set further inside Chodang-dong, it felt more like a neighborhood café than a busy, large-scale café.

The tiled roof and garden came together so well that I looked around before even having my coffee. I usually think of the sea when I think of Gangneung, but the view of a green garden and hanok suited it well too.

The dedicated parking lot made it easy to visit by car. I also thought it would make a nice café stop after a meal in Chodang-dong.

Can you see the garden from inside?

The quiet atmosphere characteristic of a hanok continued indoors. Each area had tables, chairs, and decorative items arranged differently, which made it enjoyable to look around.

There were vintage decorative items throughout as well. I looked at the furniture and objects, noticing how each space had a different feel.

There was also a space where the garden was visible through large windows. On days when it is too hot or cold to sit outside, an indoor seat facing the garden would be nice too.

Overall, the atmosphere was comfortable and warm. I felt it would suit a date for two or a stop during a family trip to Gangneung with parents.

Which signature menu items did I order, and how much were they?

I had been curious about the signature lattes and cake before visiting. Since I was traveling, I ordered signature items instead of the Americano I usually drink.

• Giwa Black Latte: ₩6,500
• Mung Bean Flower Latte: ₩6,500
• Green Tea Triangle: ₩7,500

What did the two lattes and cake taste like?

The Giwa Black Latte had a strong black sesame flavor and was sweet and nutty, reminding me of misutgaru (mixed grain powder drink). A subtle coffee aroma lingered at the end. The Mung Bean Flower Latte was unfamiliar at first, but its soft cream and the nutty flavor of mung beans went well together. Of the two, I preferred the Mung Bean Flower Latte.

The Green Tea Triangle was not overly sweet, so it went well with the lattes we ordered. I liked the menu items I tried this time, so I would recommend choosing from the signature menu.

What was it like spending a rainy Monday afternoon there?

When I visited around 1 p.m. on Monday, it was not crowded, so the two of us spent time at ease. I remember the raindrops falling from under the hanok eaves and the view of the green garden. Someone was reading at a garden-side seat, and I wished I had brought a book too.

It was a visit where I could rest while looking at a hanok and garden on a rainy day, and try lattes I do not usually drink.