Korea has always had an obsession with organic products. Although selling organic products in Korea is often used as a gimic, Café 5 CiJung offers original Makkeoli cocktails and drinks, which are complimented by private art exhibitions, all organized by the owner, Oh(5 in Korean) CiJung.
Persimmon Yogurt Cocktail
The Makkeoli (Korean rice wine, oftentimes spelled maggoli or makgeolli) cocktails have proven to be the most popular in the café. Among them, soft persimmon yoghurt (KRW 9,000) has been the top choice of women’s palate for quite some time. It has the look and taste of sherbet without a sweet aftertaste. The drink is crafted by freezing persimmon and then blending it with yoghurt. The persimmons are brought all the way from Cheong-do, which is known for persimmon production throughout Korea. I also ordered blue rice wine (KRW 10,000) and blueberry rice wine (KRW 10,000) cocktails, which were equally impressive.
The organic drink flavor and texture were very new to me. The Japanese Green Tea & Adzuki Bean (KRW 11,000) was very thick and it harmonized well with the adzuki bean, which was not overly sweet, but aromatic. Another drink 5CiJung offers is Fresh Ginseng Milk (KRW10,000). The taste of ginseng was moderate, allowing for even those who dislike ginseng to enjoy the drink. The Café is also famous for its complimentary home baked scones. They bake the scones 5 to10 times daily, and patrons can choose to order a side of banana orange jam (KRW 6,000).
Fresh Baked Scones
5CiJung Café is also an art gallery. The owner exhibits different art works in rotation and it’s even possible for customers to purchase the pieces. Unlike the typical modern style cafes you get in Garosu-gil, 5CiJung Café serves organically innovative drinks and food with a laid-back and artsy atmosphere. If you want a change of pace from the typical Garosu-gil cafe, I would recommend 5CiJung.
The Good
- Fresh, organic ingredients
- Complimentary scones
- Different and unique drinks, including makkeoli cocktails
The Bad
- Very crowded on weekends
- No valet service
Operating Hours
- Tue – Sat 11:00 ~ 23:30
- Sun, Mon 13:00 ~ 22:30
Contact
- 02-512-6508
Address
- 서울시 강남구 신사동 525-11 1F
Website
Directions
Exit Sinsa Station (exit #8), head to the end of Garosu-gil until you see Starbucks. Go into the alley on the right side of Starbucks and go straight up for 100m. 5CiJung Café will be on your left.
Map
View 5CiJung Cafe in a larger map
Editor: Mike Porto
