Along with one of the best art schools in Korea, Hongdae boasts an eclectic assortment of fine cafes and novel restaurants. Deciding where to go for coffee or food in this area is always a challenge. Moreover, since Hongdae is always packed, I like to find a quiet place to have a cup of coffee or read papers. If you don’t mind wandering a bit off the map, Cafe Wonderland, with its cozy atmosphere, is one of the best places for you to take time to relax.
Cafe Wonderland is located just behind SeoKyo Elementary School, about a 15-minute walk from Hongik University. It’s refreshingly removed from the clutter of central Hongdae, but be careful not to miss it: The alley down which it appears is full of wine bars and cafes, and Wonderland’s second story location makes it doubly easy to go unnoticed.
This is not one of the largest cafes in Hongdae, but the decor is very cozy and homey, and its layout is charmingly unique. You can just grab a seat in front of the main door, but if you venture in a bit more you will notice a variety of different styles of tables. And when the weather is right, the terrace provides the best seats of all.
This is my favorite table. It is actually a real bathtub with running water, though whether winter, spring, summer or fall, the water is always cold. Still it’s fun to play with, and the bolder among us might even try taking a shower.
If you want more relaxing chairs, here they are.
This is the best seat if you want to stay long and work on the laptop. But it’s usually occupied, electrical outlets will do that to a spot at a cafe.
It is always nice to sit on the terrace, especially when you are living in a busy city like Seoul. When the weather is right, I strongly recommend you take a seat out here.
They provide pretty much anything from coffee to champagne. The waffle (KRW 3,500) is a particularly popular item.
Topped with Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Your choice of Vanilla, Chocolate, Green-Tea and Strawberry.
One of the advantages of Hongdae is the pricing. Everything Cafe Wonderland provides comes with a pleasurably cheap price yet consistently good quality.
Pricing
- Coffee: KRW 4,000 ~ 5,000
- Wine: KRW 20,000 ~ 50,000
- Brunch: KRW 9,000 (including a Bagel or Sandwich)
The Good
- An extensive menu
- Pleasing decor
- Quite and cozy atmosphere
- Low prices
- Good service
The Bad
- Difficult to find
Directions
Get off at Hongdae station and come out of exit #4. Make a first right at the 2nd intersection, make a right at Family Mart. Walk straight and when you see Buy The Way, cross the street and make a left. Keep going straight and you will see Seokyo Elementary School on your right and CoCo Girl on your left. Cafe Wonderland is on the second floor of the CoCo Girl building.
Operating Hours
- Mon ~ Sat: 11:00 ~ 23:00
- Sun: 11:00 ~ 24:00
Contact
- 02-3143-2651
Map
Reference: Closeup shot of waffle picture and the title picture is taken from this blog, the picture of menu written on a blackboard is taken from this blog and the picture of terrace is taken from this blog.
