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City of Coffee

 

　In Busan, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a way of life. Several neighborhoods citywide are dedicated to satisfying Busanites' caffeine obsession. These neighborhoods, known as "cafe streets," offer perfectly brewed coffee, diverse food options, sightseeing and activities.

　Busan is Good introduces four cafe streets to experience the city's vibrant coffee culture.

 

Jeonpo Cafe Street

　In the past, Jeonpogonggu-gil Street was a hardware district where contractors and DIY'ers went to buy hammers and nails. These days, however, you are more likely to find people carrying luxury bags instead of tool bags. The area has transformed into a trendy neighborhood where locals and tourists flock to sip lattes and eat brunch.

　Located near the bustling Seomyeon Street, the area boasts an eclectic mix of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Busan hipsters roam the labyrinth of alleyways, chatting as they move from one hot spot to another.  A few hardware stores are still open on certain streets, providing the tools and materials needed to remodel the spaces that once housed their competitors.

　This blend of modern amenities in industrial settings is one of this area's major charms and why the New York Times highlighted Jeonpo Cafe Street as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2017."

Address: 92 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu

 

Oncheoncheon Cafe Street

　Once a sleepy, unassuming residential neighborhood, Oncheoncheon Cafe Street now buzzes with youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit. Located along the Oncheoncheon Stream, the neighborhood is home to over 150 small and independently owned businesses, including cafes, restaurants, bakeries, pubs, bookstores and galleries.

　In the springtime, one of the best ways to spend a breezy afternoon is to enjoy a sweet treat and an iced Americano while taking a stroll underneath the cherry blossoms lining the Oncheoncheon Stream. Who cares about calories when the indulgence happens in such a beautiful setting?

Address: 451 Oncheoncheon-ro, Dongnae-gu

 

Haeridan-gil Street

　Sometimes, drinking coffee is a utilitarian act, when the caffeine is needed to get through the day.  Other times, a cup of coffee is the perfect ending to a delectable meal. To experience the latter, head to Haeridan-gil Street in Haeundae-gu District. This lively community, located behind the defunct Haeundae train station, boasts the city's hottest restaurants and cafes.

　When Haeundae Station closed in 2013, entrepreneurs turned the declining neighborhood into a hotbed of global cuisine and emerging food trends. Shuttered shops became ramenyas, espresso bars and dessert cafes. Busan's trendsetters and gourmands soon followed, seeking out perfectly charred burgers and Chemex-brewed coffee.

Address: 510-7 U-dong, Haeundae-gu

 

Mangmidan-gil Street

　Visitors with more artistic sensibilities should go to Mangmidan-gil Street in Suyeong-gu District. The area is undergoing a "cultural renaissance." New residents, artists and entrepreneurs have injected new life into the community. Spend an afternoon meandering through alleys, discovering nuanced espressos, delicate teas, bowls of pasta, strawberry mochi, ceramic pots, wood sculptures or metalwork.

　Walking around Mangmidan-gil is an act of discovering a new favorite:  A favorite coffee shop, a favorite bakery, or a favorite boutique. Each discovery feels like unearthing a hidden gem.

Address: 49-1 Mangmibeonyeong-ro, Suyeong-gu