Chungmuro | Bunkasha Review
Charming cafe in Myeongdong & Chungmuro with an unforgettable atmosphere
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Located in the charming Chungmuro area, just next to Myeongdong, this beautiful cafe that seems lost in time is hidden in the middle of the city scene. If you're looking to step into a pleasant local scene, this cafe is for you.
Bunkasha (분카샤)ㅣInformation
- Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Euljiro Branch: 서울 중구 을지로14길 20
- Chungmuro Branch: 서울 중구 퇴계로31길 16
Bunkasha (분카샤)ㅣHow to Get There
Bunkasha (분카샤)ㅣReviews
Bunkasha has a branch each near Euljiro 3-ga station and Chungmuro station. I went to the Chungmuro branch, walked for about 15 minutes from Myeongdong. The cafe, situated in a local alley, is not at all noticeable to passersby. I started wondering what charms of this almost invisible cafe attracted so many locals.
Walk in the middle of Chungmuro, a general factory, commercial and residential area to locals, I located the green doors and a sign written in Chinese characters. Getting there was not the easiest as I had to walk up 4 flights of stairs.
The door into the cafe looked like any door into a residential unit in Korea which was an interesting contrast to rather loud, flashy store signs I often came across in Korea.
The simple artistic features, tables of different sizes placed throughout and sunlights coming in through the large windows in its large space seemed to be the charms of Bunkasha. Little touches of furniture made me feel like I was in someone's living quarters, giving the space a nice hint of comfort.
Each corner of the place features unique looking furniture and design pieces, all with strong characters. Although each piece is strong and loud, together the pieces coordinate well together.
Do you guys like their atmosphere? I personally love spaces like this, secret spots hidden in bustling city areas like Myeongdong and Chungmuro. This place has been receiving lots of love and welcome from young Korean locals on social media.
The only thing about this place that didn't ring my personal taste was the loud music. It's definitely not a quiet cafe
In terms of ordering there should be no problem as the menu's written in Korean and English. The cafe has a strict one drink order per person policy. I ordered Bunkasha's famous fruit sandwich (8,000KRW).
Afternoon sunlight seeped through the white blinds, giving this table natural warmth. I claimed this spot as my definite favourite.
Looking at soondoo coffee (6,500KRW) and cream vanilla (6,500KRW), I was instantly filled with anticipation. Social media superstar fruit sandwich added onto the anticipation! Not only did they look delicious but they also looked so aesthetically pleasing together.
Overall, the two drinks were both sweet and the sandwich was really delicious. I've never been a fan of fruit sandwiches, but I kept going in for a bite after a bite with this one.
The soft cream, slightly sweet, did not taste greasy or too rich. Rather, it had a very clean, light taste to it, complementing the toast and the moderately sour fruits. The sandwich was so tasty, exceeded my expectation and I'd definitely go back for them again.
As well, if you visit on a nice sunny day, I highly recommend you go up to the rooftop and see what landmarks of Seoul you can see from there.
I went on a cold winter day so the rooftop was closed but take note that snapping photos up here is still a possibility.
Euljiro and Chungmuro are areas yet to be known to tourists and I was certainly mesmerized by the charms of these local vibes. Bunkasha is the hidden gem, offering working professionals, shop vendors and residents a great place for comfort and escape (and a mouthwatering fruit sandwich).
Next time you're hanging out in Myeongdong, why not take a short stroll and take yourself to this extraordinary place?
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