A Day in Haebangchon: Exploring Seoul's Hidden Gems
A spontaneous meetup led to a first visit to Haebangchon, where steep stairs, unfamiliar alleys, and unexpected views created a memorable afternoon.
From spotting Namsan Tower to discovering a hip café-restaurant with great vibes, the experience felt both confusing and exciting in a very Seoul-like way.
This visit was less about checking landmarks and more about atmosphere, conversation, and enjoying a place through a friend’s favorite spot.
A First Encounter with Haebangchon
Heading out to meet friends in Incheon, I somehow found myself in Haebangchon, Seoul, for the first time.
From this unfamiliar neighborhood, I unexpectedly caught a glimpse of Namsan Tower.
Have I really only been there twice in my life? It made me laugh.
Seeing the famous eateries and scenery I had only known through photos felt strange yet refreshing.
Steep Stairs, Old Paths, and Getting Lost
The stairs in Haebangchon were steep and endless, once used as pathways during the Japanese occupation.
Even though I’m terrible with directions, I carefully followed Naver Maps.
The entrance marked on the map turned out to be misleading.
As I moved inward, I realized I had wandered into Shinheung Market instead.
Waiting, Sweat, and Typical Seoul Chaos
I briefly met one friend, but the confusion about entrances struck again.
I ended up going back down to guide George up.
I had time to walk slowly and felt hot, while George, who took the wrong bus and couldn’t catch a taxi, rushed over completely drenched in sweat.
It all felt chaotic, but somehow very Seoul.
Climbing Up to a Surprisingly Beautiful View
The first floor felt cramped and tightly packed.
As I climbed the narrow, steep stairs, buildings blocked part of the view.
Still, what opened up in front of me was beautiful enough to make me gasp.
I kept repeating how pretty it was without realizing it.
A Hip Café-Restaurant with Its Own Vibe
The café-restaurant had clothes hanging around the space.
I couldn’t help but wonder if they were for sale.
Once we sat at the table my friend had secured, I noticed the menu was accessed through a QR code.
It felt very similar to cafés abroad.
Warm Drinks, Latte Art, and Small Details
The weather was warm, yet the heater was blasting, making me sweat.
Despite that, I ordered a warm Australian-style latte.
The latte art was adorable.
I’ll have to confirm how Australian it really is when I eventually visit Australia.
It wasn’t overly hot and had a pleasant, balanced taste.
Relaxed Conversations and an Easygoing Afternoon
Instead of leaving our bags by the chairs, the café provided separate hangers, so we took off our outerwear.
I ordered a brownie, which was just okay.
We had enjoyed our last gathering so much, and meeting again sooner than expected felt nice.
Conversation and laughter flowed naturally.
From Coffee to Cocktails as Evening Fell
We ordered more beer and cocktails.
Having food, coffee, and drinks all in one place felt incredibly convenient.
After about two hours of light chatting, we headed down at 5 PM for a nearby dinner reservation.
As night fell, the atmosphere at Naverz became even more charming.
A Place Worth Returning To
I had planned to visit the rooftop and top floor but completely forgot in the excitement of conversation.
Next time I come to Seoul, I definitely want to bring my friend here.
The staff at Naverz in Haebangchon were friendly, and the view was fantastic.
Although I didn’t try the food, the dishes at nearby tables looked tempting.
Haebangchon has many great places, but this spot left me genuinely satisfied.
No comments yet.
