Recommended Cafe in Bukchon: Cafe Boan 1942

During this autumn, I took a day off to visit Cafe Boan 1942 while strolling through Bukchon and Seochon, which I had seen during my visit to the Hong Geon-ik House.
I had been looking forward to enjoying a quiet morning walk in Jongno and brunch on this day!
Located at 33 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Cafe Boan 1942 opens early at 8 AM, making it one of the few cafes in the area to do so. They also offer breakfast menus, which I was eager to try.

I chose a window seat to enjoy the view of the snow, even though I had hoped to see the beautiful ginkgo trees in full autumn color. The winter scenery with snow was incredibly beautiful as well.
The cafe's first floor is bright and inviting, filled with sunlight from large windows. It provides a perfect atmosphere for a daytime visit, allowing you to relax and take a break from the bustling city outside.
Books by various authors are displayed, and I took some time to browse through them before placing my order. Despite being in the middle of Jongno, the cafe is surprisingly quiet, making it a great spot for reading.
I also admired the cute ceramic dishes on display, although they were not for sale. The unique shapes were delightful.
Cafe Boan also offers a selection of blended teas, which are soothing and enjoyable to sip on occasion.
The aroma of breakfast being prepared filled the air, and I was excited to try the food. Even on a weekday morning, the cafe was busier than I expected, likely due to guests from the Boan Stay accommodation located above.
For breakfast, I ordered the 'Morning Care Breakfast' which included a neat presentation with fresh salad, eggs, and bread—simple yet satisfying.
A warm Americano accompanied the meal, and I appreciated that it wasn't too strong, making it easy to enjoy on an empty stomach. The fresh vegetables were crunchy and flavorful, while the sourdough and soft-boiled egg paired perfectly, making me feel healthier.
The combination of healthy butter and jam was sweet and delicious, complementing the coffee well. The soft-boiled egg was seasoned just right for my taste. However, the portion was a bit small, leaving me wanting more after finishing.
Despite not wanting to overindulge, those looking for a hearty meal might find the breakfast somewhat lacking.
After my meal, I headed up to the second floor, which serves as a book cafe. This is where Cafe Boan truly shines. The second floor is filled with curated books, primarily focused on design, photography, and essays, making it a wonderful space for browsing and quiet reading.
The harmonious blend of books and space created a perfect environment for spending time alone or organizing my thoughts.
What I loved the most was the winter scenery visible from the window. Although famous for its ginkgo tree views in autumn, the snowy winter landscape was equally stunning.
Cafe Boan 1942 is a fantastic spot for solo explorations in Bukchon and Seochon. I plan to share more about my experiences in Seochon soon!

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