We introduce cafes in Jeollabuk-do that are full of emotion that come to mind even more in the fall, and cafes in Iksan/Gunsan/Wanju/Imsil that have a quiet feel that cannot be felt in other regions :)
Nundeuljae
Although initially assuming it to be overly Instagrammable upon a search for cafes in the Iksan area, the space is comfortable and the desserts satisfactory. Ordered the berry-packed Lala-ade and an assortment of rice cakes. The ade is refreshing but not sweet, unfortunately lacking in berry flavors and only imparting a sour taste. Planning to try a different fruit tea next time. The assortment of rice cakes was delicious :) Especially the soft rice cake filled with smooth red bean paste and the tiramisu rice cake with cream-like bean filling. There's also a wide selection of blended and homemade teas available, complementing the rice cakes well. There are various pastries like strawberry cream croissants and dirty chocolate croissants that are suitable for light meals. The seating is spaciously arranged which is advantageous during the pandemic, but the large space with low ceilings causes voices to echo, making it a downside. It is recommended to visit at off-peak times on weekdays.
1708 ARCHIVE
Cafe 1708 Archive, known for its gallery-like interior and pretty desserts, attracts many 20-30 year-olds despite being located in a quiet neighborhood. After visiting most of the well-regarded cafes in Iksan, this definitely ranks in the top five. We ordered the French toast with ricotta, prosciutto, and salami. The thick bread soaked in maple syrup created a delightful blend of sweet and salty with the smooth ham. The low sodium content in the ham was appreciated, although the ricotta combined a bit too stickily overall. Yet, the freshly ground black pepper sprinkled on top did a great job balancing the sweetness. The Americano was bland, fitting for a casual drink. The prices are on the higher side, but the generous portion of ingredients makes it worth it. With a variety of baked goods and beverages, it's worth visiting multiple times.
달산책
Moonwalk, with its pretty name, warm woody beige interior, and undeniable flavors, had me at hello. The owner's kindness only adds to its charm. Specializing in homemade Greek yogurt and freshly roasted granola, the Always available Greek yogurt and the seasonally changing Season Menu are a delight. I opted for the 'BerryBerryMuch' from the Season Menu, which replaced cherries with seasonal strawberries and added coconut chunks. The thick and rich Greek yogurt is exactly to my taste, not too tart, making it a perfect match with berries. The granola, made in-house, is nutty, and the harmony of all ingredients, including dark chocolate, is perfection. The almond latte, more akin to a cappuccino, with its fluffy texture and rich nutty aroma, was a hit even with my father, lacking any acidity. Unlike other vegan lattes with almond or oat milk that taste watered down, this one had the perfect consistency. With other tempting items like dried persimmon rolls and open sandwiches, this café is on my list for a full menu conquest whenever in Jeonbuk.
볼오브크림
Bollofbream, with its postcard-like plush atmosphere! A place with pretty buttery light yellow and beige interiors. The taste isn't particularly outstanding, but it's clear a lot of care and quality ingredients are used. The yogurt is generously topped with seasonal strawberries and pomegranates, and the toffeenut mocha is covered with a fluffy foam. Based on the photos, it looked like it might be too Instagrammable with no concern for taste, but upon visiting, the appropriately decorated interiors and menu items were well-balanced.
Peullikeo
A unique synergy between a vintage Hanok cafe and a bookstore. Flicker Bookstore Dube Branch is located in Wanju Soyanggo-taek, a popular drive course near Jeonju. Having visited CafeDube or CafeSoyang next to it several times, I regret not coming here sooner - it was that good :) The menu I ordered was the Soyang Misut Pene. It seems to be operated by the same owner as CafeDube, as they use a few of the menus from Dube. The whipping on top produces a thick yet intense milk flavor, almost at the level of mascarpone cheese... It's not too sweet, blending well with the cocoa powder on top. Since it's a book cafe, reading the phrases written on the top of the bookshelves was fun. A large interior fireplace and a desk with flowing water are my absolute favorites. If you live in Jeonbuk, I highly recommend visiting at least once on the weekend.
미텐발트
The emotional cafe Mitenvwald in Imsil Okjeong Lake, a name really hard to remember after several repeats... It seems to mean 'in the middle of the forest' in German. Ordered handmade pumpkin latte and Cafe Compagna. The pumpkin latte, chosen without expectations, was surprisingly a hit to my taste. It's the thickest and creamiest pumpkin drink I've ever had, almost as dense as pumpkin soup. More fragrant and richer than the soup from the soup specialty store I reviewed last time haha. Planning to order this menu next time (Mom scooped out all the cream from Cafe Compagna, so I could only taste the shots, whispering). The view of Okjeong Lake was breathtakingly artistic. Both outdoor and indoor seating were fully packed, and I particularly liked the antique charm of the indoor seats. It'll be even better to visit when the flowers bloom or the leaves fall.
군산과자조합
The Gunsa Pastry Union, a modern Western-style cafe full of baked goods, is set in a 100-year-old Japanese-style building that has been remodeled. The spacious area and plenty of tables were appreciated. Chose the black sesame cream cheese scone. The slightly added yuzu marmalade enhanced the freshness. The taste wasn’t very bold, and the scone itself was a bit tough. At least the cream cheese and yuzu provided some support, but their quantities were too little compared to the scone... It would have been better with an iced Americano. The ice milk tea was delicious. Made with muscat black tea, it had a hint of grape aroma. A must-order for those who like muscat tea. The scent was rich, and it didn’t become too watery even with ice added, which was very pleasing. The space is nice, but... the tacky artificial flowers give off a slightly cheesy vibe. How about adding a bit more effort and money to display fresh flowers, Mr. Owner🥺 Anyway, it was also nice to view the serene alleyways of Gunsan, and the place was suitable to relax while enjoying the warm sunlight coming through the large windows. Recommended.
레어커피
A colorful and vintage cafe in Gunsan, Rare Coffee. The space is nice and the owner is friendly, making it a place I often visit. It also doubles as a small editorial shop, which makes browsing through it fun. Ordered an iced Einspänner. The coffee tastes sharp and the cream is rich – a very delicious Einspänner. Especially the whipped cream, it's so rich I wondered if they whipped it with butter. Even though I had already consumed coffee, it was very smooth to drink. The interior is so cute and pretty that I was happy even though I did not expect much from the coffee. For your information, a dog named Yeongjun is always there, so take note. He's very friendly and resembles the owner. If you sit on the sofa by yourself, Yeongjun might suddenly come and sit next to you, pretending to be your friend. A grateful place in the Gunsan modern culture street, where new stores appear and disappear quickly, for lasting a long time. I must visit again to try the dessert menu.
Geumma Coffee
The Geumma Goryeo District in Jeonbuk, famous for Mireuksaji, is seeing an influx of Hanok buildings thanks to the government's active support. Among them, several Hanok-style cafes have emerged, and Geumma Coffee, located a bit on the outskirts but well-organized, comes recommended. Initially visited without much expectation as it was recommended by a friend of my mother's, I was pleasantly surprised by the antique interior, the cool garden and pond. The condensed milk coffee had a fluffy and soft foam that was relaxing. The latte exceeded expectations, and the omija tea, while slightly lacking in quantity, was served in a beautiful teapot and cups, complete with lemon :) Since it was a recent opening when I visited, they gave out a Kenya hand drip as a gift, which had a rich fruit aroma that even suited my taste, not typically fond of acidity, and my father loved it. With a variety of specialty coffees available, coffee enthusiasts will be satisfied. If you live in Iksan, Jeonju, or Gunsan, I recommend stopping by Geumma Coffee to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset after a weekend drive and a walk around Mireuksaji!
선한가게
The trend isn't ocean view but a view of rice paddies. At first, it may not sound appealing, but once you visit, the refreshing landscape of Mireuksaji outside the window brings peace to both your eyes and heart. The space, converted from a residential home, feels even more welcoming. The brunch plate is really affordable. For 6000, the Egg Mayo Scone brunch includes sausage, fresh cream scone, seasonal fruit salad, a scoop of egg mayo, and strawberry jam. Overall, the flavors are mild, making for a clean and pleasant meal. However, a slight raw flour taste in the fresh cream scone is a bit disappointing. The spring onion bread brunch is also very cost-effective, with tender ingredients that blend well together—nothing displeasing about the taste, but nothing special either, yet the price is right. The basil tomato scone is delicious, ah! The white sauce on top, initially thought to be tartar, turned out to be onion cream cheese upon rechecking the menu, tempting enough to consider purchasing if sold separately, with its savory, rich, and appealing taste. Picnic sets are also available for rent, and outdoor seating is pet-friendly. A perfect place to enjoy the weather, the fields, and the view of Mireuksaji. The baked goods and cakes also look delicious, making a strong case for revisiting.