Goghi (Seoul)

Now here is a spot that symbolizes the gentrification of Seochon aera.

Strategically located at a fork just North of Yeongjumun-gil, the new "bourgeois boheme" center West of Gyeongbokgung (between Tongeui-dong and Changseong-dong, South of Hyoja-dong), Goghi opened last year with a now classic business model :
- "smart" architecture : modern yet low cost design, one big public space with a small parking lot in the front and a small house behind... with a sense of timing (the area is about to be preserved, nearby hanoks shall not be sacrificed as easily)
- "smart" programming : diverse sources of relatively easy revenues to make the most of the same space - a cafe, a bakery, a restaurant proposing a limited choice of brunch sets all day, a gallery, and even cooking lessons.

That said, it's a nice spot to enjoy a break at odd hours in a peaceful atmosphere. They make good bread and use it in their brunch sets. Burgers and paninis are served with a nice salad. Not really Seoulite, and not very cheap (about 15k), but I could appreciate the pause in every season.

Yeah, I always feel a pang of guilt, too... but I sponsor enough small Korean eateries to indulge myself once in a while. Furthermore, as crazy at it may seem in this big artificial room half opened to the elements, a coffee mug in one hand, a book I just fished at Gagarin in the other, I'm often reminded of my pleasant reading hours in Perigord.

GOGHI (cafe - restaurant)
100 Changseong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ROK 110-070
Tel: (+82) 02-734-4907

Seoul Village 2009