With Jeju's stunning coastline of white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters, it's really not hard to find a café with a great view. Whilst it won't be hard to find a café, I want to share with you some of the beautiful cafes I visited during my time in Jeju.
Bomnal
Address: 2540, Aewol-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
I first heard about this café when I was researching some places to visit in Jeju. After reading the description of a café located in a beautiful spot by the sea, I realised it was used as a filming location in a K-drama I'd watched a few years ago. Back when I first discovered K-dramas, I watched a series called 'Warm and Cozy' and I loved the scenes from around the island. So when I finally had the chance to visit Jeju, I knew I couldn't miss out on visiting this place, and honestly it was better than I ever expected.
Located in Aewol's famous café street, Bomnal Café still retains the iconic exterior that fans of the drama would come to recognise. Even though from the front it looks like this café is situated right at the edge of the sea, there is so much more to discover once you're inside.
Before entering, you should place your order at the window by gently knocking and waiting for the staff to greet you. Once you've done that, you can head inside. As I mentioned, it was quite surprising to me how big the café actually is. When you first enter you'll notice there a two buildings, in the middle of which is a pathway that gives the impression of a street. At the end it opens out onto grassy courtyard space with an open view of the sea.
When you head inside the left building to pick up your order, you'll notice it's quite different from what you saw in the drama. The interior has a rustic style with stone walls and lots of dark wood furnishings and furniture, but the two large windows provide lots of natural light and of course a view of the sea. I can imagine that this would be a lovely place to visit no matter what the weather or the season, as I'm sure it would feel warm and cosy on a rainy day or even in the winter.
After walking through the building you'll see an outdoor space with plenty of seating that provides an open view of the sea. If you head out and down the steps, you'll also find some more basic seats and tables in the grassy courtyard area which is surrounded by a stone wall and warm lights.
I decided to visit this place in the evening after dinner and I'm so happy that I did, because it was here that I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in my life. I don't even need to describe it to you, I think the pictures speak for themselves.
Aewol Bakery & Café
Address: 472-13, Geumseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Staying in Aewol, this famous bakery and café can be found tucked away behind the stunning Gwakji Beach. This bakery has a kitchen in store so all of the breads, sandwiches, and desserts are freshly prepared. When I entered the bakery I was a little overwhelmed by the variety of baked goods and I found it so hard to choose what to eat! I really loved how some of the breads and desserts were designed to resemble famous foods or places in Jeju; for example, the tangerine dessert pictured below and even a mousse that is meant to resemble Mt Hallasan.
I tried the sweet potato bread and the Hallabong bread with fresh tangerine juice. I actually don't usually choose sweet potato-flavoured foods but this looked so delicious and it did actually taste as good as it looked. As for the Hallabong bread, when you cut into it you'll have a pleasant surprise. It's filled with a cream flavoured by tangerine juice which is very fragrant, although I will admit that after a while it can be a little too sweet.
This bakery also has an extensive gift shop where you can buy local snacks and sweets, as well as clothes, keyrings, magnets etc. Upstairs there is a large seating area where you can find a seat with a great view of the sea and Gwakji Beach. It's a beautiful place to peacefully spend your morning or afternoon on Jeju Island.
Anthracite
Address: 1715, Dongmyeong-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Tucked away in a predominantly residential area, Anthracite café is somewhat of a hidden gem. From the street it's a little difficult to find as the café is inside a partially renovated farm building. Once you find the wooden sliding door you'll be able to enter into what feels like a secret place only a few know about. The combination of the stone and wood from the old building with metal architecture and modern furniture work well together against the backdrop of the encroaching vegetation. Although you are clearly inside a building, there is an illusion of being outside and close to nature thanks to the foliage and natural sunlight.
I tried the lemonade which was refreshing and exactly what I needed on such a hot day. Baked goods are also on the menu, including pies, cakes and bread.
Coffee Sketch
Address: 116-6, Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Located on the edge of Yongmeori Coast in Seogwipo, this café is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful coastal views with a cup of coffee. Although the building looks very simple and a little plain from the outside, you'll soon discover that the inside is warm and inviting. The cafe's modern interior coupled with natural wood, stone and some tropical plants allows you to feel comfortable and at ease no matter what the weather is doing outside. There are large windows that span the wall of the café which allow you to fully enjoy the sea views.
Yongmeori, gets its name from a significant geological feature located on its coastline. As a result of years of weathering and erosion, the cliffs have worn away and now resemble the head (meori) of a dragon (yong). This is an area of scientific significance as well as a place of natural beauty. Not only will you find a unique coastline but to the north of the café Sanbangsan mountain presence will not go unnoticed. There's a lot to see and do in this area, so this café is a must visit if you're in need of a rest and refreshments.
Full House
Address: 216, Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
This café is just a short walk from the previous and if you didn't know by now, I am a big lover of cats so I just couldn't resist sharing this picture with you all! Yes, this café not only has amazing views of the coast and the mountain, but it also has cats - and lots of them!
Looking at the exterior, at first you might not realise this is a café but when you go inside you'll fall in love with its cute and quirky charms. Plus, it has a huge window which shows off the incredible view of the Yongmeori Coast.
This café is also pretty famous for its bread which is shaped in an iconic dragon shape. Unfortunately I didn't try it but I saw two other customers eating the bread and it looked delicious. Instead I was in need of something refreshing to drink, so I ordered the Hallabong smoothie. And I couldn't finish talking about this café without sharing one more picture of the resident cats. They're so playful and friendly!
Honeymoon House
Address: 511, Topyeong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Last but certainly not least, this café is one of the most beautiful cafes I've ever visited in Korea. It certainly lives up to its name with its Mediterranean inspired architecture and breath-taking coastal views. It's most definitely a place of beauty and romance. It is a little difficult to find as the café is actually located in a resort so if you drive or take a taxi here you'll have to walk a little way from the car park and through the forested area. The good news is that there are plenty of signs and usually several other visitors who you can follow. And it's not only the café that is hidden in the forest, I discovered that you can follow a short trail and take a look at Seojeongbang Waterfall too.
This café definitely has a grand entrance which gives you the opportunity to appreciate the building's aesthetic design along the way. The white walls and terracotta tiles floors and roof transport you to the Mediterranean and whip up visions of romantic movies or holidays.
But believe it or not, the entrance isn't the best part of this café. At the back of the building you'll find a large patio area and a kind of balcony from which you can discover your inner Juliet, gazing not at Romeo but at the stunning Seogwipo coast. If you then follow the short trail through the wooded area, you'll arrive at another balcony which gives you an even better view of the sea. When I visited, the weather was transitioning into thunderstorms but it gave me the opportunity to see the sea in its most impressive form.
Related Posts
