Showing posts with label 마포구. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 마포구. Show all posts

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Korean Twist - 누나홀닭 NOO NA HOL DAK

With so many Korean infusion restaurants around the world, it had to make their way to Korea. Hongdae, a popular young crowd in Seoul caters to a new take on the Korean infusion menu with a  restaurant, NOO NA HOL DAK, that focuses on all things chicken to come up with a chicken fajita wrap. Marinated chicken and a bed of vegetables made of onions and green peppers are served on a sizzling hot plate with a serving of flat tortillas. The concept is simple, take a piece of chicken, some vegetables and wrap it all up for consumption. 
The chicken is marinated to perfection with a glaze of honey and teriyaki taste. Shared between two, this dish will only set you back about $15 which is definitely worth it for the budgeted price. NOO NA HOL DAK is located from exit 8 of the Hongik University train station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit and go straight to the second intersection. Make a right and NOO NA HOL DAK will be on your right with open seating up a semi-flight of stairs.

Address: Mapo-gu, Donggyo Dong 164-8
마포구 동교동 164-8


Friday, October 25, 2013

Bottoms Up - Bubble Beans

It is almost impossible to find a bubble tea spot in Korea that is centered around it being a real cafe for locals to hang out at and enjoy a good drink. Bubble Beans is the one place that offers an indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere for bubble tea. The best part is that they offer a take out menu that provides discount to guests, even at their already low price of less than $4 a cup. 

With free wifi and brunch on the menu, Bubble Beans also offers desserts and deliciousness that allows guests to stay all day at the cafe. It is definitely different to have bubble tea served in a refreshing cup that is styled in a way that you want a continuing refill. Bubble Beans offer a stamp coupon that allows for guests to get a free drink after a number of visits which is always popular for bubble tea.

Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight for almost 3 blocks. Bubble Beans will be on your right, right before the next intersection.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Maman Gateau 마망갸또

Maman Gataeu is a dessert cafe as well as a baking academy that actually specializes in all things caramel. With a dessert menu that averages at $5 a plate and caramel for almost $1 a piece, it is honestly a must visit. They obviously offer other things on the menu, being it is a well-recognized baking school in Seoul. Maman Gataeu bakes up all things sweet which includes cheesecakes, roll cakes, layered cakes and more. They also offer a wide range of coffee selection and drinks for guests to enjoy, catering to the season and speciality items of that very season.

With two locations, one out in Hongdae and another in Sinsa, it is a must visit for anyone who is looking to enjoy some good dessert away from the busy streets. The location in Hongdae is closer to the Hapjeong station, where the quieter street of restaurants and coffee shops are in Hongdae. Although the Sinsa location is by the busy streets of Garosu-gil, you can definitely find peace at this dessert cafe.

Hongdae Location: 02-3141-9664 Opened from 12-11PM
서울시 마포구 서교동 395-113 (Mapo-gu, Seogyo Dong, 395-113)
Sinsa Garosu-gil Location: 070-4353-5860
서울시 강남구 신사동 524-27 1F Cafe, 2F Baking School (Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 524-27)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Fresh on the Market - Cafe J BROWN

One of the newest chains to make its way over to Korea is the Artisan Chocolatier Cafe J BROWN.  Coffee shops are all over Korea and there's nothing special about a lot of the new ones. It is definitely great to find a new cafe that is specializing in all things chocolate and sweet, all desserts and drinks are paired with some kind of chocolate made fresh in store. With a new branch that opened in the Hongdae Hapjeong area, Cafe J BROWN is a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

As you pass this store on the corner, you may think it is just a storefront that sells desserts packaged to go, but in fact, there is a cafe downstairs. The concept is a little different where you pay separately for your dessert and drinks at the two different floors. Entrance is where all the dessert goodies are where you pay for your piece(s) and they will bring it downstairs to decorate and plate for your enjoyment. When you go downstairs, you will be given a drink menu where you pay again for your drinks. 

Desserts and drinks vary in price, on average costing about $6 a piece, a cup. Quite a splurge on an afternoon dessert, but this is actually average for drinks in Korea. The one good thing is that you feel as if you are getting more for your money because of the fact that they are dedicating a lot of effort into presentation. You may think that you are getting some kind of regular drink or dessert, but in fact you are in for a surprise. Desserts are decked out with some kind of chocolate addition, macarons included. The best part about the drinks is that they are all served with some kind of chocolate which makes your drink that much more amazing. Because many do not know about this, you can practically skip out on the dessert if you are consuming alone.

The one complaint to make about Cafe J BROWN is the fact that their Napoleon dessert is nothing like the traditional Napoleon that is made with layers of chocolate and cream. The Napoleon, like many other desserts in Korea is made their own way, with their own twist. Rather than using layers of flakiness, it is an actual cake. This cake is in fact great in presentation, but definitely not something I recommend for someone who is looking for more of the traditional cake. On another note, although this cake concentrates on chocolate, its cream and cake layers are overpowering to the point where you cannot really taste the chocolate, not the best splurge for $6.

Address: 298-10 Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong
마포구 서교동 298-10
Phone: 02-324-7676

Monday, September 9, 2013

Bottoms Up - Cafe Organic

Cafe Organic, a two floor location in Hongdae is one of the recommended places to go to for all things organic. Being that there are so many coffee shops and different places that offer food and snacks, it's difficult to find those that are green and healthy. Cafe Organic offers something different by having organic coffee beans, teas and fresh juices. 

Being that they are using all things organic, the price of Cafe Organic is not like many other coffee shops that can average at $5 a drink. Cafe Organic averages $7 a drink, but service is extremely efficient. It is a recommended location if you are looking for a relaxing, open area to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae and a relaxing seating area. 

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Organic will be on the corner on your right. 

Address: 마포구 서교동 339-1
339-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Phone: 02-332-4650

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Cafe Etonne

Cafe Etonne, located in Hongdae, is probably one of the cheapest places to get amazing desserts that actually caters around presentation. In Korea, presentation of food is extremely important, but with that comes a big price> Cafe Etonne offers desserts that are appealing to the eye without splurging on the wallet. They are pretty on point with taste and they try to whip up desserts and drinks that are unique to the menu.

Of course, Cafe Etonne offers the regular desserts of cake slices, tarts, macarons and all, but the one thing that definitely stands out on the menu is their bing su, shaved ice. They are the only place by far that offers a Sangria Bing Su which is infused with a ton of fresh fruits, piles of ice, drowned in red wine and topped with a ball of ice cream. The only weird thing to this dessert is the chunks of cottage cheese. Koreans have something for cheese that is just explainable, but it is easy to remove and enjoyed. Better yet, tell them to take out the cheese which saves you the trouble of picking!

Cafe Etonne is definitely one place recommended for a date setting as well as girl time. They have a spacious open area with a variety of seating and open windows for you to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae. This is one place you do want to visit for cheap desserts in Seoul, Korea.  

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Etonne will be on the left upstairs from one of the shopping stores with an entrance at the corner.


Address: 344-14 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Telephone: 070-7583-6432


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Restaurant Review - Burger Joint New York

Burger Joint New York chases the dreams of a perfected burger, fries, and a drink New York style.  Bringing the location from the original in New York, the restaurant is located in Hongdae off of the main party streets on the second floor, Burger Joint New York is the place to go for a simple set meal. The concept is simple where you tell DON'T want on your burger. Yes, tell them the things you do not want to include which makes life a lot easier. Just goes to show the amazing service that goes into each and every burger. 

With an extremely simple menu, which is recommended for most burgers anyway, making an order is extremely easy. Because they are cooking up their burgers fresh, it can take a while if there is a line. For the most part, Burger Joint New York is extremely popular with the locals as well as the foreigners. It is one of the very few restaurants that offer Dr Pepper which is a must have for many. This hip hop themed restaurant is a place for foreigners to feel comfortable with staff that speaks a good amount of English, making you feel like you are at home. 

Directions: Take exit 9 of the Hongik University station stop on the green line 2. Go straight until the light and take a left after you cross the street. Go straight until you pass the Taco Bell on your right. After the Tony Moly on your right and before the light, take the street on the right going up. Go straight and before you reach the intersection, Burger Joint New York will be on your left in a hidden alley by the Watson's drug store. Be sure to look carefully because you can miss this second floor restaurant with a black exterior. 
Address: 358-51 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 서교동 358-51
Phone: 02-324-8999

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Restaurant Review - Burger B

Burger B is one of the best burger places in Hongdae for an outdoor seating over amazing food, burgers to be exact. It is the one place to enjoy an outdoor view over burgers, fries, and the choice of a beer or a milkshake. Better yet, you can get the Burger B platter that serves you an amazing burger with fries and a shot of milkshake. Yes, a shot of milkshake. You can then proceed to ordering your own or going for a beer as a refreshment.

Burgers are priced at a decent $8 which makes it easy for customers to get filled without splurging too much. The one thing that is recommended is to go to Burger B with an open stomach because the food is amazing. It is also a great spot to enjoy a drink with friends before heading out for a chaotic night in Hongdae. Burger B is extremely popular among locals and foreigners because foreigners know a good burger. The meat is definitely different compared to other burger restaurants in Korea, maintaing that juicy texture.

With an open balcony area, it is the perfect place to lounge around during the day, and at night. You grasp the crisp air from outside and it's very welcoming to conversations and booze. Burger B caters to both vibes of the Hongdae community with good food and drinks, one recommended location for sure.

With three locations in town which include the popular Hongdae, Apgujeong, and Sangnam, the location visited was the one in Hongdae at 362-7 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul.


Saturday, July 20, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar De Chou

Sugar De Chou, located in Hongdae, is known to be a cupcake cafe with the cutest yet most simple cupcakes for the price of $4. The popular two flavors include Earl Grey Tea and the Chocolate, but they also offer a Green Tea and Lemon cupcake. Icing for the cupcakes differ depending on the one ordered, which includes an extremely decorative kind when ordered. 

The chocolate cupcake is extremely bold in taste, offering chunks of chocolate chips inside the cupcake which is different to other cupcake shops that finish with a basic cake base. The icing is extremely creamy in texture, offering a strong milky chocolate taste which definitely puts the chocolate over the top. Finished with a topping of sliced almonds, it is the perfect cup of chocolate in a cake. 

The best thing about the menu is that they offer a handful of other drinks to consume with their cupcakes. Opening at 1 in the afternoon and closing at 11PM everyday, it is the place to go to enjoy with a friend or just as a simple study session. They even have delivery services which can be made if you speak Korean of course. The environment is extremely cute offering indoor and outdoor seating with outlets everywhere to charge anything and everything you need, even with seating in the middle of the floor. Another bonus of the cafe is that they offer take out coffee for just $2. Nothing beats a low price and an environment that is relaxing and calm from the outskirts of the crazy Hongdae party night scene. 

Address: Seoul, Mapo, Seogyo-dong, 396-32 
Phone: 070-8221-2223

Friday, July 19, 2013

Restaurant Review - The Joe

The Joe in Hongdae is definitely not the place to rave for their burgers, but the menu is extremely cheap. Because the patties are frozen and not the best patties are used, the burgers from the Joe is just something to fill a stomach. The one thing that is special about The Joe is their tangy sweet and sour sauce that they layer the burger with. It is definitely something that takes it up a notch. Their fries, on the other hand, is something that is worth making the splurge on. There is a small number of restaurants that actually use nacho cheese on their fries and that is why the freshly battered and nacho cheese melted fries is to die for. Nonetheless, it is the place to go for a quick bite to satisfy any stomach of a club goer and partying in the busy streets of Hongdae. 

For anyone looking to sample The Joe and review it for yourself, take exit 9 of the Hongik University station on the green line 2. Make a left when you exit the station to the first street you see. Take a right at the first intersection and go straight to the corner. The Joe will be on your left before you reach the corner of Taco Bell. 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Restaurant Review - Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨

Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is a Korean fusion chicken spot that is dispersed across Seoul. The restaurant offers something new to chicken lovers that break from the traditional Korean norm of chicken and beer. Chir Chir Chicken not only has amazing boneless chicken, but they top it with sliced almonds, Korean rice cakes and an amazing sauce of course. There are also chunks of fried sweet potato which is a Korean staple and nonetheless, a good combo as well. This Korean fusion breaks away from using potatoes and fries, but it is still nom-alicious. 
In addition to their popular saucy boneless chickens, they also offer fried chicken that is paired with a simple salad. Basic, but over the top for someone who loves chicken, but can't splurge on the extra calories. A bed of fresh salad always does the trick! It may make you feel less guilty about the extra calories from the amazing sauce, but be careful of the dressing. Because it is so delicious, you may consume a lot more than you plan to. 

Touching on the topic of chicken and beer. Chir Chir chicken definitely offers beer with their menu options because it is the most popular thing, but they offer something that many chicken places do not and that is American alcoholic beverages. Served in pitcher sizes, their refreshing drinks makes any chicken explosive. 

Being that Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is extremely popular for those who are drinkers, there are a few locations across Seoul, including two in the Hongdae area down the alley of fun. 

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Bottoms Up - Thanks Nature Cafe

With all the different animal cafes in Korea which are, but not limited to the dog, cat, and fish, there is the new staple of sheep. Yes, a sheep cafe. A little different from the other cafes where animals are not running around, but the sheep is caged. The concept of seating at Thanks Nature Cafe is definitely different to other cafes. Thanks Nature Cafe offers two types of seating which includes in door with air conditioner or outdoor with the natural breeze, right next to the two sheep. Although the smell may not be amazing, a lot of people like to sit outside with the sheep for another source of entertainment.

Many foreigners love to visit Thanks Nature Cafe for the concept of having a sheep in a cafe. Where in the world would you find a sheep in a cafe? It is definitely different which attracts all tourists and locals as well. Popularity of the cafe is within the younger crowd and couples, but it is definitely worth it to make a pit stop to see something that belongs in a farm, but is not. 

Although the drinks are not amazing, they are pretty popular with the waffles. Guests comes with a minimum of two, sharing a huge plate of waffle, cream, and fruits that looks amazing and a little over the top.

Another thing to keep in mind is that service can be a little slow, but that's because it's a popular place to visit for the two cute sheep that are in a pen outside. From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Before reaching the end where the third light is, Thanks Nature Cafe will be on your left downstairs right after the eye glasses store.

Address: 마포구 서교동 486 서교푸르지오산가 B121
Phone: 02-335-7470

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Hidden Treasures - Macaron by Ruben Ian Adriaan

Macaron in Hongdae is definitely on the top of my list of world's best recognized macarons as a dessert. For the simple reason that Ruben Ian Adriaan not only incorporates two flavors into his macarons, but for the simple fact that there is two flavors in the center. Most places only concentrates on one filling of flavor, but Macaron offers something different. 
The blend of two flavors of macaron is incorporated into every bite. The flaky and hard outer shell is combined with a soft bite into the center which provides you with a kick of two fillings depending on the flavor ordered. Macaron is definitely recommended for anyone looking for traditional flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and rose to the more modern take of cheesecake and berry, sakura, yuzu, and my favorite, salted caramel.

Although the macarons are taken up a notch, the prices are not. Macarons are priced at an affordable $1.50 per piece and $5 for a three piece combo. You can also purchase boxes as gifts to go which is definitely recommended because I have yet to have a better tasting macaron.

Address: 343-2 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul
서울시 마포구 서교동 343-2
Phone: 02-3144-0966

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Publique

Publique is an extremely famous bread and pastry shop in Korea for their variety of baked goods, labeled one of the best in Seoul and they definitely do stand up to their title. This small bakery offers a cafe for you to sit and enjoy the baked goodies and pastries as well as a small outdoor seating area to enjoy the beautiful weather, surrounded by flowers. Freshly baked daily, Publique offers a handful of baked goodies, but the most popular just might have to be their eclairs. Rather than being stuffed with a cream filling, the chocolate eclair is filled with a chocolate mousse that takes it over the top. Their almondcroissant is also something different, offering a cream filling that takes it up a level. Publique is a must visit for anyone who loves pastries, breads, and sweets (that means everyone). 

Directions: Take Sangsu station, line 6 exit 1 and go straight. Take a right at the first block that you see and walk straight until the dead end. Take a left and go straight. Publique will be in a hidden cement building on your left which you can miss if you are not looking carefully!
Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Sangsu-dong, 311-1 서울시 마포구 상수동 311-1
Phone: 02-333-6919
Hours: 11am-10pm, Closed on Sundays

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Be Sweet On

Be Sweet On is a dessert spot in Hongdae that is constantly swarmed with people who are looking to enjoy a sweet tooth satisfaction. With pastries that are baked up fresh daily, there is a crunchy crisp to very flaky pastry, a fresh taste to every dessert. Sweets start at the price of $5 and can cost well over $10, but it is one place that is always packed with locals because the pastries are that amazing. 

The one suggestion to be made is the Mille-Feuille Chocolat Au Lait which is the perfect blend of a layered pastry consisting of mille feuille and chocolate creme topped with a sweet glazed orange, vanilla ice cream and a chocolate fan. It is then drizzled with caramel and plated to enjoy. The presentation of the dessert alone is worth splurging the $10, but the taste takes it to a whole new level. There is no perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and sweet in a pastry.

Opened in the afternoon, it caters to the later hours of the busy Hongdae area. Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight and Be Sweet On will be on your right on the second floor. 

Address: 339-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 서교동 339-3
Telephone: 02-323-2370

Monday, June 24, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - My Little Cafe


My Little Cafe in Hongdae 나의작은카페 (the literal translation in Korean as well) is an extremely small cafe that is the cutest thing ever. Themed around a garden concept, there are always fresh flowers on the table and dimmed lighting that provides a warm atmosphere to bond over a cup of coffee and their amazing desserts. With the morning sunshine that peeps through their little window and white door, it is the perfect daytime setting for a day date as well. The everything cute can be found in My Little Cafe because they actually bring a lot of the home feeling to their environment, grasping the touch of small garden for the child inside.

My Little Cafe offers all kinds of cakes with their own twist. Most cakes are based on a cream concept that is layered perfectly on top of a cake base. The recommended is their Earl Grey Tea cake which has a few layers of flavor and topped with half a macaron. The concept is definitely different where they incorporate a macaron and small twists on the traditional desserts. The best part is their macarons are sold at the lowest price seen in Seoul, just $1.50 a piece which is even cheaper than the prices listed in New York. 
The recommendations to be made will definitely be the affogato which is brewed after ordered. topped with chocolate chips and a chocolate macaron. In addition to this amazing beverage, their macarons are on point, as well as their delightful cakes. Shaved ice would not be the best recommendation here, signature desserts is the way to go. Beware because this shop is limited in space, closed on Mondays and open at noon regularly, catering to couples and tea time until 11PM at night. 

Directions: Take Hongdae station exit 8 on the green line. When you exit, take a right at the corner block until you reach a semi curve in the road. Take the block going straight into an alley (My Little Cafe is literally straight down but because there is no direct street, you will have to make a U-like walk). Therefore, make a left at the dead end and take a right at the next intersection. Walk down to the third block and take a right. Go straight to the middle of the block and My Little Cafe will be on your right. Phone: 02-323-0507 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Molly's Pops

Molly's Pops (몰리스팝스) is one of the most famous places for foreigners, locals, adults, and children of all ages. For what reason? For their ice pops. Molly's pops is the one place in Seoul that offers fun and amazing flavor to all guests for their refreshing ice pops. For just $3 a pop, that pretty much beats the price of any convenient store ice cream, as well as my ultimate favorite Baskin Robbins. Molly's Pops take ice pops to another level by incorporating all kinds of flavors.

The best sellers are of course the ones made with booze for a different kind of kick as well as the signature Wasabi. Yes, a wasabi ice pop. As peculiar as it may sound, this bizarre food is actually not so bad when incorporated in a popsicle stick. Refreshing and cold, there is definitely enough of a taste of wasabi at the end that surprises you. 

Although they are labeled as an ice pop, the texture of the popsicles are extremely milky to the point where they melt in your mouth. It is a smooth blend of amazing flavor, incorporating all things good from sweet to tart and tangy. It is all things good on a stick you can't go wrong with that or any choice of ice pops at Molly's pops. 

This small shop is located from exit 8 of the Hongdae station on line 2. Take a right into the first block when you walk out of the station and follow the block straight down after you pass the curved road on your left (technically walk on it). Go to the very end until you hit a dead end and make a left. Molly's Pops will be on your right within a two blocks walk.

Address: 330-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 서교동 330-20

Monday, May 27, 2013

Bottoms Up - Twosome + Coffee

Teddy's Twosome + Studio is an upgrade from A Twosome Place coffee shop that is the place to go for their signature black toast sandwich that looks like burnt toast. For just an average of $5 per menu item of sandwich and coffee, the menu is not limited to just these two delicious choices. The coffee shop offers an open fridge of pre-made sandwiches, soups, salads, yogurts, pastries, and many other desserts that are ready to be picked up and prepped to be served on a plate for your satisfaction. 

Teddy's black toast is served on a plate with melted cheese and heated filling. It is the perfect place to grab a quick and even healthy bite. Themed around music, this cafe differs from the rest with more upbeat music playing at a louder frequency. Promoted by Big Bang, this more urban coffee shop is the place to go to for hip hop and up tempo music, mostly American, to bump to over a cup of coffee or brunch. This urban cafe offers three floors of black and white themed seating as well as an outdoor setting for nice weather. 

It is extremely popular among college students being that is it located right next to Hongik University, but it is also the spot to go to for many tourists as well. Because of the environment, it is a location recommended for grabbing food and or chatting with a friend. This would definitely not be the location to go to if you are trying to get some work done! Located from exit 9 of the Hongdae train station on line 2 (the green), it is located across the street from Nescafe and Starbucks. The easiest, but longer way to get there is to go straight from exit 9 until the light. Take a left and go straight to the end (you'll be facing Hongik Univeristy). Take a left at the light when you see the grey buildings of steel (do not walk past the gates) and the cafe will be on your right. 

There is a second branch in the Garosu-gil shopping area of Sinsa-dong. Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street and you will see Twosome + Coffee on your left within a block's radius. 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - The Cupcake Factory (Seoul)


The Cupcake Factory (not a branch of the NY version) is a hidden treasure in Hongdae of Seoul that is baking up cute cupcakes that are extremely moist and flavorful. This small shop offers the traditional vanilla, red velvet, and cookies and cream flavors, but they also break away from the traditional kinds and bake up their own which include, but not limited to cappuccino, mint chocolate, and my all time favorite is the midori with no lime. 

The Cupcake Factory offers one of the moistest cupcakes I have had in Korea. The midori with no lime was actually a great compliment of a vanilla cupcake-like base with a lemony frosting. It was a great compliment of tangy and sweet fluffy icing to the cake. Unfortunately, I could not say the same about the mint chocolate. The one thing that was different about the mint chocolate cupcake is the fact that the mint icing is light in taste initially, but the mint flavor kicks in after a little. The mint flavor can be a bit overpowering because it really does taste like mint and doesn't quite compliment the chocolate cupcake. Furthermore, the cupcake base was a bit dry to taste which is one thing I do not recommend.

Although the cupcake shop is small in size, the pink interior offers a cute seating area in the back to enjoy your cupcake. The Cupcake Factory offers a handful of drinks to order as well and enjoy in a seating with pillows under a tree of yarn. It is extremely girly in decoration and a great location to visit with a group of girls. Cupcake are priced at $4 a cup which is average for Korean standards. To find this hidden location, turn into the only street where Baby Gorilla and Club Naked in Hongdae is. You will see it on your left: bright and pink.

Address: 364-11 Seogyo-Dong Mapo-Gu
Phone number: 82 2 337 4585
website: www.thecupcakefactory.com