10 Restaurants And Cafes Featured In K-Dramas You Need To Visit In Korea

As a K-Drama fan, you must have noticed that Korean producers pay great attention to the details, reflected in costumes, props, OST soundtracks, and obviously, filming locations. These bring the story to life and make up for its inimitable atmosphere. While actors can transmit characters’ feelings with their acting, the background setting is also vital to drive accurate associations in viewers’ minds and aid a better understanding of the plot.

Korea is known for its gastronomic scene, introducing many creative themes, which attract international interest and admiration. This phenomenon can also be noticed in K-Dramas. Directors often choose restaurants and cafes in order to build a cozy, intimate ambiance or create an extravagant impression. There have been multiple spots in various series, that stole the hearts of K-Drama fandom. Here are some of the dreamiest cafes and restaurants you need to visit when traveling to Korea:

Note: All the names listed in the article are official and actually used by the restaurants and cafes (not created for the series' needs).

 

1. Evening Garden

Evening Garden is a Jeju cafe appearing in "Something in the Rain", owned by Geum BoRa (Joo MinKyung) - Yoon JinA's (Son YeJin) best friend. After having experienced a difficult time in her life, the protagonist decides to take a career break and enjoy the peaceful life of Korea's most beautiful island. Helping run the cafe gives the 35-year-old woman comfort and the ability to appreciate life from a different perspective. The rustic cafe is proof of Jeju's fame and an amazing background for the emotional finale of the series.

 

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2. Gonbap

Gonbap is one of the most frequently features gastronomic spots in the series and it does not come as a surprise. The restaurant has a warm, cozy aura, which serves as a great setting for a meeting of destined lovers. It was featured in series such as "18 Again", "Fight For My Way", "Soundtrack #1", "Piece of Your Mind", and many more. It is a perfect place for an evening meal, especially on a cold winter night.

 

3. The 100 Factory

It is hard to miss out on The 100 Factory. It's a cafe with a mesmerizing panoramic view of Seoul, which struck the viewers of "Thirty-Nine" and "The Secret Life of My Secretary". If you have already seen these dramas, you surely must have felt an instant urge to fly to Korea to admire the city's skyline together with the characters.

 

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4. ZINO Gallery Cafe

If you're into extravagant, luxurious venues, then ZINO Gallery Cafe will definitely win your favor. This chic cafe successfully imitated the vibe of a French Canadian province of Quebec in "Goblin: The Lonely and Great God" and was also an excellent match for the classy style of the wealthy heiress Yoon SeRi in "Crash Landing On You". Undoubtedly, the place delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.

 

5. 3917 MaJung

Hanok stay is definitely one of the top points on every traveler's Korea trip bucket list. The drama "Nevertheless," gives us a great tip on how to spend time in a charming hanok. In the drama, the classmates of HongSeo University decide to organize a workshop at Yang DoHyeok's (Chae JongHyeop) countryside guesthouse. The actual location - 3917 MaJung - is a pension house combined with a cafe, an effortlessly gorgeous building in Paju, ideal for a short city break.

 

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6. Mirabeau Patisserie

Koreans are incredibly creative when it comes to design concepts for cafes. While other locations listed in the article might dazzle you with rich decorations, Mirabaeu Patisserie's interior demonstrates that minimalism can be elegant too. The cafe is a blind date spot in "Our Beloved Summer", where Kook YoonSo (Kim DaMi) gets awkwardly rejected by her new acquaintance. While the scene might not be the "romantic moment of the year", the viewers surely couldn't look past the adorable of the cake shop, which added another point to the drama's well-appreciated cinematography.

 

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7. Mochuisle

Mochuisle is a hotpot for K-Drama filming - this spacious and modern-looking restaurant is a prevalent choice for Korean directors due to its versatile vibe, which suits many occasions. The main focus of the restaurant is huge glass windows, which combined with well-matching furniture, connote a light atmosphere, perfect for honest conversations.

 

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8. CheongSuDang

The drama "More Than Friends" provides viewers not only with a touching friends-to-lovers story but can also serve as an ultimate guide to Korea's gastronomical scene. Among multiple locations where the plot takes place, the cafe ChungSuDang outshines others with its romantic lantern lane leading to the entrance. Can you imagine a better place to spend an evening?

 

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9. Oncheonjip

As mentioned earlier, hanoks are Korea's beloved treasure. Korean business owners attract contemporary clients with a unique fusion of traditionalism and modern aesthetics. Oncheonjip - a Japanese restaurant spotted in "The Devil Judge" - highlights how a well-conceived design can serve to preserve cultural gems and implement them into the XXI century setting.

 

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10. Booter

"The Law Cafe"'s unconventional plot introduced 2 legal workers, who are forced to quit their jobs. Their new beginning as small business owners invites the drama viewers to a cute, colorful cafe which is a wonderful background for the humorous acts of the lead couple as well as the development of their bond. The colorful touches arouse positive feelings, giving the space a deeper meaning.

 

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Which of these gastronomical sites was your favorite? Do you have any K-Drama filming spots you wish to visit when traveling to Korea?