One of the advantages of having KATUSA Soldiers working in our office is that they provide great opportunities to explore when we are able to roam free in their country. One example of this is the experience suggested by theseSoldiers during a recent trip to Seoul. Having a little bit more extra time available led the KATUSA Soldiers to suggest a historic coffee shop for us to visit. The shop is called Hakrim Coffee Shop andit is a historical landmark that has been in business since 1956. I am not sure if it is the oldest coffee shop in the country, but it certainly fits the title of being a “classic.”
Except for the large banner outside, this little shop is tucked away on the second floor of a non-descript building just outside the Hyehwa Subway Station (on line 4). It was intriguing that we had toclimb a narrow staircase to reach our desination.
Inside the café, however, was a masterpiece of atmosphere. From the classical music selection playing in the background to the wood paneled lofts where our large group could sit comfortable and enjoy our time. This coffee shop had everything one could ask for ina café and I find myself wondering how and whenI can make it back.
Even as good as the atmosphereis, the true highlight—asit should be—was the menu. The simple menu featured various different coffees without being overwhelming and a small menu of deserts. The shop does not need very many deserts because all that one would ever want is in the cheese cake.
The cheesecake was the best cheese cake I have ever had. I do not say that lightly, but the cheese cake wasextra special and served quiet differently than I am used to. At first, I was skeptical because the cake sat by itself with the toppings off to the side. I believe the reason for this, frankly, is that the cheese cake could stand on its own. And for a several bites it did, it was that good. Once I began adding the toppings the flavor went to the next level, drawing the cheese cake taste while hinting at the flavors in the flavorred topping.
I chose to have regular coffee, which may seem strange to Americans, however, few coffee shops serve regular coffee. And while I typically choose the Café Mocha, I saw that “Regular” was on the menu, so I wanted to see how this coffee tasted. The coffee was perfectly brewed and served in a cup and saucer, where I was able to add cream and sugar to finish of the taste that I love.
Visiting the Hakrim Coffee Shop was a memorable trip, one that I want to make sure that I repeat one day in the future. I, seriously, could stay all day there.