Some neighborhoods just feel like home. Hannam is one of those for me.
I’ve been spending time in Yongsan for about seventeen years now. Back then, Itaewon and Gyeongni-dan Street were the places to be. When things quieted down there, Hannam and Sinyongsan picked up — and I never really missed a beat. It’s still where I go to breathe.
I like walking. On free afternoons I’d just wander around Yongsan — there’s always something to look at, something to eat. The easiest way to place it is around Hangang-jin Station. That’s the neighborhood I kept coming back to, and somewhere along the way, the cafés became the part I loved most.오후 5:05
DAY ROW is tucked in a small alley behind Buja Pizza, a spot I’ve loved for just as long. Easy to walk past if you don’t know it’s there.
It has that Australian café feel — banana bread, flat whites, homemade-style cakes. Unfussy and comfortable. I go alone more often than not. It’s gotten busier over time, which is the only problem. But when you’ve been out wandering and suddenly realize you’re not actually resting — this is the kind of place you go to just sit. No agenda. I’ve brought friends here too, and they always get it immediately.
The Space
The entrance is all plants — the kind that makes you slow down before you’ve even ordered. Walk in and there’s a counter right in front of you, which makes the space feel smaller than it is. But there are more tables tucked further inside than you’d expect from the entrance — a quieter spot if you’re with someone and want to actually talk. The outdoor terrace is the real draw though. Open sky, greenery all around, just far enough from the street to feel peaceful. It fills up fast. I’ve sat inside watching it, waiting for a spot to open up, then moved over the second one did.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or visiting from abroad — this is the kind of place that just works. After browsing the shops nearby or grabbing brunch, it’s a natural stop for a quiet coffee. Alone, or catching up with a friend. The vibe is relaxed enough that you don’t feel rushed, and the neighborhood around it gives you plenty of reasons to linger.
What to Order
The coffee is good. You can pick a low-acid bean, which I always do. I usually get the iced vanilla bean latte. The desserts are worth it too — lemon cake is a favorite, banana bread is always solid. But the basket pound cakes are what I’d actually tell a friend about. Four kinds, nice presentation, not too big. Reasonably priced for what you get.
Since the pandemic, the way people gather has shifted. Fewer big nights out, more small get-togethers — family dinners, quiet celebrations with close friends. These pound cakes fit that change perfectly. The right size to bring as a gift, easy to carry, no fuss. I’ve picked one up a few times for exactly that reason. Honestly, I prefer this kind of thing over a full decorated cake anyway.
Getting There
Hyundai Card Library is right across the street. Head toward Nari’s — the well-known local restaurant — and follow the path to the end. At the three-way intersection, turn left — the café is just on your right, marked by a small signboard.Around the Neighborhood
DAY ROW sits in what I’d call one big walkable block — the area around Hangang-jin Station, just above the subway exit toward Leeum Museum of Art.
It’s the kind of neighborhood I’m drawn to. Old buildings that have held their ground, small restaurants that have been around forever, fashion shops and cafés that somehow don’t feel out of place next to them. Buja Pizza is right here — one of those places I keep coming back to for years. So is Nari’s, a local favorite for frozen samgyeopsal that regulars swear by. If you have time, just walk. The block rewards it.
It’s a good area to wander without a plan. I’ll be updating this post with more spots in the neighborhood as I go — there’s more to cover here than one visit can hold.
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