Short History/Background
Haenggung-dong (행궁동) is a golden jackpot of a place for couples and the youger youth. It's adjacent to the Hwaseong Fortress, so the neighborhood naturally developed to welcome both local and international tourists. Cafés, restuarants, tarrot reading and self photography booths are in abundance!
Though parking is absolutely hellish (as with most popular places in Korea), the appeal of tasty food and fun activities draws in visitors all year round.
Its highly concentrated with cafe's so the prices are pretty competitive. Some cafes, the food looks cuter than it tastes. Here are some of my personal recommendations that satisfies both the eyes and palate!
**The prices are mid to high**
1. Warrofle
Korea has a franchise called "waffle university" (와플대학) which are cheap and good enough waffles. However, Warrofle goes all out with their freshly made waffles and drinks. This one is definitely insta worthy AND they tastes amazing. My personal Favourites are the oreo waffle with pistachio cream latte.
2. Goldie's
They specialize in donuts! The spacious interior really allows you to chillax with a cup of coffe and a donut! The donuts are all great especially when they just come out, but their drinks are pretty mid if I'm honest (non-coffee wise). Baristas are friendly and dedicated to their quality of coffee!
3. Chuplus
Situated right across Goldie's, they sell chuross with a bit of a twist!
I hesitated putting this one on the list since the churros can be quite filling. But I already put waffles first on my list so why not.
I'm sure everyone's used to the sweet churros so I recommend their signature Chuplehotdog (slightly spicy) or Chupledog (sweet).
The taco one was also good but a bit difficult to eat while walking.
If you're a die hard sweet churros fan, chocolate can never lead you wrong, though earl grey is also nice!
A small sit down area is available but this one is more of a grab and go kinda snack.
4. Salt Factory
Along with croffles and tanghulu, "salt bread" is another hot trend in Korea. Here in this cosy little shop, they sell heavenly, buttery bread rolls. Slight crunch of the shells with a soft and fluffy inside.
❗ No inside seating available! It's a quick grab and go, with about three(?) barstools by the counter (probs for aesthetics)
Not really a cafe but also not a restaurant. Just a lil pick me up so I put it in this list.
5. Brussels fries
Honestly I miss NZ chips so bad😭
I don't know if its just me but I find Korean fast food (McDonald's Burger King etc) fries to be so dissapointing. When I'm desperate enough, I splurge on these fries. You can choose between straight or wedge cut and various seasonings, sauces and topping options.
Lil pricey, and depending on the line, the chips might not be as crispy. A bit of a gamble tbh. Also pretty filling (its carbs) so keep that in mine if you're hoping to try lots of different snacks.
6. Notting Hill Bakery
A little further down the map, compared to my other lists. This place is a 12/10 for aesthetics and coziness. Whenever I visited, it wasn't too busy so my friends and I were able to have a nic quite chat over some good coffe and the most beautiful looking cakes. They use seasonal fruits and do not skimp out.
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