Garosu-gil
Garosu-gil is our favorite place to hang out and people watch. It was the neighborhood where models and the cool kids hung out. The first time we went, J, who only follows people he doesn't know on instagram (mostly Korean models LOL) saw a lot of his insta "friends" here. Lately they are harder and harder to spot, but still there is no scarcity in terms of trendy shops and cool cafes in this area.
CAFE DE PARIS
551-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
가로수길 Cafe De Paris on instagram
They serve coffee, tea, and sweet snacks here but the main attraction really is their bon bon (see photo above). It's fruit parfait, whipped cream, and smoothie in one. You will find similar iterations of the bon bon all over Seoul, but this is the one that is worth all the calories. They have the strawberry bonbon all year round and I swear it has the sweetest, juiciest strawberries you'll ever taste. Depending on the season, they also have grape and cherry but what I really dream about is the Mango bon bon. Their mangoes are imported from the Philippines, and these mangoes are just on another level. I think the emoji *hearteyes* was created after eating a Mango bon bon. If you don't like fruit, there's also a chocolate version and if you like fudgy brownies you will love this. They have a branch in Hongdae too, if you're in that area.
C27 CHEESECAKE & Coffee
545-12 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The name pretty much says it all. 27 kinds of cheesecakes and then some. The counter is on the first level, but you can sit anywhere in the entire building. It's 4 stories and each level has a different theme to it. Super Instagram-friendly!
I tried the Earl Grey cheesecake and it was so yummy.
MR. HOLMES
34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
@mrholmesbakehouse_kr on instagram
Mr. Holmes is originally from San Francisco, but their space here is Garosu-gil much bigger and you can actually hang out while enjoying your goods. The most popular pastry is their seasonal flavored cruffin (croissant+muffin), but my personal favorite are the brioche donuts.
HEYA
525-5 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The concept is simple: Hamburg Steak with either a cream sauce or a red sauce, served with egg and a side salad. They literally only have these two items on their menu. It is comfort food at its finest.
COFFEE shop with no name
We chanced upon this cafe in the backstreets of Garosu-gil. I don't remember its name, all I remember is a sign that says COFFEE outside and we just went in. They had a nice selection of breads and pastry, and a short menu of espresso based drinks. We got a red velvet chocolate dome, a slice of lemon loaf bread and shared a cappuccino. Loved the vibe of the place. I hope it wasn't just a pop-up and if you ever find it, let me know! ;)
Meal°
Meal° is a tiny corner bakery shop in the side streets of Garosu-gil. I don't have any more information other than it's on the same street at 27 Cheesecakes, across Low Classic (a clothing shop that's totally my style but sadly not my budget), near Remicone (an awesome soft serve ice cream shop). The store and can only accommodate 3 people at the same time so there can be a line outside, but it is totally worth it! Get the custard cube and go early in the day because they run out. The last time we went, it was just a little past lunch time and my favorite cube was already gone. If you're looking for something to bring home, try the Earl Gray Chocolate Jam. Seriously so good.
It's a shame that I only have these photos to show for it but it was so good I had to share it. As a side note, this is how our usual breakfasts in our Seoul bnbs look like: pastry, fruit, and milk from the convenience store.
JAJU
15, Dosan-daero 13-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3447-3600
Jaju is our favorite home store in Seoul. It is like their version Muji, but cozier and with more personality. The flagship store is in Garosu-gil, a 4-story building on the main road. My favorite finds include seasonal place mats, kitchen utensils, and fragrance diffusers.