The area around Gyeongbukgung is one of our favourites, with attractions like Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong. This is where you can find a mix of traditional and modern elements in the form of Hanok Cafes and Teahouses right in the city. One of the latest, and extremely popular hanok cafe in Samcheong-dong is TYPE Samcheong.
TYPE Samcheong (타이프 삼청)
Compared to the usual cafes to visit around the area like Cafe Onion Anguk and Blue Bottle Samcheong, TYPE Samcheong is a little quainter and smaller in terms of size.
With the word ‘Coffee’ clearly printed on the glass window near the entrance, you’ll immediately know that the place is a cafe. From the outside, it may look like a typical modern cafe. However, once you enter, you’ll be greeted by Hanok elements like the traditional roof.
The cafe has an L-shaped indoor seating area, which can house about 25 to 30 people at once. Look outside the glass panels and you’ll find a tiny garden that’s a popular photo area.
Sometimes when the cafe gets really crowded, some people choose to sit outdoors on the ledge near the glass panels.
TYPE Samcheong Menu
The Hanok Cafe sells coffee, beverages, and some light bites.
They have 3 types of coffee beans here – 산뜻한 (Fresh, Clean), 편안한 (Comfortable) and 여운이 긴 (Longlasting).
- The 산뜻한 TYPE beans are bright and floral, almost like eating berries and fruits. It’s bright but not too overpowering with a nice fresh, clean taste.
- The 편안한 TYPE beans have a nice mandarin and orange scent balanced out with a full-bodied body
- The 여운이 긴 TYPE beans have a smooth cacao nibs finish that lingers after you swallow
You can choose from drinks such as Filter (5,000won), Americano (5,000won), and Espresso-based drinks like Vanilla Latte (6,000won). They also serve tea here.
As for desserts, you’ll have to look at what’s available via their counter display. The day we visited, there were items like Egg Tart (2,900won), Gorgonzola Fig Financier (2,900won), and Madagascar Vanilla Bean Financier (2,900won).
Near the ordering counter, you’ll also find some of their house-brand items such as tumblers, vases, and even incense.
Hojicha Macadamia Scone
The Hojicha Macadamia Scone (3,800won) has a nice light tea fragrance and wasn’t too sweet. It reminded us slightly of vegan scones because of the absence of a heavy buttery feel.
They were really generous with the amount of macadamia which added a nice crunch to the scone.
Uji Matcha Fig Pound Cake
The Uji Matcha Fig Pound Cake (4,000won) had a decent level of matcha flavour, with a nice kick of bitterness towards the end. There were also figs embedded in between for a nice subtle sweetness. Rather than a crumbly texture, it felt more towards the chewy spectrum.
This was slightly sweeter compared to the Hojicha Scone.
Must-Visit Hanok Cafe in Seoul
If you’re ever in Korea, make sure to visit a Hanok Cafe! It’s something possible only in Korea and it’s a great pitstop in between attractions. TYPE Samcheong is a great option if you’re visiting Gyeongbukgung or Bukchon Hanok Village.
They also have another outlet in Sindang without a Hanok aesthetic.
TYPE Samcheong
22-9 Samcheong-ro, Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon-Sun, 11am-9pm, Last Order 8:30pm
Nearest Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 1
*Update (accurate as of Sep 2022): The Samcheong-dong outlet has rebranded to LAKE, and TYPE has opened a new Hangang outlet.
*This is an independent review by MiddleClass.sg.
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