When it comes to cafes in Korea, we’re often spoiled for choice. But the ones that usually catch our eye are the ones that can’t be seen in Singapore. Urban Plant Seobinggo is a perfect example – hidden within a housing estate, the glasshouse cafe exudes a sense of calm with its unique modern white hanok-esque exterior.
Modern Hanok Cafe in Seoul
The entrance to Urban Plant Seobinggo can be easily missed, with only a small sign leading you to a narrow pathway. Once you climb up the tiny flight of stairs, you’ll be welcomed by a white traditional façade, with stepping stones that’ll allow you to cross over the shallow pool.
With a temple right beside the cafe acting as the perfect backdrop, it furthers adds to the traditional vibe of the space, which pairs surprisingly well with the modern elements of the cafe.
The space is not huge and can hold up to 16 pax, with 8 tables side by side.
Menu at Urban Plant Seobinggo
The cafe sells a couple of espresso-based drinks such as the classic Americano (5,000won), Caffe Latte (5,500won), and Vanilla Latte (6,000won). They also sell Sangria Tea (7,500won 250ml, 15,000won for 500ml) for those who want something a bit more different.
Dessert-wise, Urban Plant is well known for the canelé and stone-looking mousse cakes. They come in different flavour combinations such as Apple Chocolate, Strawberry Chocolate & more.
Green Flow
The Green Flow (7,500won) is something similar to a Matcha version of an Einspanner, with cream that’s delicious even on its own. Topped with a generous sprinkle of matcha powder, the staff told us to go easy when drinking it to prevent uncontrollable coughing.
Make sure to stir well to prevent the matcha powder from settling at the bottom of the glass. The drink was matcha-heavy but the cream took away most of the bitterness by balancing it out with its creamy and sweet flavours.
Hazelnut Latte
The Hazelnut Latte (6,000won) on the other hand tasted like any other coffee chain’s beverage. If you’re not someone who needs to have coffee, we would recommend going for the Green Flow instead.
Chocolate Mousse Cake and Canele
The item that caught our eyes was no doubt the Chocolate Mousse Cake and Canele (9,500won). It’s not every day you see a rock stacked on top of a canelé.
The staff kindly explained that the rock on top is edible, and lots of customers in the past have mistaken it for decoration. However, if you crack the chocolate layer, there is a layer of cream (not really mousse) that you can pair with the canelé.
We thoroughly enjoyed the canelé with its crisp exterior and chewy, soft center. The texture on the inside was something similar to honeycomb cake. Mousse-wise, the chocolate was thick and rich and paired well with the canelé.
Matcha Chocolate Mousse Cake and Canele
The matcha canale on the other hand had hints of the earthy tea. Instead of chocolate mousse, it was paired with a matcha chocolate mousse which was deep and intense.
Aesthetic Cafes in Seoul
Overall, Urban Plant Seobinggo is a great spot located away from the crowds (might be applicable on weekdays only though) that offers a slice of healing in the city. The calm instrumentals blend well with the atmosphere, allowing one to truly enjoy a serene afternoon.
They also have other outlets in areas like Hapjeong and Itaewon, but the Seobinggo outlet had a more unique interior design in our opinion.
For more Seoul articles:
- 12 Aesthetic Cafes in Seongsu
- 9 Cafes Near Bukchon Hanok Village
- Tertre Cafe: Cafe with a View of Seoul
Urban Plant Seobinggo (어반플렌트 서빙고)
Mon-Sun, 11am to 9pm
7-4 Seobinggo-ro 59-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울 용산구 서빙고로59길 7-4 어반플랜트 서빙고
Nearest Subway: Seobinggo Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
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