Trendy Spot in Ssajeon Street, Sindang-dong ②
Unique Cocktail Bar Zoosindang

Zoosindang’s Entrance During the Day

Zoosindang’s Entrance at Night

Table Bar in Zoosindang

The name “Sindang” in Sindang-dong comes from the history of the neighborhood, which was said to be populated with many shrines (Sindang) during Joseon Period. A unique cocktail bar inspired by this historical backdrop, Zoosindang, has gained popularity among the younger generations. From its name to its concept, resembling a “shrine for alcohol,” Zoosindang’s uniqueness is evident right from its entrance, adorned with talismans and golden ropes reminiscent of the shrines. As you step into the dimly lit and spooky interior, it's filled with mystical symbols, captivating visitors with its surreal ambiance.

Zoosindang, A Cocktail Bar with a Unique and Shamanistic Ambience

Zoosindang’s Signature Menu “Cat” and Signature Cocktail “Sheep”

Grilled Skewers, Another Popular Menu at Zoosindang

Zoosindang is best known for its traditional Korean liquor cocktail, inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and a cat-shaped cake. While resembling sculpture, this soft cake is filled with black sesame, red bean paste, cream cheese, and apricot jam. As for cocktails, customers can choose based on their preference from the menu descriptions. For those who like sweet cocktails, Ox, Sheep, or Pig cocktails are recommended. The harmony between the sweet cocktails and the savory, slightly salty Grilled Skewers creates an irresistibly balanced combination that appeals to all tastes.

As the Korean folk religion can be difficult to access for tourists, Zoosindang is an ideal spot for capturing unique photos. If you are planning to visit Sindang-dong, make sure to drop by Zoosindang to experience firsthand what makes this place so popular and beloved.

Trendy Spot in Mangwon Market, Mangwon-dong ①
Wooyirak, Serving Crispy Deep-fried Chili Pepper and Unrefined Rice Wine

Wooyirak, A Popular Makgeolli Restaurant Serving Great Deep-fried Chili Peppers and Pan-fried Battered Beef

Golden Brown Deep-fried Chili Peppers and the Wooyirak's Adorable Signature Character

Harmony of Savory Deep-fried Chili Peppers, Pan-fried Battered Beef, and Spicy Chewy Noodles

A Cool Bowl of Unrefined Rice Wine with Signature Menus at Wooyirak

One of the most famous places in Mangwon Market is Wooyirak, which serves great Deep-fried Chili Peppers and Pan-fried Battered Beef as well as Unrefined Rice Wine. Visitors can taste a wide variety of Unrefined Rice Wine, from famous premium brands to the newer ones. Similar to distinguishing wine varieties, visitors can explore dryness, sweetness, body, and lightness of Unrefined Rice Wine and get recommendations based on their preferences.

Wooyirak’s signature menus are Deep-fried Chili Peppers and Pan-fried Battered Beef. The Deep-fried Chili Peppers, stuffed with minced meat and glass noodles, alongside Pan-fried Battered Beef, thinly coated beef in egg batter, reveal delightful flavors that perfectly complement the sweet and sour notes of the Unrefined Rice Wine. For those seeking to sample Unrefined Rice Wine and its accompaniments in a light and refined ambience, Wooyirak is the place to be.

Trendy Spot in Mangwon Market, Mangwon-dong ②
Hoon-Hoon Hotteok, Popular for Cheese Seasoned Griddlecake with Sugar Filling

Thick-Fried Griddlecakes with Sugar Filling

Thick-Fried Griddlecakes with Sugar Filling

Griddlecakes with Sugar Filling, Deep-fried until Golden Brown

Cheese Seasoned Griddlecake with Sugar and Honey Filling, A Popular Menu at Hoon-Hoon Hotteok

Traditional market’s Griddlecakes with Sugar Filling is a popular Korean street food that enjoys worldwide fame. While the original style with black sugar remains a favorite, griddlecakes with various fillings have gained recent popularity. Mangwon Market’s Hoon-Hoon Hotteok is one such place serving unique griddlecakes, featuring fillings like seeds and ice cream or coatings like bean powder or Oreo. However, the most popular menu item in the shop is the Cheese Seasoned Griddlecake with Sugar and Honey Filling. This menu made rounds in social media under the name Bburinkle Griddlecakes, named after Bburinkle Chicken, the popular cheese powder-coated fried chicken served by the fried chicken franchise BHC.

For those seeking to explore the latest trends in griddlecakes, a representative street food in the market, head to Hoon-Hoon Hotteok.

Trendy Spot in Ikseon-dong Cafe Street ①
Cheongsudang Bakery, Embracing the Beauty of Nature

Cheongsudang Bakery’s Entrance, Evoking Eastern Beauty

Interior of Cheongsudang Bakery

Preparing the Signature Coffee, Stone Drip Egg Coffee

Ikseon-dong is known for its myriad of photo spots, and one of the best-known among them is the entrance to Cheongsudang Bakery. Cheongsudang Bakery’s entrance is adorned with lush bamboos, flowing water, and lights that illuminate the shades, all combining with the unique charm of Hanok. The cafe is housed in a complex of six interconnected Hanok buildings. By retaining the rib-shaped structure called Seokkarae, which supports the roofs of these wooden buildings, visitors can experience unique beauty of the Hanok architecture.

Menu Embracing the Natural Essence at Cheongsudang Bakery

A Cake and a Cup of Coffee amidst Cheongsudang Bakery’s Scenery

The natural beauty reflected at the entrance to Cheongsudang Bakery extends into the cafe and the bakery menu as well. In particular, the Matcha Fromage Cake and Black Sesame Fromage Cake evoke the visual appeal of a field against the basalt rock, offering a blend of sweetness and the freshness of nature.

While visitors may need to wait in line to capture photos at the bakery’s entrance, the ambience and the flavors are certainly worth the wait, providing a delightful and healing experience.

Trendy Spot in Ikseon-dong Cafe Street ②
Soha Salt Pond, Salted Bread Served by the Small Saltern

Entrance to Soha Salt Pond

Saltern Model Displayed at the Center of the Cafe

Interior View of Soha Salt Pond

In 2023, Salted Bread has become the favorite choice among Korea’s younger generations. In Ikseon-dong, there is a renowned Salted Bread cafe known not only for its taste but also for its unique interior. Soha Salt Pond, a bakery cafe, features a courtyard shaped like the Hangeul (the Korean Alphabet) "ㄷ" character, with a small saltern at its center. Inside the traditional house, there are spaces for baking and selling bread, as well as cafe area where visitors can enjoy bread and beverages they ordered.

Variety of Salted Breads Available at Soha Salt Pond

Delightful Combination of Savory Salted Bread and Coffee

Delightful Combination of Savory Salted Bread and Coffee

Soha Salt Pond offers a variety of Salted Bread. The bakery’s signature items are the Soha Salted Bread and Milk Cream Salted Bread. The Soha Salted Bread boasts a salty and savory flavor, while the Milk Cream Salted Bread combines sweet milk cream with salt, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness.

Capturing a refreshing saltern view in the quaint Hanok cafe during summer, accompanied by the delightful taste of savory Salted Bread is an irresistible reason to visit Ikseon-dong.