[Seoul] Hapjeong 합정, nestled in the vibrant district of Mapo-gu in Seoul, is an urban gem that is great for café hoppers.
It is quieter than the neighbouring and more touristy Hongdae 홍대, so there is that charm there.
Over the years, this neighbourhood has gained a reputation as one of the epicenters for cafe hopping.
The streets of Hapjeong is where old structures seamlessly blend with the new, creating a delightful juxtaposition for visitors.
Walk down any lane, and you are likely to stumble upon cozy nooks serving aromatic brews, alongside larger, more modern coffeehouses, each with its own distinct vibe.
I made my way to a coffee haven named Belief Coffee Roasters 빌리프커피 로스터스 at Hapjeong.
For those looking to pay a visit, Belief Coffee Roasters sits at 50, Yanghwa-ro 11-gil, Mapo-gu.
If you are taking the subway, hop on Line 2 or Line 6 and alight at Hapjeong Station. From there, it is a short walk amidst the charming streets.
It bears a rusted sheet metal facade, quite unassuming and almost a contrast to the treasures it holds within.
Step inside, and the ambiance instantly changes. Industrial design paired with a warm atmosphere greets everyone.
Like most cafes in Seoul, the café is very spacious, though some may find the design slightly ‘outdated’ – something in trend about 3-4 years back?
Just when I thought that the café was quite big, it wasn’t till that I went downstairs to the washroom to see that there was A LOT more sitting areas.
They have 2 floors, 1st floor and an underground floor. Plenty of tables are available on the first floor.
More seating is found in the underground floor, which comes in the form of communal tables and individual tabletops and a bleachers-like area where everyone can laze around.
The cafe offers a small selection of pastries and light bites to complement the coffee.
The pastries served include Sausage Pastry (4,600 Won), Belief Tiramisu (6,500 Won), and Strawberry Tart (6,500 Won).
This is in addition to the range of macarons and cakes available on a rotational and while-stocks-last basis.
And then there’s the coffee. A sip from any of their offerings, be it an espresso or a cold brew, immediately reveals the cafe’s dedication to quality.
Every bean they source comes from the finest growers globally, and this dedication radiates in the flavour of each cup.
Very bougie drip coffee choices are brewed, which includes Ethiopia Sidamo (6,000 Won), Yirgacheffe (6,000 Won), and Panama Don Pepe (7,000 Won).
If you wish to avoid all the fuss of picking from the origins, then a simple Espresso (4,500 Won), Caffelatte (5,500 Won) or Caffemocha (6,000 Won) will do.
Worth mentioning is the café’s commitment to sustainability.
The coffee cups you hold in your hand are made with eco-friendly packaging, and they partner with local organisations to promote sustainable coffee farming practices.
Even the cup they serve hot coffee in was in a “Belief” branded LocknLock container.
Belief Coffee Roasters is one of those cafes that does its job well in an industrial setting and worth a try if you are in Hapjeong.
Belief Coffee Roasters 빌리프커피 로스터스
50, Yanghwa-ro 11-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04035 South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 양화로11길 50
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 11:30pm (Mon – Sun)
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* Written by Daniel Ang and Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
