Grandpa Factory
Situated in the trendy neighbourhood of Seongsu, where all the popular cafes are located, Grandpa Factory is the next it cafe you have to visit while in Seoul. Occupying a former factory warehouse, the cafe is massive and has a rustic industrial aesthetic.Â
Industrial interior
Image credit: @eatwithfelz
Grandpa Factory is a large 2-storey cafe with a rooftop seating area. The moment you step into the cafe, you’ll be welcomed by a tree house right in the middle of the cafe.
Image credit: @mangmang_log
The tree house is the main photo spot at Grandpa Factory, and it can be accessed from the 2nd floor. Inside the tree house is a tiny bar table and 2 chairs, so while you are allowed to dine inside, we wouldn’t recommend doing as customers will be crowding the area to take pictures.
Image adapted from: @_c_soomnyy, @s_jmom
Thanks to its exposed wooden beams, screed concrete floor and pillars, as well as trolleys that double as display counters, Grandpa Factory has a distinct industrial vibe.
Image credit: ë…•
Snag one of the cushioned seats on the staircase – makes for a great spot to chat away with your friends, and it’s certainly a different experience from your usual cafe seating.
Mini art galleryÂ
Image credit: @ps.p1ck_
Level 2 of the cafe is a mini gallery that displays paintings and art pieces from multiple artists. It is a also multi-purpose space that can hold exhibitions and events when required.Â
Image adapted from: @s_jmom, @latteonbike
The area is usually furnished with live edge wooden tables and metal chairs where cafe customers can sit. The art pieces at the cafe are displayed on rotation, so do check Grandpa Factory’s Instagram page for details of the latest exhibition before heading down.
Wood-fired pizza
Image credit: Chris
What’s unique about Grandpa Factory’s pizza is that they’re baked in a traditional wood-fired kiln. This method of baking makes the pizzas extra crispy and gives it an umami taste.
Image adapted from: @gamja.tutu, ROUX
Grandpa Factory’s signature item is its Grandpa Pizza (KRW25,000, ~USD19.18), which is a tomato-based pizza topped with ham, mushrooms, and olives.
Image credit: @dan.ppang
Another popular pizza at Grandpa Factory is the Margherita Pizza (KRW22,000, ~USD16.88), which is a classic tomato-based pizza topped with cheese and basil. The cafe also sells alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and cocktails, all of which go super well with pizzas.
Image credit: @bei_vory
While cold brew, dirty and einspanner are often found at cafes in South Korea, it is rare to find them together in a single drink. Try the bestselling Cold Brew Dirty Einspanner (KRW8,000, ~USD6.13), which is a chilled cold brew coffee topped with cream, chocolate sauce, and cocoa powder.
Image adapted from: Netflix
If Grandpa Factory looks familiar to you, that’s because it has made appearances in multiple Korean dramas including Love In Contract (2022) ,Vincenzo (2021), My Roommate Is A Gumiho (2021), and More Than Friends (2020). It was also featured in an episode of the Korean variety show Hangout With You.
Getting to Grandpa Factory
Image credit: @mfp_1gg5
Grandpa Factory is only a 6-minute walk from Seongsu Station. Note that there are no parking spaces at the cafe, so public transport is recommended.
How to get there:
- Take Line 2 to Seongsu Station and leave by Exit 3.
- Walk straight for 45m and turn left.
- Walk straight for 380m and you’ll arrive at Grandpa Factory.
Address: 9, Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 11am-10.30pm Daily
Contact: 0507-1317-2301 | Instagram
Cover image adapted from: @mangmang_log, @yuiueulee, ë…•