Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe
Manhwa, also known as comics and cartoon prints, is riding along the K-wave toward global popularity. At Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe at Hongdae, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to which manhwa title to you should read as you settle in to the homely and comfortable setting of the place.
A variety of amenities available
Image adapted from: 영미 via Naver
Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe has individual booths for each guest that provides privacy and comfort. Here, you can read the vast collection of comics they have in any position you feel comfortable in – sitting or lying down – without being subjected to the prying eyes of fellow cafe-goers.
Each booth also comes with amenities, such as pillows and futons for maximum comfort.
Image credit: 영미 via Naver
Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe also has single seat tables accompanied with a comfortable chair for you to enjoy your reading session if you’re not inclined to book a personal booth.
Wide selection of affordable Korean food
Image adapted from: @recrazy_yo via Instagram, @me_spoon via Instagram
Time flies when you’re reading, but you won’t have to skip meals here, because Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe also sells a variety of delicious Korean dishes such as rice bowls and dumplings, that you can order anytime.
Their bestsellers include Ramyeon (KRW4,200, ~USD3.13) and Kimchi Fried Rice With Cheddar Cheese (KRW8,500, ~USD6.34).
Image adapted from: 영미 via Naver
The cafe also sells for those who love to chew on small bites while reading.
Plenty of comic books to choose from
Image adapted from: 영미 via Naver
Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe’s has a manhwa collection of around 80,000 books, spanning multiple genres such as romance, educational, and sci-fi.
Image adapted from: 영미 via Naver
The books are arranged neatly by series into layers upon layers of bookshelves that almost resemble a maze.
Image credit: 메리 via Naver
Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe also has step stools available for those who are not tall enough to reach the topmost shelves, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on any of the manhwa here.
Note that most of the manhwa here are in Korean though, so you’ll need to have at least a basic knowledge of the language to enjoy the stories. But regardless, comic books and prints can always be appreciated just for their art.
Getting to Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe
Kickkicknamu Cartoon Cafe charges an affordable KRW4,000 (~USD2.98) per hour for you to indulge in your favourite manhwa titles, or discover new ones.
Get to the cafe by taking Seoul Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station. Then, leave by Exit 4, and head to Basement Level 1 of the AK building next to the exit.
Address: B1, 192 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 070-4233-1352
Note that there is an in-house smoking room.
For more interesting activities to do in Korea, check out Meerkat Friends, an animal cafe in Seoul; Sumsei Terrarium, an immersive gallery-cafe; and Dae-Oh Bookstore, the oldest bookstore in Seoul. You can also pay a visit to Of You, a workshop cafe; and Budnamu Brewery, a bar where you can see how specialty craft beers are brewed.
Cover image adapted from: 영미 via Naver, 영미 via Naver, 주댕 via Naver
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