Hongdae is known for its jam-packed cafes and bars, and you’ll never run out of spots to hit up. But what stands out among its peers is Minamdang & Bebeco, a 2-storey cafe that doubles as a Korean drama filming location for Cafe Minamdang, which starred Seo In Guk. And for a final flourish, the cafe specialises in doughnuts stuffed with cream.
Image credit: @heart_hyeonji
With indigo and orange as the cafe’s accent colours, the exterior alone is conspicuous enough to grab your attention. At the entrance, you’ll find a neon sign that reads “CAFE 미남당”, which directly translates to “Cafe Minamdang”, which also happens to be the name of the Seo In Guk-led K-drama.
Image adapted from: @dearyun8, @trip_chim
Unlike the bustling, youthful ambience of the rest of Hongdae, residential houses neighbour the 2-storey cafe, which means that you can enjoy a moment of undisturbed serenity here. The cafe provides both indoor and outdoor seats, and there’s a rooftop terrace on the 2nd floor.
Image adapted from: @seo_cccc, @seo_cccc
Seo In Guk spent days and nights filming at Minamdang & Bebeco, and he even posted a series of pictures taken at the cafe on his official Instagram account. What a vibe.
Seo In Guk with the cast of Cafe Minamdang.
Image adapted from: @seo_cccc, @seo_cccc
He also shared a picture taken with the cast, including Kang Mi Na and Kwon Soo Hyun, at Minamdang & Bebeco. For ardent fans of this trio, make sure to visit the corner where their autographs are displayed.
Image credit: @gyul2222xx
Beyond being just a filming location, Minamdang & Bebeco is also a bakery cafe that takes pride in their handmade doughnuts.
Image adapted from: @hhye_jci, @mukbo._.ya
There are a total of 18 different types of doughnuts at Minamdang & Bebeco, including ones with unique cream fillings such as chestnut and pink salt. Constant favourites of many customers are the Deep Choco Castella Doughnut (KRW4,500, ~USD3.17) and the Milk Strawberry Doughnut (KRW4,200, ~USD2.96).
Image adapted from: @hongdae_bebeco, @hongdae_bebeco
Another item on the menu that sells like hot cakes is the cookie chou, which is the cafe’s take on the French dessert choux au craquelin. Stuffed with custard cream made from scratch, the Vanilla Custard Cookie Chou is priced at KRW4,800 (~USD3.38) each.
Image adapted from: @bebeco_official, @bebeco_official
According to Bebeco’s official website, there are currently 33 outlets spread across South Korea, including cities such as Busan, Daejeon, Paju, and Gwangju. But the Hongdae outlet is the best for eye-candy as there are good-looking part-timers at Minamdang & Bebeco – you can thank us later.
Bebeco outlet located in Masan.
Image credit: @kimeunseong82
Note that there are only 2 outlets located in Seoul, one of which is Minamdang & Bebeco, and the other is situated near Digital Media City (DMC) station. Also, some outlets, such as the ones located in Masan and Hongdae, have an iconic giant doughnut topped with a dollop of cream displayed outside of the cafe. Pictures are the best keepsake, so be sure to snap away.
Whether you’re a fan of Seo In Guk, an avid viewer of K-dramas, or a connoisseur of doughnuts, Minamdang & Bebeco is worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Hongdae.
How to get there:
Address: 312-8, Sangsudong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 02-6013-7874
Bebeco’s official Instagram | Minamdang & Bebeco’s Instagram
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from: @mukbo._.ya, @bebeco_official
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