Quiet hillside Seoul that feels like we're the only ones who know about it.
Why GEUMHO, why now
Geumho's cafe and bar market reportedly hit 19.2 billion won in 2023, topping Seongsu, with Instagram momentum carrying into 2026. Lower rents than Itaewon pulled in izakayas, indie bookshops, and natural-wine spots, exactly what MZ-generation discovery hunters want.
1. Kitchen Oneul
- 9-1 Jangteo 5-gil, Geumho-dong 3(sam)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- 4.3 · 37 reviews · 카페
Kitchen Oneul opens the course because starting with something seasonal sets the right tempo for the rest of the route. It's near the Geumnam Market intersection, which puts you in the older commercial strip before the newer cafe corridor. A private-feeling pub that operates on reservations means you plan this stop in advance, and mornings here feel intentional, not accidental.
Crew's note
You wouldn't find this one searching. That's why I brought you.
What visitors say
Rating : 👍👍👍 Place : Kitchen Oneul, Geumho-dong A private pub specializing in seasonal cuisine located near the Geumnam Market intersecti…
It seems like this place operates on a reservation-only basis. Since I went with an acquaintance, I still don't know the exact menu details,…
2. Aufglet
- Seoul, Seongdong-gu, 금호1가동 1801-4
- 4.2 · 295 reviews · 미술관
Aufglet closes the route on the 10th floor of Lotte, which is far enough from the pub crawl energy to feel like a shift in altitude and mood. The croffle originated here, and ending with something that draws a crowd but still has elbow room makes sense after a quieter start. You leave from a department store, so exiting the neighborhood is built into the architecture.
Crew's note
I know you're tired of crowded places. Just us here.
What visitors say
This place is located on 10th floor in Lotte department store. 10th floor is originally for a furniture section. We had their Croffle and Ea…
Good music as per its name. Try croffle, it is their signature menu. The taste of Americano was ordinary, however the flat white was good en…
The walk between
The stretch between them runs through the mix of old Geumnam Market storefronts and the newer indie spots that moved in on lower commercial rents. You'll pass the kind of signage that doesn't translate easily, which is part of why the neighborhood still feels like a find.
- Book Kitchen Oneul ahead since it runs on reservations, and schedule it early enough that Aufglet still has daylight coming through the 10th floor when you arrive.
- Pair a heavier meal at the pub with the lighter croffle close, the reversal of the usual cafe-then-dinner flow works better when you're only doing two stops.
FAQ
- Does Kitchen Oneul require advance reservations for all visits?
- Visitor accounts suggest it operates on a reservation-only basis, so calling or messaging ahead is necessary. The menu isn't posted publicly, which reinforces the booking-first model.
- Is Aufglet easy to locate inside Lotte?
- It's on the 10th floor in what was originally the furniture section, so signage may not be obvious from the main escalator. One visitor mentioned the croffle and flat white specifically, indicating the cafe menu is the draw rather than a department-store afterthought.
Ask Solar
Seoul
