15 Hot Spots In Mangwon-dong For Eats & Treats

Mangwon-dong in Seoul, Korea sits just a subway stop away from the night out artsy district known as Hongdae. The districts around this university art and music neighborhood have been getting more and more hype because cool places are moving out of Hongdae, likely due to high rent prices, and moving into Mangwon and other nearby districts.

Yeonnam-dong is another nearby neighborhood that has experienced a boom in the past couple of years. The area is now host to a beautiful park as well as foodie hot spots and neat cafes. Mangwon is Yeonnam’s understated little brother, but he’s piping up for attention!

Since my husband has had a studio in the area for numerous years, I’ve walked up, down and all around and here is where I would recommend you head to take a load off. From the new and improved to the back alley Korean food restaurants that have lasted decades. Here are the cafes and restaurants in Mangwon-dong to find NOW!

Cafes and restaurants to find in Mangwon-dong, Seoul:

• Cafes in Mangwon-dong
  • Zapangi (자판기)
  • eert
  • Hodoo Coffee (호두커피)
  • Petrol Place (페트롤플레이스)
  • Deep Blue Lake (딥블루레이크)
  • Mangwon Tiramisu (망원동티라미수)
  • Cafe Harmony (카페하모니)
• Where To Eat in Mangwon-dong
  • Mapingpa (마핑파)
  • Mangwon Market (망원시장)
  • First Place Restaurant (일등식당)
  • Hula Hula (훌라훌라)
  • Bali In Mangwon (발리인망원)
  • Photosynthesis Café (광합성카페)
  • Lao Piak (라오삐약)
  • Salt House (소금집델리)
• Things To Do In Mangwon-dong

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Cafes in Mangwon-dong

Zapangi (자판기)

This café is CLOSED! I’m keeping it on the list because it’s been on so many lists of must-see cafes in Mangwon-dong that I know people will still be looking for it and I don’t want you out there wandering.

Zapangi was pretty much popular as soon as they opened. Well, actually, they were popular as soon as they put that vending machine door in to be straight up. Around the corner from my toddler’s pediatrician, I was trying to figure this spot out before they opened their… vending machine. In all honesty, I don’t think the drinks or the donuts live up to the Instagram friendliness of this café. BUT, if you’re after the cool photo, this is the spot. Instagram: Zapangi

• Address: 400-2 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 400-2)

eert

eert is a beautiful tea house built in an old building that’s been taken down to the studs and cement walls and then built up to only what is necessary. Watch the tea masters on the first floor make your drink and then go upstairs to drink… or just stay seated on the first floor to enjoy.

• Address: 415-33 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 415-33)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00pm ~ 10:00pm

Hodoo Coffee (호두커피)

Hodoo Coffee is one of the smallest coffee shops in the area but it has really cleaned up nice. Inside there is one long rustic wooden table with old metal and wooden mismatched chairs set around it. There is a table near the window that has cassette tapes stacked high and a huge wall painted black that keeps the place feeling fresh and clean. All of this points patrons to the counter to grab a refreshing unpretentious cup of Joe that doesn’t need any of those frilly foam decorations to prove it’s worth.

Hodoo doesn’t even label his cups because well, he just doesn’t care I guess. His coffee is good though and you’ll remember the spot even without the labels, bells and whistles. Run by one guy that can be seen biking through the area in the morning, if he’s open when you’re around, you’re in for a good drink. We literally get our coffee drinks and then coffee beans to make more coffee from this guy weekly. Hodoo!

• Address: 425-1 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 425-1)
• Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:30am ~ 8:30pm; Saturday: 11:30am ~ 5:00pm

Petrol Place (페트롤플레이스)

The wooden walls and symmetrical lines are very welcoming. Busy with bottles and glasses that are beautiful to look at. Have some good coffee or another just as lovingly made cup of something or other. Have some delicious dessert or cake while you’re at it. It’s the perfect space for a break from the world.

• Address: 67 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 동교로 67)
• Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 12:00pm ~ 12:00am

Deep Blue Lake (딥블루레이크)

This very chic cafe sits just outside of Mangwon Market and is the perfect spot to grab an Australian style cup of coffee after eating it up somewhere else. The exterior of the building is painted in a gorgeous shade of blue that is immediately calming.

The first floor is where the coffee beans are prepared and drinks are ordered and then the next two floors up are decorated with chic tables and chairs and plenty of greenery. This is a respite near the chaos that the traditional market can sometimes be home to.

• Address: 411-12 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원1동 411-12)
• Hours: Every day 11:00am ~ 9:30pm

Mangwon Tiramisu (망원동티라미수)

One of the most popular dessert cafes in the area, Mangwon Tiramisu has been THE spot to get your dessert since they opened. Try all kinds of tiramisu variations from original to Oreo and everything in between. Eat in or take it to go for a picnic at the Han River.

• Address: 87 Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 포은로 87)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

Cafe Harmony (카페하모니)

If you’re into all of the Sanrio rage then you’ve probably already visited the Cinnamoroll Cafe and Sanrio Lover’s Club in Hongdae. Well, just around the corner in Mangwon-dong is another cafe devoted to Sanrio’s Harmony. Stop in to see their gift shop and cute bakery set up. Make a reservation online so you can get a treat and sit in the cafe upstairs.

• Address: 12 Donggyo-ro 9-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 동교로9길 12)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm

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Where To Eat in Mangwon-dong

From brunch to dinner, there are plenty of places to choose from if you’re looking to eat in Mangwon-dong.

Mapingpa (마핑파)

Mangwon Market (망원시장)

Mangwon Market is the farmer’s market of the neighborhood and should certainly not be overlooked for good eats. From the standard Korean street food options done really well to croquettes with all the fixins that often have line ups 30 people long and a kalguksu restaurant with handmade noodles that delight and almost always has a line out the door too, this market is a must-see fixture in the area.

Often presented on Korean foodie shows, Mangwon Market is always hoppin’. The market also has two stalls that serve up some deliciously tender pigs feet that are wrapped up with lettuce and sauces to go perfect for a picnic on the nearby Han River banks.

Always full of people and full of action, this market is where everyone goes and should at least be walked through if in the hood. This is also a great option to hit if you’re headed to nearby Mangwon Han River Park just up the road and want to have some food for a picnic.

• Address: 411 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 411)
• Hours: Every day 8:00am ~ 10:00am (As this is a market, vendors can open their stalls whenever they want, but these are standard operating hours.)

First Place Restaurant (일등식당)

Open since 1986, this old hole in the wall is still serving up food that garners lines out the door come meal time. Pork neck bone is boiled for hours and when it’s served up, the bowl is filled and overflowing with a tender meaty concoction that hits all the right spots. There is just one thing on the menu but that’s the only thing you’d want here anyway.

This spine bone “hangover” stew is filling and is served up with just a couple kimchi side dishes and a bowl of rice. The meat falls easily off of the spine bones into the bowl, but don’t be afraid to just pick up the bone and go at it to get every last delicious morsel. The stew also has steamed greens and a simple broth that allows the taste of the meat to shine through.

• Address: 476-1 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 476-1)
• Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 7:30am ~ 9:00pm; Saturday – Sunday: 7:00am ~ 9:00pm

Hula Hula (훌라훌라)

Hula Hula is a hidden Hawaiian treat. Hawaiian-esque cafes and restaurants seem to be a bit of a trend in the Mangwon area at the moment but the eats are definitely on a delicious par with the cute pastel Hawaiian aesthetic of the interior. Walk down the alleys and you can’t miss the pink and teal neon lights. Not only is this restaurant filling bellies with delicious roe, salmon and pork poke bowls, but it’s also animal friendly. I haven’t been in once when there wasn’t also a puppy friend visiting as well.

The duo that runs the place also has GREAT taste in music and keeps the beats going while happily serving up good and healthy eats. Also FYI, they are happy to help you host a little soiree or party inside as well. My friend had a lovely little birthday lunch here and they were happy to help make the festivities fun. Instagram: HulaHula_Mangwon

• Address: 394-63 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 394-63)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

Bali In Mangwon (발리인망원)

Bali in Mangwon has been pretty busy since they opened. You could easily walk right on past this little hole in the wall and not even notice that it’s there except for the line of people leading to the doorway. The interior is a bit bohemian style with chairs that don’t match and crochet wall hangings in keeping with the beachy vibes of Bali.

I shared helpings of Nasi Goreng with chicken, Padang Ayam Green Curry and Bakwan Jagung with some friends and we enjoyed each bite. The Bakwan Jagung stood out to me. The friend corn kernels were delightful especially when dipped in their Indonesian peanut sauce. Definitely a spot that warrants a line. 

• Address: 394-86 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 394-86)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30am ~ 9:00pm, break time from 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm

Photosynthesis Café (광합성카페)

You’ll definitely want to visit this cafe for brunch if you’re in the area. Do note that brunch is only served until 3:00pm. This was a cafe on my list for so long and I’ve glad it’s managed to outlast. It definitely shouldn’t have taken me so long.

It’s calm and relaxing and a great spot for a cup of coffee in the area. Get the eggs if you go for brunch. It’s substantial and delicious. Just want a brunch snack? Then the avocado toast is your best bet.

• Address: 8 World Cup-ro Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 월드컵로19길 8)
• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm

Lao Piak (라오삐약)

While I can’t speak to the authenticity of the Laotian dishes as I haven’t ever been to Laos, I can say that the dishes are very delicious. The exterior is decorated with beautiful lanterns and the simply tiled walls inside are lined with shelves featuring figurines from the owner’s travels to southeast Asia.

The group that owns the place, while not Laotian, seems to have visited the region quite a few times over the past few years and has a good understanding of the dishes but I would be really interested to hear what a native or at the least someone that has visited Laos has to say about the food. Definitely filled our bellies and left us happy patrons and a cute little spot to check out while in Mangwon.

• Address: 396-27 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 396-27)
• Hours: Weekends: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm; Tuesday – Friday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm, break time from 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm

Salt House (소금집델리)

If you are looking for a good, like really good, sandwich, then Salt House is the spot you have to find. Their cured meats are amazing. The breads are delicious and crispy while being soft and if you’re really hungry, go for the meat plate. You won’t be sorry going here. They can have lines so go when you’re not super hungry yet because you might have to wait. It’s worth it though.

• Address: 14 Worldcup-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 월드컵로19길 14)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

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Things To Do In Mangwon-dong

If you’re headed to the area for some eats and treats and want to plan on doing something as well, here are a few fun things to sign up for/check out while you’re in the area:

• Mangwon Market Tour and Cooking Class
• Go see the Oil Tank Culture Park.
• Go see the street art in Hongdae.

Sutome Apothecary (수토메)

There are some great artisanal shops in the neighborhood that allow for an activity, likely between bites. Sutome Apothecary is a hidden gem in the area if there ever was one. The door to enter looks more like a wall with a window to look through but if you can figure out how to open it, the stairwell up leads to a chic white interior.

Visitors can learn about aromas and make their very own perfume to take home for just W50,000. The bottles are a great size for the cost and the staff speaks English and seem to easily explain a bit about what you’re smelling.

It was interesting to learn that Korean customers rarely choose jasmine for their perfumes whereas the western crowd very often does. The Korean women, on the other hand, often opt for a rosemary top note where the western crews don’t. Head there to make your own perfume and learn a bit about your inner aesthetics.

• Address: 394-86 Mangwon-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 망원동 394-86)

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