Dongilru
Info about Dongilru
Address : 75, Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Opening hours: weekday 12pm - 9pm (Monday off)
weekend 12am - 10:30pm
Price range: 12,000won - 33,000won
If you’re hungry in Mangwon, Dong-il-ru is a must-visit. Known for being featured on “Master of Living” (생활의 달인) — a sign confirming the appearance is displayed right at the entrance — this small but mighty restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite for years.
Recommendation: Their signature ganjjajang (noodles in thick black bean sauce) and chapssal tangsuyuk (crispy sweet and sour pork made with glutinous rice batter) are legendary — deep, rich flavors that reflect the chef’s decades of experience. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the warmth of a neighborhood classic while still eating a genuinely excellent meal.
The sweet and sour pork was crispy, and the quality of the meat was excellent. The soup in the haemul jjamppong was thick and loaded with seafood, giving it a refreshing edge despite the richness.
Hibino
Menu: Coffee, tea, desserts — drinks run about 5,000–7,000 KRW. I was curious about the gratin set, but I’d already had breakfast, so I’ll save that for next time.
Since it had suddenly turned warm out, I ordered an iced latte. The beans were nutty and rich — not watery at all, and genuinely good.
The space, being on the second floor, felt spacious and comfortable. A variety of plants and mismatched furniture pieces each show off their own character. True to the meaning of “Hibino,” warm fabric touches are placed throughout, giving off a cozy warmth.
The small decorative objects give off a real Japanese sensibility, and Japanese pop songs playing through the speakers made the atmosphere feel even more like a small trip abroad.
Above all, Hibino is a great spot for sunlight — the large windows let in plenty of light, making the whole space feel even warmer. The seating is varied too, from window-side bar seats good for coming alone, to tables suited for groups of 2–4.
The ceiling is high, and both the floor and ceiling seem to have been finished in a way that preserves the original materials, leaning into an industrial look. Antique cupboards, cups, and dishware are scattered throughout, along with a patterned sofa and a uniquely shaped kettle — and in the oven, bread was baking away.
There aren’t many light fixtures in the space, but the large windows keep it bright regardless. Even the broom and dustpan had a distinctly Japanese-style design — every detail here carried that same sensibility.
My take: If you want to go to Japan but the timing and budget aren’t quite right, Hibino in Mangwon-dong is worth a visit.
Info about cafe Hibino
Address: 2F, 20, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Opening hours : 10am -6pm(Tuesday off)
Price range: 5,000 - 8,000won
Portrait coffee bar
The ceiling is high, and the support pillars give it a bit of a warehouse feel — clearly a space built around an industrial aesthetic overall.
They gave me a complimentary scoop of ice cream, served in a marbled bowl that looked great. Combined with that vintage wall fan and the wooden floor, it felt like sitting in a classroom from the 80s or 90s.
Hanging plants make use of the ceiling structure, adding both a sense of stability and freshness to the space.
Personally, I thought the neon mint-colored standing sign outside was genuinely striking — the combination of metal texture, translucent acrylic, and that neon mint color felt really well thought out. And then there’s a green parking cone thrown into the mix too — that combination is honestly wild (in a good way).
My take: If you’re looking for a café that opens early and closes late, or a spacious place to settle into, Portrait Coffee Bar in Mangwon-dong is worth a visit.
Info about Portrait coffee bar
Address: 32, Poeun-ro 8-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Opening hours : 10am -10pm
Price range: 4,500 - 8,000won