A Perfect Day in Hannam-dong: Brunch, Art, and Coffee
No matter how many times I visit Itaewon and Hannam-dong, I always end up discovering a new corner of the neighborhood. This time, I put together an easy, unhurried day that moved from brunch to a gallery walk and finished with coffee — the kind of day that makes you forget you’re still in Seoul.
1. Brunch at I Like Mountain
Wandering through the back alleys of Hannam-dong, the first stop was I Like Mountain.
The moment I stepped inside, the first thing that caught my eye was a wall completely covered in handwritten menu items. It felt less like reading a menu and more like walking into a small restaurant tucked away in some coastal village abroad.
The interior has a charm that recalls a small town in Greece or the south of France — muted, unshowy colors, furniture with a rough, natural finish, and props that feel unstudied rather than styled. For a moment, it’s easy to forget you’re in Seoul at all.
The food matched the setting. It’s the kind of place built for a slow meal — a good pick for a Hannam-dong date or a lazy weekend brunch.
2. A Look at the Lehmann Maupin Building
After brunch, I wandered over to the building that houses Lehmann Maupin.
The building itself is striking enough to work as an object in its own right — it’s worth pausing for even if you’re not going inside. Its clean, restrained lines capture the particular sense of polish that defines this part of the city.
The Lehmann Maupin Seoul gallery space was designed by the architecture firm SoA (Society of Architecture), winner of the 2015 Young Architect Award from Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Taking in the architecture first added something to the experience — it set the tone for looking at the art more closely afterward.
3. An Exhibition at Pace Gallery
This visit coincided with an exhibition of ceramic work by artist Park Young-sook, on view through August 14th.
The gallery’s wide, spare rooms give each piece room to breathe, and I found myself lingering over individual works far longer than usual — a large moon jar reinterpreted from the Joseon-era tradition, alongside collaborative pieces made with artist Lee Ufan. It was a quiet moment to sit with the beauty of empty space.
I used to think of Hannam-dong mostly as a cafe-hopping neighborhood, but pairing a coffee run with an exhibition like this makes the whole day feel much richer.
4. Coffee at Hannam Workshop
The plants in the garden — grasses that reminded me of sedge — were beautiful enough that I made a note to come back on a sunny day just to sit outside with a coffee.
Between the wood floors, the oversized lighting fixtures, and the large-scale paintings on the walls, the space feels less like a cafe and more like an artist’s studio abroad.
This isn’t just a place to grab coffee — it feels like someone moved an artist’s studio and a small gallery into one room. Lacquerware pieces by artist Huh Myoung-wook (HMW) are placed throughout the space, so you end up taking in art naturally while you drink your coffee. Coming here right after the gallery visit meant the mood of the exhibitions carried straight through into the coffee.
The calm atmosphere makes you want to slow down rather than rush off. Looking at the art around me while finishing my coffee turned out to be the perfect way to close out the day in Hannam-dong. (My iced Americano did come out tasting faintly of bronze, courtesy of the handmade cup — but I’ll let that slide.)
Hannam-dong Day Course: The Recap
This route hit everything — food, a walk, art, and coffee — and it was one of the more satisfying days I’ve had in the neighborhood.
- Brunch at I Like Mountain
- A look at the Lehmann Maupin building
- An exhibition at Pace Gallery
- Coffee at Hannam Workshop
If you’re looking for a slow, walkable day through Hannam-dong, this course is worth following.
I Like Mountain Hannam
34, Itaewon-ro 36-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (1st & 2nd floor)
15-minute walk from Itaewon Station, behind Cheil Worldwide
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pace Gallery
267 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
5-minute walk from Hangang Jin Station
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays)
Hannam Workshop
1F, 7 Itaewon-ro 55na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
10-minute walk from Hangangjin Station, Exit 1
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last order 9:30 PM)