OWL Magazine Korea

Seoul Noryangjin Cafe: Mingune Dabang

When you think of Seoul Noryangjin, the keywords that come to mind are “fish market” and “exam takers.” Noryangjin has long been known for its concentration of civil service academies, making it a popular spot for students preparing for civil service exams.

As a result, you can easily find academy buildings in the vicinity, and nowadays, it’s common to see students studying in cafes, often referred to as the “cafe study group,” giving the neighborhood a serious atmosphere.

“Noryangjin Cafe: Mingune Dabang”

Mingune Dabang is a cafe located at the beginning of Noryangjin. It is close to Noryangjin Station, which serves both Line 1 and Line 9. More precisely, it is even closer to Exit 4 of Line 9.

The cafe is situated on the second floor of the building. To enter the cafe, you can go up the stairs on the right side of the building.

“A Cafe with a Study-Focused Atmosphere, Popular among Students”

Mingune Dabang is said to have a unique atmosphere that reflects the distinctiveness of Noryangjin. Students can be found studying throughout the cafe. However, on this particular Sunday evening, the atmosphere was relatively calm, perhaps due to the timing of our visit.

The overall ambiance of the cafe gives off a sense of being in an old establishment, rather than a clean and modern space. It exudes a somewhat untidy feel, yet oddly, this lack of organization adds to the comfortable atmosphere. As a result, the layout of the cafe is also intricate, with small staircases connecting different floors, creating a maze-like environment.

“Shiba Inu Chino”

The cafe is home to a Shiba Inu named Chino, owned by the cafe’s proprietor. Chino appears to be an adorable dog with a friendly disposition and good obedience. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see Chino during our visit, possibly because it was a late Sunday afternoon.

According to other posts by visitors, you can catch a glimpse of Chino.

“Reasonable Drink Prices”

The beverages offered at the cafe are generally reasonably priced. The most basic item on the menu, the Americano, is priced at 3,500 KRW per cup, which is relatively affordable compared to Starbucks. In addition to coffee, they offer a variety of other menu items such as yogurt, tea, ade, and juice.

Overall, it’s a good place to spend some time without feeling pressured, making it a nice spot to visit if you’re looking for a comfortable place to pass the time near Noryangjin.

“Seoul Noryangjin Cafe: Mingune Dabang”

  • Address: 2F, 132 Noryangjin-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
  • Phone Number: 02-812-3935
  • Operating Hours: (Mon-Sat) 7:00 AM – 10:40 PM, (Sun) 8:00 AM – 12:40 AM