OWL Magazine Korea

Yongsan’s “Passion Street” – “Duhwadang” Retro-themed Cafe

In Seoul’s Yongsan, you can find an alley named “Passion Street,” which quite literally lives up to its name, as it’s filled with passion. This name was given by young entrepreneurs who established themselves in a printing alley in Yongsan-gu, Seoul in December 2014. It’s a street packed with interesting shops born from the unique personalities and ideas of these young entrepreneurs.

Everywhere you look, there are spaces brimming with unique ideas, from shops that evoke nostalgia to cafes that transport you back to a bygone era.

This time, I visited a cafe named “Duhwadang,” which exudes a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the past.

“A Cafe with a Retro Vibe in Passion Street – Duhwadang”

Duhwadang is a place filled with menus made from soy milk. This might be why it’s named “Duhwadang.” You can also try their signature menu items, which include “Soy Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream,” “Duhwadang Additive-Free Soy Milk,” and “Original Soy Milk Pudding.”

Here are the menu options you can find at Duhwadang:

“Signature Menu”

  • Soy Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream: 3,800 KRW
  • Duhwadang Additive-Free Soy Milk (Limited to 10 servings per day): 3,800 KRW
  • Original Soy Milk Pudding: 3,500 KRW

“Special Handmade Soy Milk”

  • Hazelnut Chocolate Soy Milk: 4,900 KRW
  • Black Bean Powder Cream Soy Milk: 5,000 KRW
  • Strawberry Soy Milk: 5,500 KRW
  • Mugwort Soy Milk: 5,500 KRW
  • Earl Grey Black Tea Soy Milk: 6,000 KRW
  • Fig Soy Milk: 6,000 KRW

“Coffee”

  • Mugwort Cream Soy Latte: 5,800 KRW
  • Hazelnut Soy Milk Cream Coffee: 5,500 KRW
  • Americano: 3,800 KRW
  • Organic Decaffeinated Barley Coffee: 4,500 KRW
  • Soy Latte: 4,500 KRW
  • Soy Flat White: 4,800 KRW
  • Vanilla Soy Latte: 4,800 KRW

“It Feels Like Stepping Back in Time to the Era of the Korean Empire”

However, what sets this place apart is the overall atmosphere of the cafe, which feels like you’ve traveled back in time.

The moment you step into the cafe, you’ll feel like you’re time-traveling back to the past. It exudes an atmosphere as if you’re spending time in the era of the Korean Empire, providing a strong sense of nostalgia. It’s a space where you don’t just have a cup of tea, but rather leave with memories.

“A Space That Feels Like a Journey Back in Time”

Upon entering the elaborately decorated interior, you might imagine Emperor Gojong himself enjoying a cup of coffee. The cafe is impressively designed, incorporating old items into the interior, creating an atmosphere that captures the feeling of the past.

If you’re curious about the old items and want to experience this unique atmosphere, Duhwadang is a great place to visit. It’s a cafe with a special ambiance that you can discover in Passion Street.

“Seoul Yongsan Passion Street Retro Cafe Duhwadang”

  • Address: 1F, 25 Baekbeom-ro 87-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04315, South Korea
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duhwadang/
  • Operating Hours: 12:00 – 22:00 (Until 21:00 on Sundays)
  • Closed on Mondays.