Suwon

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Cafes and Desserts

A prominent cafe culture with traditional teahouses, modern coffee shops, and dessert venues serving treats like bingsu and pastries.

Sections

1. Popular Cafes in Suwon

Suwon is home to a mix of trendy, traditional, and themed cafes. Here are some notable ones:

a. Cafe Street in Ingye-dong

  • Overview: Ingye-dong is Suwon’s bustling cafe district, filled with stylish coffee shops and dessert spots. It’s a great place to explore multiple cafes in one area.
  • Highlights: Specialty coffee, Instagram-worthy interiors, and a variety of desserts.
  • Proximity: Close to Suwon City Hall and shopping areas.

b. Cafe Darak

  • Specialty: Known for its cozy, book-themed atmosphere and hand-drip coffee.
  • Desserts: Try their homemade cakes, such as the Earl Grey chiffon cake or matcha roll cake.
  • Price Range: ₩6,000–₩10,000 for drinks and desserts.
  • Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Location: Near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, making it a perfect stop after sightseeing.

c. Anthracite Coffee

  • Specialty: A branch of the famous Anthracite Coffee chain, known for its industrial-chic design and expertly brewed coffee.
  • Desserts: Minimalist offerings like pound cakes and cookies.
  • Price Range: ₩5,000–₩8,000 for drinks and desserts.
  • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
  • Proximity: Located near Suwon Station, convenient for travelers.

d. Cafe 1976

  • Specialty: A retro-themed cafe with vintage decor and a relaxed vibe.
  • Desserts: Their signature dessert is the "Honey Butter Bread," a thick toast topped with honey, butter, and whipped cream.
  • Price Range: ₩7,000–₩12,000.
  • Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Proximity: Near Gwanggyo Lake Park, a popular recreational area.

2. Unique Local Desserts

Suwon offers a variety of traditional and modern desserts that reflect Korean culture and innovation.

a. Suwon Traditional Rice Cake (떡, Tteok)

  • Where to Try: Visit traditional markets like Suwon Yeongdong Market for freshly made rice cakes.
  • Specialty: Injeolmi (rice cake coated with soybean powder) and Songpyeon (half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with sweet fillings).
  • Price Range: ₩2,000–₩5,000 per serving.

b. Suwon Chestnut Desserts

  • Overview: Suwon is known for its high-quality chestnuts, which are often used in desserts.
  • Where to Try: Look for chestnut cakes or pastries at bakeries like Paris Baguette or local specialty shops.
  • Price Range: ₩3,000–₩8,000.

c. Bingsu (빙수)

  • Overview: A popular Korean shaved ice dessert, often topped with red beans, fruits, or matcha.
  • Where to Try: Sulbing (설빙), a famous Korean dessert chain, has a branch in Suwon.
  • Price Range: ₩8,000–₩12,000.
  • Proximity: Sulbing is located near Suwon Station and other central areas.

d. Hotteok (호떡)

  • Overview: A sweet Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
  • Where to Try: Street vendors near Hwaseong Fortress or Suwon markets.
  • Price Range: ₩1,000–₩2,000.

3. Dining Customs and How to Order

Understanding Korean dining etiquette and ordering processes can enhance your experience.

a. Dining Customs

  • Self-Service: Many cafes in Korea have a self-service system. After ordering at the counter, you’ll receive a buzzer or number to pick up your order when it’s ready.
  • Sharing: Desserts like bingsu are often shared among friends or family.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Korean cafes are generally quiet, making them ideal for studying or relaxing. Keep conversations at a moderate volume.

b. How to Order

  • Language: While many cafes have English menus, it’s helpful to know basic Korean phrases:
    • "Americano juseyo" (아메리카노 주세요) – Please give me an Americano.
    • "Bingsu hana juseyo" (빙수 하나 주세요) – One bingsu, please.
  • Payment: Most cafes accept credit cards, but it’s good to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

4. Recommendations Near Key Attractions

If you’re visiting Suwon’s famous landmarks, here are some nearby cafes and dessert spots:

a. Near Hwaseong Fortress

  • Cafe Darak: A cozy spot for coffee and cake after exploring the fortress.
  • Hotteok Vendors: Grab a quick and affordable snack from street vendors near the fortress gates.

b. Near Suwon Station

  • Anthracite Coffee: Perfect for a caffeine boost before or after your train ride.
  • Sulbing: Enjoy a refreshing bingsu to cool down during the summer.

c. Near Gwanggyo Lake Park

  • Cafe 1976: A retro-themed cafe with hearty desserts, ideal for relaxing after a walk around the lake.
  • Local Bakeries: Look for small bakeries offering chestnut-based pastries.

5. Price Ranges

  • Coffee: ₩4,000–₩8,000.
  • Desserts: ₩5,000–₩12,000 for cakes and bingsu; ₩1,000–₩3,000 for street snacks like hotteok.
  • Traditional Desserts: ₩2,000–₩5,000.

6. Tips for Visitors

  • Peak Hours: Cafes can get crowded during weekends and late afternoons. Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
  • Reservations: Most cafes don’t require reservations, but for popular spots like Sulbing, it’s best to visit during off-peak hours.
  • Seasonal Desserts: Many cafes offer seasonal items, such as strawberry bingsu in spring or chestnut desserts in autumn.

Suwon’s cafe and dessert scene is a delightful mix of modern trends and traditional flavors. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city’s landmarks or a long-term resident looking for a cozy spot to relax, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your time in Suwon!