My gig for a photoshoot brought me back to Jeongdong-gil this year, right in the heart of Korea’s spectacular autumn season, and I couldn’t have been more excited! Thanks to the shoot’s location, I stumbled upon one of the coziest cafes in central Seoul, Coffee Lusso Jeongdong. In this post, I’ll spill the beans on everything I found fascinating about this adorable coffee spot, hidden away in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods, especially when autumn paints the town. If you’re curious to learn more about this place, come along for the ride!
About Coffee Lusso:
Coffee Lusso, a coffee brand born in 2008 right here in Korea, is all about the art of selecting top-notch raw coffee beans and roasting them just right. They work their coffee magic at the CK Cheonan Roasting Plant, the big cheese in Korea, capable of churning out a whopping 16,000 tons of coffee every year, as they proudly claim on their website.
A few years down the road after the brand was launched, they spread their coffee love with Coffee Lusso Cheongdam, a cafe where anyone can experience their finest brews and warm service. Then, in 2016, they introduced Coffee Lusso Jeongdong (커피루소 정동), a brunch cafe that’s all about pairing yummy treats with their special coffee blends!
Where to Find Coffee Lusso Jeongdong:
Now that we’re aware that Coffee Lusso has multiple spots in Seoul, let’s zoom in on the Jeongdong branch – the one that won over my heart during my last autumn adventure on Jeongdong-gil. You’ll spot it nestled on the western end of the street, right next to the Canadian Embassy.
The Chic and Uncluttered Aesthetics of Coffee Lusso Jeongdong:
Situated in the Jeongdong neighborhood, one of Seoul’s most historically rich and enchanting areas, this Coffee Lusso branch boasts a sophisticated and charming appearance that extends from its exterior to its interior. Coffee Lusso Jeongdong occupies the first two floors of the western wing of a multi-story red brick building that turns heads with its distinctive charm, prompting passersby to steal a second glance. The cafe’s sleek black windows and doors add a final flourish to an already eye-catching facade.
Upon entering through the double-sided steel door, you’ll be greeted by an immediate sense of warmth and hospitality. This cozy ambiance owes much to the soft, inviting glow emanating from decorative round ceiling lamps strategically placed throughout the space. To complete the picture, the cafe’s interior design strikes a harmonious balance between dark metal elements and earthy wooden accents, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Breathtaking Autumn Scenery:
Coffee Lusso Jeongdong is perfectly positioned on one of Seoul’s most picturesque streets, and this advantage truly shines during the autumn season. The streets are lined with majestic, fully-grown ginkgo trees that gracefully envelope both sides of the road. These leafy giants have reached a towering height, so much so that they obscure the windows on the second and even the third floors of nearby buildings. This gives you a tantalizing glimpse of just how incredible it is to soak in the vibrant hues of this season from Coffee Lusso Jeongdong!
It’s evident that the designer of the Jeongdong branch of Coffee Lusso had a keen eye for the area’s breathtaking scenery. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have graced the front wall of the store with these expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Thanks to these lofty glass panels, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Jeongdong-gil and the golden canopies of the ginkgo trees that grace the street.
If you’re on the hunt for a stunning autumn vista to capture, here’s a nugget of wisdom I gleaned from my recent visit to Coffee Lusso Jeongdong – it’s an ideal spot for that very quest. Most patrons at the cafe were casual coffee enthusiasts, and they generally gravitated towards the cozy armchairs and sofas situated further from the windows. This meant that tables with the best views were consistently up for grabs, sparing you any wait time or competition!
Delightful Brunch Selections:
Enough about the stunning views; let’s dive into the mouthwatering brunch offerings, which, according to their website introduction, take center stage at this branch of Coffee Lusso. While the menu isn’t extensive, Coffee Lusso offers a selection of impressive brunch options designed to complement their coffee offerings.
For my boyfriend and me, the standout item was undoubtedly the Eggs Benedict, a rarity in Korean brunch cafes, and here, they have two intriguing variations: one with shrimp and another with spinach and mushrooms. Beyond these eggs Benedict delights, they offer an array of other delectable brunch plates, including salads, French toast, wraps, and sandwiches.
Coffee Lusso’s Spinach and Mushroom Eggs Benedict
Here’s a quick and candid review. We ordered the spinach and mushroom eggs benedict as well as the cafe’s signature Jeongdong brunch plate. I absolutely loved the signature plate, especially the marinated carrot julienne. As for the eggs Benedict, my boyfriend – a devoted eggs Benedict enthusiast – gave it a thumbs-up, particularly praising the addition of mandarin orange slices.
Jeongdong Brunch Plate, The Signature
It’s worth noting that while we thoroughly enjoyed the food, the prices leaned toward the higher end for the portion sizes, so it’s a bit of a splurge. However, to enhance the dining experience, it’s a good idea to pair a drink with your brunch option, as they offer a 40% discount on one drink with each brunch menu.
A Paradise for Coffee and Dessert Enthusiasts:
With its extensive history in the coffee business, Coffee Lusso has curated a diverse range of caffeinated delights for sale and enjoyment across its cafe locations. While Coffee Lusso Jeongdong might lack the distinct aroma of an on-site roasting station, it still boasts an impressive array of coffee options to cater to discerning palates. Their menu features a captivating range of blends, single-origin offerings, and cold brews, each thoughtfully equipped with detailed coffee information, including roast level, tasting notes, country of origin, and even an espresso guide.
What’s more, if you have a sweet tooth, Coffee Lusso Jeongdong also tempts you with an array of delectable treats designed to accompany your cup of java. This café truly has something to satisfy every taste bud!
Quick Info About Coffee Lusso Jeongdong:
Address: 서울 중구 정동길 17 1층
Naver Map: Link
Operating Hours:
♦ Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
♦ Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
♦ Brunch Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Website: http://www.coffeelusso.co.kr
Nearest Subway: Seodaemun Station (Line 5) Exit 5
Visit Date: October 28, 2023
Did this entry help you? Or Did you enjoy my photos? Help support my small blog by giving a little cup of joe. I am always grateful when readers reach out wanting to support 🙂
p.s. This post is independently created. However, when you book or purchase something through the retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission to help keep Ploy’s Little Atlas running. Thank you very much for your support!
p.p.s All images used (unless specified) are owned by the author of the blog and permission is required for a repost. Please, reach out via social media channels to ask beforehand if you’d like to use them.