Korean Job Discussion Forums

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

What are people's favorite places to relax, read or study in Bundang (I know there are a few of you on this board)? I need to get some reading and research planning done but I'm a bit far from anything, and am not getting enough done in my room. Any good cafes to study in near Sunae or Sohyeon station, etc.? Would prefer for it not to be Starbucks, but that'll do in a pinch.

warren pease · Joined: 12 May 2008

When it's not windy or raining there are some really nice places in central park, especially around the lake. As far as coffee shops go there are about fifty between Sohyeon and Sunae. Most of the big chain ones are pretty noisy. I've even had the experience of a Korean family leaving their three kids inside an Angel-in-us to play, then taking themselves outside to enjoy their coffee in quiet. UNbelievable. There's a nice small coffee shop near Sunae Station called Il Santo. Usually not many people there. Nice inside and outside seating. And the best part is that it may be the only coffee shop in Korea to a place to plug in your laptop, if that's important to you.

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Oh, I think I saw Il Santo while walking around today. It looked nice. I may try to study there tomorrow.

Do you know the name of the little street with lots of cute European restaurants and cafes by Chongja (the stop before Sunae)? I went there with a friend for lunch today but don't remember what it was called. Nice atmosphere....but jeez, 9,000 won for a cup of coffee?

Oreovictim · Joined: 23 Aug 2006

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Well, to be fair, the pasta was 24,000, and was actually quite good. I guess I have occasionally paid about that much back in the U.S. (although usually for more meat). The coffee tasted instant to me, though.

It was well above my price range, so fortunately my friend was treating.

I always used to study at Dunkin Donuts in my old neighborhood, too. I'll probably continue that here...

warren pease · Joined: 12 May 2008

Not every place in Jeongja is that expensive. And some of the pasta is quite good. I do not know the name of any street in Korea, but I am pretty sure I know the one you mean. The coffee shops there can be very expensive. THey are very small and it's usually only $2.50 or so for a to go coffee but if you want to have it there probably double that. There is also a nice, really small, newer coffee shop kinda behind McDonalds in Sunae called cafe Terro. I might be a little mistaken on the name but there are only like three tables and it's always been very peaceful for me.

pidgin · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Seoul

^ Is that the one (across from the back of McD's and a short walk towards JJ - away from Lotte) with a load of plants/potted trees?...or maybe you're thinking of the chain "Hollys?"

The former is really nice.

They have a very decent selection of herbal teas as well.

warren pease · Joined: 12 May 2008

yeah i think that we're thinking about the same place. Kind of across the street from holly's and yes a little toward Jeongja.

pidgin · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Seoul

I live right near there, and come to think of it,...there are a few decent looking places to chill/read/study on that side of Sunae.

gojulie · Joined: 08 Jun 2007

there is a nice study cafe right in Seoyeon. It is almost across from Dublins. I can't remember the name but they charge 5,000 for 3 hours of nice comfy quiet (with squishy charis and tables) and they also give you a bowl of noodles and all you can drink pop and tea. It is a great place for study.

It is right next to the family mart and has a big ivy arch out front. Go to the basement and there you go.