Vive Le Français! Seoul's Own French Quarter
Paris Croissant embodies the enchanting charm of Korean bakeries which delicately fuse elements of French influence.
Authentic French bakeries like Paris Croissant serve as the Mecca for Seoulites in search of a taste of France within the embrace of Korea's capital city. Considered an essential part of culture, Paris Croissant exudes a unique allure that sets it apart from the numerous Korean bakeries that attempt to mimic a French essence (such as Paris Baguette and Tour Les Jours). Stepping foot inside Paris Croissant, however, reveals that this establishment is far more extraordinary.
Towering three stories high with an inviting basement level, Paris Croissant offers a array of authentic French delights. It is perched midway up Seorae Village's main hill, serving as the cultural anchor for the entire neighborhood. At this delightful bakery, you will encounter an array of genuine breads, baguettes, pastries, sandwiches, tarts, quiches, and so much more. The basement floor is adorned with imported French cheese, cakes, wines, and madeleines. Whether you choose to dine in or take your selections to go, Paris Croissant caters to your every desire. The second floor boasts a charming brunch cafe, while the third floor offers a rooftop terrace, where delightful experiences await.
For those yearning to experience a slice of France in Seoul, a visit to Seorae Village and Paris Croissant is an absolute must.
To reach Seorae Village, simply take exit 5 out of Express Bus Terminal station. Proceed straight out of the exit, strolling along a lush, tree-covered path until you reach a bridge that crosses the street. Cross the bridge and turn right, gently ascending the hill. After approximately 5 minutes, you will arrive at Seorae Village.
Address: 95-9 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu
Telephone: +82-2-3478-9139
Hours: 7am - 11pm
Directly across from Paris Croissant, you will find the delightful O' Fête coffeeshop and bakery.
While Seoul boasts countless coffeeshops and cafes, O' Fête stands apart with its mouthwatering brunch menu priced at just 10,000 won. The varied selection includes a delectable bagel sandwich served with salad and coffee, delightful chicken sandwiches, and irresistible pastry sets. O' Fête also offers an extensive menu of coffees, teas, and juices priced at approximately 4,000 won. Additionally, this charming establishment provides a rare offering of yogurt, a delicacy not commonly found in Seoul's coffeeshops.
O' Fête offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect destination for a satisfying meal, a captivating read, or a joyful gathering with friends. The café also presents an assortment of pastries that can be enjoyed by all.
Oh, and did we mention their mouthwatering, honest-to-goodness cinnamon rolls? Even Starbucks fails to offer this delightful treat!
To reach O' Fête, simply cross the street from Paris Croissant. The two establishments stand directly opposite one another.
Address: 91-7 Banpo 4-dong, Seocho-gu
Telephone: +82-2-532-7876
Hours: 8am - 12am
The Korean word for "country," Nara, serves as the inspiration for Wine Nara, a veritable wine haven.
In every French quarter, a reliable establishment for selecting a superb bottle of wine is an absolute must, n'est-ce pas? Wine Nara effortlessly fulfills this role, serving as both a wineshop and a restaurant. With wines sourced from every corner of the globe, including France, Chile, Italy, Spain, and the United States, Wine Nara stands as a testament to the beauty of wine production.
This extraordinary establishment boasts an extensive wine list, offering bottles ranging from 30,000 won to nearly 450,000 won. Regardless of your personal preference or taste, Wine Nara is dedicated to gratifying every palate and capturing the heart of every wine enthusiast. Whether you seek the perfect vintage, grape varietal, or regional specialty, Wine Nara is the ultimate destination.
To arrive at Wine Nara, simply turn right after the overpass, entering Seorae Village. Within a minute's walk, you will find Wine Nara on the opposite side of the street.
Address: 92-12 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu
Telephone: +82-2-592-9035
Hours: 10am - 2am
A cozy and intimate wine bar and restaurant, Pinot beautifully harmonizes music and wine.
While Seorae Village offers an array of wine options, Pinot distinguishes itself as one of the few wine bars that takes its live music program seriously. The entire venue revolves around a grand stage, a permanent fixture that welcomes talented bands. Candlelit tables are thoughtfully arranged directly in front of the stage, immersing guests in the intimate atmosphere and placing them just a few feet away from the performers. Larger, plush couches and tables situated to the right of the stage offer a splendid vantage point to enjoy the music.
Pinot hosts live music performances every day of the week, offering two sets each evening. Monday to Friday showcases the vibrant and energetic "Pinot Super Pop Band," while the weekend truly comes alive with the soulful sounds of jazz on Saturday and enchanting folk concerts on Sunday. The first performance commences at 9:00 pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes, followed by a second set at 10:00 pm that captivates the audience for about an hour.
Because Pinot is dedicated to the fusion of wine and music, a modest "music charge" of 5,000 won is added to each bill during live performances. This is a small investment for an unforgettable night of wine and live music in Seoul's French-inspired Seorae Village.
To reach Pinot, simply turn left at O' Fête. Walk down the street for approximately one block, and you will spot the Pinot sign on your left side. Descend a flight of stairs to the basement level, and you will discover this hidden gem.
Address: 94-8 4-dong B1, Seocho-gu
Telephone: +82-2-3476-7617
Hours: 6pm - 3am
Pinot is the place where music and wine come together.
Although it is easy to find a glass of wine in Seorae Village, youâll be hard-pressed to find any wine bar that takes its live music so seriously. The entire place is set up around a large stage, which is permanently set up for bands.
There are small, intimate candlelit tables directly in front of the stage, allowing guests to sit just a few feet away from the performers. The right side of the stage is adorned with comfortable couches and tables, providing a perfect view of the music.
Pinot offers live music performances seven days a week, with two sets each night. The weekdays feature the "Pinot Super Pop Band," while the weekends come alive with jazz on Saturday and folk concerts on Sunday. The first performance starts at 9 pm and lasts for approximately 45 minutes, followed by a second set at 10 pm that captivates the audience for about an hour.
As Pinot is focused on the seamless integration of wine and music, they add a 5,000 won "music charge" to each bill during performances. This is a small price to pay for an enchanting night of wine and live music in Seoul's French-inspired Seorae Village.
To reach Pinot, simply turn left at O' Fête. Walk down the street for approximately one block, and you will see the Pinot sign on your left. Proceed down a flight of stairs to reach the basement level.
Address: 72-9 Banpo 4-dong B1, Seocho-gu
Telephone: +82-2-3477-7622
Hours: 5pm - 2am
