Mugs and Magic: The Ultimate Cheongdo Foodie Crawl in Korea

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Cafe Hopping in Cheongdo

Nestled in the scenic outskirts of Daegu, Cheongdo boasts a burgeoning cafe culture that beckons coffee, brunch, and dining enthusiasts alike. In this laid-back country spot, it’s not just about the usual coffee fix. Every cafe brings a unique brew paired with tunes that’ll have you tapping your feet or humming to the beat. At times, the line blurs between Gachabng and Cheongdo. However, as you hop from one establishment to the next, the harmonious blend of great music and impeccable ambiance makes the Cheongdo cafe experience unforgettable. And if you’re wondering where to start, here are a few of the best cafes in Cheongdo.

Table of Contents

• Cafe Hopping in Cheongdo
• Pinorth Cafe
• Loca Coffee
• Cafe 1996
• Millton Cafe
• Hierba Cafe
• Charcoal Wood BBQ
• Amicote Cafe
• ELparaiso365 Cafe
• Pink Tiyom
• Like it! Pin it!

Pinorth Cafe

The first place on this cafe-hopping journey around Cheongdo begins with a brand new cafe modeled after a walk in the woods. Steven and I visited a new cafe in Cheongdo today named Pinorth. Interestingly, this sizable three-story establishment just opened its doors two months ago. Moreover, like many cafes in rural Cheongdo, its main attractions are the views of sprawling fields and the adjacent river. Additionally, the ambiance was calm and inviting.

Clay and Caffeine: Discovering Seongju’s Coffee in Pottery Cafe

The cafe’s logo features a compass pointing north, which presumably ties in with the cafe’s interior design. Furthermore, they use many recycled materials, from the wooden pegs on the kickboards to the wall coverings that look like rattan. Additionally, the ceiling is made of reconstituted paper.

We arrived after 2 pm, and unfortunately, the pickings were slim. Eventually, we decided on a mango yogurt iced drink with a scoop of ice cream and an Americano. The three-story cafe with a rooftop provides sprawling countrywide views encompassing a campground.

Persimmon9 Brunch Cafe in Cheongdo South Korea

Address:

Pin파이노스
432, Sanseonggangbyeon-gil, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

http://kko.to/4sN4PQvD4p

Loca Coffee

Loca Coffee is a beautiful cafe located in the Cheongdo area, featuring two real-life three-story waterfalls that cascade into a stream and pond. The drive to the cafe is especially breathtaking during cherry blossom season. The staff is friendly and speaks excellent English, creating a perfect atmosphere to enjoy an iced latte by the waterfalls.

Address:
51 Naksan 1-gil, Gakbuk-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk 38302
1329-2 Namsan-ri, Gakbuk-myeon
Map

Cafe 1996

Cafe 1996, nestled in the picturesque Cheongdo countryside, offers a unique blend of scenic charm and delicious treats. Known for its specialty macarons, this cafe is a delightful stop for anyone enjoying a peaceful day out. The macarons come in various flavors, each more mouthwatering than the last. The serene canal views, combined with the peaceful sound of wind chimes, make this spot truly memorable. Whether you’re here for the scenery or the sweets, Cafe 1996 leaves a lasting impression of beauty and kindness.

Cafe 1996
610, Cheongmae-ro, Maejeon-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Millton Cafe

One of the Cutest Coffee Shops in Cheongdo

Firstly, located just a scenic hour’s drive from Daegu, Millton Cafe beckons from the tranquil heart of the countryside. Additionally, the cafe features expansive windows that offer uninterrupted landscape views. Indeed, Millton Cafe is an idyllic haven for a rainy day.

Meanwhile, sip on the unique Paschinko, a refreshing fusion of pineapple and coconut, a drink inspired by a celebrated Nobel Prize-winning novel.

Stepping inside, the cafe’s interior boasts a bright, open layout, highlighted by a magnificent glass pivot door that welcomes you to this serene escape. Downstairs, the bottom level features an atrium with a large tree and a spot-on R&B playlist.

Address:

Millton Cafe
6, Sinhwarang-gil, Unmun-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

http://kko.to/g5lNGofO4F

Discover Liebevoll Cafe – A Garden Treehouse for Grownups

Hierba Cafe

Hierba Cafe is a charming, slightly overgrown stop for campers and hikers near a popular campground by the river. The cafe has a bright, energetic vibe and is filled with art and sculptures, creating a gallery-like experience both inside and out. Nestled in an overgrown garden, Hierba feels like a secret discovery. Although it’s pet-friendly and lacks a kid-free zone, the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a peaceful visit. The menu offers simple but tasty desserts like cakes, cookies, and tarts—ideal for a quick treat.

Hierba
53, Seonbawi-gil, Geumcheon-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
http://kko.to/LubSR_gRX

Cafe 1996

Located in the serene countryside of Cheongdo, Cafe 1996 quickly became one of my favorite places to relax. Its rural charm won me over, especially with their delicious specialty macarons. I was drawn to the cafe because it shares the birth year of my son Malik. It also became the site where my drone crashed into the water, but the kindness of strangers left a lasting impression. The scenic drive, the canal view, and the sound of wind chimes made this visit unforgettable.

Cafe 1996
610, Cheongmae-ro, Maejeon-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
http://kko.to/q7_yLqr9cD

Charcoal Wood BBQ

Are you ready for a little Texas BBQ? Well, then, Cheongdo has you covered. We found Charcoal Wood BBQ because friends of the owner invited us. That’s why I cannot stress that your life in Korea is made exponentially better by having Korean friends. This is the third Texas-style BBQ I’ve been to, and I happily recommend all three.

Charcoal Wood BBQ is a family-friendly BBQ in a secluded park-like setting, perfect for a more relaxed night when you want to sit under fairy lights. The BBQ serves generous portions of pork and beef. They also have a jiggae (Korean stew) with burnt ends that looked delicious but unfortunately included pork.

Address:

[KakaoMap] 차콜우드
196-32, Haengjeong-gil, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu

http://kko.to/N8KxNa8yFN

Amicote Cafe

Once we arrived in Cheongdo, the road on both sides was lined with fruit trees bearing jujubes, pomegranates, persimmons, oranges, and peaches. Have you ever tasted jujubes? I have, now, lol. Cheongdo is a sprawling countryside town known for its picturesque cafes and restaurants. Among them, (Amicote or) Amikotte stands out. It’s a cafe on the mountainside, spanning multiple levels and boasting more outdoor seating than indoor—perfect for a day like today.

Amikotte opened its doors at 11 a.m.; by noon, it was bustling with customers. Steven secured a good table while Robyn and I placed our food orders. The brunch menu had limited options, including egg salad and ham and cheese croissants. We also ordered a couple of Madeleines. Steven and I shared the egg croissant, which was truly delightful. The croissant had a slight sweetness and was incredibly buttery and flaky. Robyn mentioned that her sandwich hit the spot and had a bit of a kick.

One important note. The cafe doesn’t accept American credit or debit cards, so bring cash if you don’t have a Korean card. Additionally, please be aware that the upper-level terrace is designated as a kid-free zone. The café offers parking and Wi-Fi, making it a convenient and beautiful spot to enjoy. Amicote Cafe, located on Cheondosan Mountain, is a spacious café with plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, and it offers numerous picturesque spots to capture the breathtaking views.

Address:

Amicote Cafe
305, Onam-gil, Maejeon-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
아미꼬뜨: 경북 청도군 매전면 오남길 305
+825071350340
http://kko.to/w9Mp6_vos
https://goo.gl/maps/ASp7wcKwLn7FhF7A9

ELparaiso365 Cafe

This cafe in Cheongdo, surrounded by picturesque farmland and breathtaking views of rice paddies and mountains, amazed me. ELparaiso365 is quite a sight to behold. As you approach the lower level, you can’t help but notice its sheer size, stretching the entire length of the cafe, making it one of the best cafes in Cheongdo. It offers various seating options, including sunken pits (although not advisable after a typhoon) and tables along the outer railing. You can enter the café directly or take a more scenic route here.

Once inside, you’ll find a wall of windows on one side, stairs leading up or down on the right, and the cashier’s counter on the left. Going downstairs leads you to a cozy, dimly lit space with low ceilings, resembling a library with bookshelves lining the entire room. Heading upstairs treats you to higher ceilings and one of the most mesmerizing views in town. The upper level provides plenty of seating, some offering a more intimate atmosphere, and it’s all designated as a kid-free zone.

For my meal, I enjoyed a delightful peach iced tea and an avocado sandwich on toasted bread with mustard seeds, ham, and plenty of cheese. This sandwich, classified as a brunch item, also comes with a 2,000₩ discount to apply to a beverage. I complimented the young lady who took my order, and her radiant smile revealed that she had personally prepared it.

Address:

ELparaiso365 Cafe
36-13, Sora 2-gil, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
엘파라이소365: 소라리 365-104번지
+82 54-371-0365

Pink Tiyom

Pink Tiyom is a beautifully unique cafe located in Cheongdo, inspired by a kitten that walked through pink paint during construction. The cafe offers not only delightful desserts but also a yummy brunch menu, making it a versatile spot for any time of day. You may remember the story I shared about the owner, J. Ahn, and my visit last summer. The creative touches throughout the space make it a must-visit for cafe lovers and one of the best cafes in Cheongdo. Whether you’re there for brunch or dessert, Pink Tiyom’s charm and cozy ambiance will leave an impression.

Address: 34-11, Yeonjian-gil, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Naver Map: Pink Tiyom

Conclusion

Coffee hopping in the mountains of Cheongdo offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, serene atmospheres, and delightful cafes. From canal-side spots to mountain views, the best cafes in Cheongdo showcase the region’s charm. Whether you’re savoring a handcrafted macaron at Cafe 1996 or enjoying the tranquil surroundings at Pinorth Cafe, each location provides a perfect escape into nature. Cheongdo’s cafe culture combines delicious brews, friendly faces, and breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for coffee lovers and adventurers alike.

Like it! Pin it!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!