Paju: Snapshots into it’s Unique Cafe Scene

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Firstly, I must apologize for the abundance of cafe porn in this post. I couldn’t help taking so many beautiful “snapshots” as we explored the vibrant cafe scene in Paju. As a result, Paju, the northernmost major city in South Korea, remains largely undiscovered by Western tourists. Subsequently, this city, an hour north of Seoul, is replete with stunning natural and man-made attractions and holds a dynamic cafe scene among its charms. Allow me to introduce you to five standout cafes in this DMZ adjacent city.

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Malddong Donut & Gelato Donuts

If you live in South Korea and own an Instagram Account, you’ve likely come across the strikingly vibrant Maldong Donut cafe in Paju. Notwithstanding, this Barbie Townhouse-inspired establishment features two floors of eye-popping, nauseatingly bright pink hues. The cafe attracts immense attention, with long queues forming both outside for the perfect selfie spot and inside for ordering their American-style donuts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChGrGMyAmxH/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Despite this, it seemed that Maldong Donut & Gelato Donut didn’t primarily cater to kids as their target audience. Instead, the majority of patrons we observed were couples. This wasn’t particularly surprising to us, considering our years of experience living in Korea, where cutesy couple-centric establishments are quite common.

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During our visit, the overwhelming crowds proved too much for both myself and Steven. Patience has never been my strong suit, and Steven shares the sentiment. While we didn’t have the opportunity to sample any of the donuts ourselves, we couldn’t help but be intrigued by the imaginative flavor combinations and the vibrant names assigned to them.

1. Matcha Madness”: A fluffy matcha-flavored donut with a creamy red bean filling and a dusting of powdered matcha on top.
2. “Bulgogi Bonanza”: A savory twist on a donut, featuring a bulgogi-infused dough with a generous drizzle of tangy soy glaze and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
3. “Tropical Sunrise”: A tropical-themed delight, combining a pineapple-infused donut with a zesty passion fruit glaze and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an exotic flavor burst.

Which one wold you have chosen?

Discovering the Byukchoji Gardens in Paju in the Rain

Despite our decision to pass on Maldong Donut this time, we thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle and have plans to return one day. When we do, I’ll make sure to update you on whether Dunkin’ should be concerned about turning off their “Fresh Baked” sign.

Address:

Malddong Donut
말똥도넛 파주점
137, Jimok-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

http://kko.to/LGb_bgkWU

Brique Rouge

During our road trip, we stumbled upon the charming Brique Rouge Cafe after visiting Malldong Donuts next door. The two cafes couldn’t be more different. While Malldong is lively and vibrant, Brique Rouge exudes a laid-back and refined atmosphere, featuring classic design elements such as chandeliers, leather high-back chairs, elegantly carved wooden tables, and a two-story water feature. It feels more like an exclusive country club or members-only establishment, with bookshelves adorned with books and trinkets, swivel chairs, dark decor, chandeliers, high ceilings, and elaborate flower arrangements. The cafe offers an extensive brunch menu, delectable desserts, a variety of coffees, and other beverages.

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The covered rooftop provides a great view of the area and serves as a perfect shelter from the relentless rain we encountered during our road trip. It is conveniently accessible by elevator. Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised to find a well-appointed baby room in the cafe, equipped for nursing and diaper changes—a thoughtful touch that I haven’t come across often since my own baby days are long over.

The menu at Brique Rouge is impressively large, offering a range of lunch and brunch items. We decided to try both, along with a delightful pastry.

Overall, Brique Rouge Cafe provided a distinct and sophisticated experience, contrasting with the lively ambiance of its neighboring cafe. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a delectable meal, or simply a moment of indulgence, this cafe offers an exclusive atmosphere and a diverse menu that will satisfy a variety of tastes. Don’t miss the rooftop view and mommies, don’t miss checking out the charming baby room if you happen to visit!

Address:

Brique Rouge
143, Jimok-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

http://kko.to/w1WeBxS0q

Fillmood Cafe & Bakery

Fillmood Cafe & Bakery is a charming garden cafe located near Majang Lake and the Red Suspension Bridge in Paju. The interior boasts a bright and clean atmosphere. However, it‘s the garden that truly steals the show and attracts both butterflies and visitors alike.

After a long weekend trip, we decided to stop by Fillmood Cafe & Bakery. We grabbed a coffee before embarking on the 4-hour+ drive back to Daegu. The continuous rain throughout the weekend did not rom the cafe’s garden. The daisies and wildflowers thriving in such weather piqued our interest. As we entered, we couldn’t help but admire the outdoor A-frames that framed the pathway, leading to a bubbling spring and a magnificent roaring waterfall. The intermittent rain allowed me to check out the beautiful flowers.

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Beautiful inside and Out

Within the cafe, the natural illumination from the large, picture-framed windows was surprisingly strong. This intensity of light was unexpected, given the sunless, overcast sky outside. The stark contrast added a remarkable nuance to the cafe’s unique ambiance. As we perused the menu, we noticed an assortment of dark bread options.However nothing particularly stood out to both of us. Instead, we opted for refreshing iced Americanos and a delightful caramel milkshake, which, while delicious, turned out to be quite sweet. It’s worth noting that visiting a cafe doesn’t always mean you have to order food. Personally, I prefer to save room for something I truly desire.

Heading upstairs, we soon discovered ample seating by the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor. Luckily, he seats we chose offered a front-row for people-watching, something I thoroughly enjoy. And if that wasn’t enough, the rooftop boasted a stellar view of the flowers blooming below.

Fillmood Cafe & Bakery provides a sizable parking lot, but it’s not easily accessible without a car. Additionally, according to information found on Instagram, the cafe amusingly remains closed on the 5th Tuesday of every month.

All in all, our visit to Fillmood Cafe & Bakery was a delightful experience, combining the allure of a serene garden setting with the comforts of a cozy cafe. Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility, a scenic spot to enjoy your beverage, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this charming establishment is definitely worth a visit.

Address:

Fillmood
129, Gisan-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
http://kko.to/m886j9o9D

Redfife Cafe

Look at this stunning cafe. Each cafe we visited was unique and enjoyable for different reasons. However, amongst all the cafes in Paju, Redfife truly stood out for its remarkable aesthetics. It almost resembles a spectacular mall, doesn’t it?

The cafe was lively, filled with cozy, intimate nooks and crannies. It boasted an eclectic blend of different surfaces, lighting sources, as well as an array of plants and trees, complemented by a burst of colorful materials. The situation was similar to Dirty Trunk—there was an overwhelming array of food, drinks, and desserts available, much to my delight.

Options Galore

Determining the exact number of levels in the cafe was challenging due to its unique design, but there were at least four, in addition to a multi-tiered rooftop garden. The garden, accessible via an elevator, offered an astounding view, whether sheltered under a billowy white canvas or a tent, dependent on one’s preference. There’s something captivating about the sound and movement of canvas as it rhythmically sways in the wind. Did you manage to take in the spectacular view?

Have I mentioned that you could sit in a different place every day for a week and still feel a unique, yet connected vibe? That’s how big Redfife Cafe is.

Surprisingly, this cafe didn’t even appear on my radar until a few days before our trip, which is likely why it wasn’t nearly as crowded as Malddong Donut Pink Hell or the Monster Dirty Trunk Cafes, haha. (See previous post). Grab a slice for me… Don’t miss out on this cafe, give it a visit and let me know which one you prefer the most.

Address:

Redfife Cafe 레드파이프17-7, Jimok-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

http://kko.to/Np10YTUU2

Dirty Trunk Cafe & Bakery

Located just south of the border between North and South Korea, Dirty Trunk is one of the hottest cafes in Korea—and it’s easy to see why. I personally love this place.

Brunch, Lunch, and Desserts

With its beautiful atrium-like design, Dirty Trunk offers a vast selection of desserts, tropical specialty drinks, coffee, and a variety of lunch items. From their mouthwatering fried chicken sandwich to pizzas and pasta, their menu is truly impressive. The lively atmosphere, complemented by a towering ceiling and great music that isn’t overpowering, adds to the overall experience. Surprisingly for a Korean cafe, Dirty Trunk opens early at 9:00 AM and even serves a few beers.

Notably, Dirty Trunk has received three design awards: the ‘K Design Award’ in Korea, the ‘Golden Pin Design Award’ in Taiwan, and the DFA (Design for Asia Award) in Hong Kong.

What sets Dirty Trunk apart and contributes to its popularity is its bakery section. While the design, botanical aesthetics, and atmosphere are remarkable, the delicious food is what truly sets it apart from other cafes in the area. Their assortment of fruit-filled pastries, such as kiwi, banana, strawberry, pineapple, and mango, are simply delightful.

Don’t forget to check out the gift area, although it primarily offers mugs, water bottles, and glassware. We should have returned for dinner—the chicken sandwich was outstanding.

Award-winning Design

One notable design element is the staircase, which combines amphitheater-style seating with a thoroughfare between the first and second floors. Surprisingly, it’s more comfortable than it may appear.

Dirty Trunk is a large cafe in Paju, offering ample seating options. It includes a photo zone seating facing the signature wall, dinner tables, dine-in tables, sofa tables, and bar tables. However, even with all these seating options, it can get crowded. So, if you want your preferred spot, avoid showing up around 2:00 PM.

Just a heads up. Dirty Trunk has a large parking lot. It is within walking distance of Malldong Donuts and Brique Rouge cafe. In fact, there’s no need to move your car when you visit these three cafes in Paju.

Address:

Dirty Trunk
114, Jimok-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

http://kko.to/VXlhWWV967

Red Bridge Cafe

The Red Bridge Cafe is located on the reservoir’s edge,l. It boasts one of the most stunning panoramic water views in Paju. It showcases a long suspension bridge (painted in one of my favorite colors) and the majestic Gamaksan Mountains. One of my favorite stops and a long-time bucket list destination was embarking from the Yeoul Observatory Cafe. I enjoyed strolling across the Red Bridge, also known as the Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge.

The Red Bridge

This 150m-long suspension bridge serves as the entrance to Gamaksan Mountain. It’s a picturesque valley along the Seorumcheon Stream, and the nearly vertical Ungye Falls. However the bridge’s length makes it sway back and forth in the middle, adding an element of fun. Through the slats and observation grates, you can glimpse the clear blue water below. I was able to set up my selfie camera stand safely, but a gorilla stand would also work well. If timed perfectly, like I did, you might even have the bridge all to yourself.

The bridge is open daily from 10am-6pm. Constructed from metal and composite materials, it’s likely closed during inclement weather. There’s ample parking available.

Address:

Red Bridge, Spacious Yeoul Observatory Cafe & Red Bridge Cafes 넓은여울전망대카페 313, Gisan-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

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