Hannam Atelier (한남작업실)
While coffee and snacks are one attribute of cafes, many also go to them for work and conversations. Hannam Atelier offers a unique interior atmosphere, along with excellent drinks and setting to converse.
Located in the ritzy neighborhood of Hannam, the cafe is somewhat hidden between crossing streets and alleys. From the outside it is fairly nondescript and one may even miss the steps leading up to it. The only indicator is a rusted bronze sign with the cafe’s Korean name.
As per the name, this cafe’s theme is set up to look like a workspace. There are unfinished paintings on the walls and various objects scattered throughout the inside to suggest this theme. However, it also includes its own unique twist: Astro Boy.
Inspired by the famous Japanese cartoon, the cafe is dotted with memorabilia of the Atom character everywhere, from statues to small figurines on the bookshelves. While strange and almost incongruent with the rest of the cafe’s theme, it somehow brings it together in a quirky manner, and brings out something truly one-of-a-kind in terms of design and creative vision.
Guests are seen talking late into the night with each other while sipping on drinks. While it is usually not packed, it doesn’t have to be. The vibe that this cafe tries to go for is an intimate and laid back neighborhood cafe that is somewhat more refined, but still casual at its heart. Compared to many of the other cafes in the area, it doesn’t try too hard to be cool or loud, but is more like a “if you know, you know” type of attitude.
The drinks themselves are great and the menu is fairly small. The matcha latte (left) is creamy and light with a well-bodied finish. It also comes with a side shot of espresso to accompany it. The apple cinnamon tea (top middle) is a non-coffee alternative that is sweet and tastes like apples and maple syrup. It is topped with dried apples, which adds to the overall flavor and texture. The iced americano (bottom middle) is not too strong and is easy to be sipped on while chatting; overall a safe choice if you are unsure of what to get. And if I’m being completely honest, I don’t remember the name of the drink on the far right, other than that it is a tea that has a unique flavor compared to the rest of the drinks (is potentially the vin chaud or rooibos tea).
Whether you come in the daytime or at night, Hannam Atelier is a great space to enjoy a unique atmosphere while chatting with friends or coworkers. Their drinks are tasty and if you want a true local experience of the Hannam neighborhood, look no further.
