06. Field Notes: From Soho to Seoul
From Soho to Seoul—a week spent moving through South Korea, in a place where café culture and the arts are part of everyday life.
In Seoul, cafés closing at 10 pm is nothing unusual, with most streets holding at least two. Over seven days in the city, a few places become a favourite.
As the day transitions into a different time zone, Poly Cafe catches the light at a street corner made for lingering. Pastries come fresh from their bakery, their music taste carries through the space, and time stretches a little longer than expected, an ideal way to spend your first days in the city.
In Yeonhui, Protokoll Coffee becomes somewhere to settle. Known for roasting in-house, it suits slower afternoons and focused mornings. Coming for the atmosphere, and leaving with their retail beans for our London team to brew at our espresso bar in Soho.
Located in Jongno, Formula Atelier sits just beyond the rush of Gyeongbokgung Palace. A small space to listen to conversations, explore their filter menu and ease off the jetlag.
At Roastery N5rm, the process takes centre. The space is minimal and the pace intentional. Coffee is ground and brewed in front, with attention given to each step. Here, it’s all about the craft, with the team tasting and brewing as they go, their passion present in every move.
Further across, Seongsu brings a different pace. Pop-ups, flagship stores, and always full of energy. Tucked within it, Camel Coffee draws a quieter crowd. The Camel Coffee, espresso with milk and topped with cream, is reason enough to stay a little longer. Simple at its best.
When the city feels too busy, a little further out, in Gyeonggi-do, Live, Eat, Up offers something more familiar. Homemade seasonal cheesecakes, regulars come and go, and there’s usually a dog hanging around the door.
From quieter mornings to slower afternoons, Seoul unfolds through its cafés, in the pockets between busy days of exploring the city. Always close by, always open, and often the place where the day comes to an end. From Seoul to Soho, Café Vins has exciting projects coming this year.
