Cafe Stories Vol. 1
- PHOTOS
- N CHAE
- WORDS
- EDGERANK
8 minute read
Every month we bring you along to experience the latest cafes to see and be seen all around Seoul, sharing the unique history, lifestyle, and culture that intrigues and inspires. This month we head to the popular neighborhood of Mapo-gu, located on the northwestern side of Seoul, to bring you an upcycled public bathhouse-turned-hipster-cafe, known as Haenghwatang, where they give the saying "out with the new, back in with the old" a traditional and nostalgic spin.
Therapy to-go
In earlier years, many Koreans would frequent their local public bathhouse with their families and friends on the weekend to cleanse their bodies and spirits. These family rituals functioned as therapeutic recesses from the hustle and bustle of every life, and became a favorite pastime for both young and old alike.
Although things may be forgotten over time, old-timers are often brought to nostalgia and taken back in time to reminisce over the memories of their golden years' thanks to the amount of care taken to maintain the original interior and exterior of the facilities.
Haenghwatang is located near Aeogae station and is now converted to a cafe. Just as it used to cure the stiff backs and shoulders of people in the hot tubs, it now brings solace to visitors with a variety of hot beverages and art exhibitions.
One of their signature drinks is ‘Bansinyok (half-bath) latte’ , where a "whipped cream man" (dried whipped cream block) is half-bathing in a cup of café latte. Haenghwa-ade (apricot soda), another hidden gem, is also a very popular item on their menu.
The Bansinyok (half-bath) latte
New but Old, Old but New
"It was around January 2016 when I started the Haenghwatang Project. It was a time when I felt that I couldn't continue working as a freelancer anymore," said art director Seo Sanghyuk, about the background of the project.
"My work is often introduced as part of the ‘Newtro (New+Retro)’ movement, which is a recent trend that incorporates retro and vintage style but reimagined in modern times. But how Haenghwatang came to be was a little different from what happened," he continued. "Of course, I was well aware of this big trend of urban regeneration, but I didn't set such a big goal when I started this project. My colleagues and I were seeking a place that is big enough to accommodate impromptu meetups. We were not looking for the bathhouse in particular at the time. We just set up the two criterion: low rent and convenient transportation."
Haenghwatang has drawn public attention as an up-cycled coffee place. The original building, made up of glass, iron, and concrete, still stands, and today it is transformed into a cultural complex.
Owner, Seo Sanghyuk
"I'm very happy that Haenghwatang, which was once a deserted space, can extend its life. But what I find most interesting is that this space has the special ability to preserve all the beautiful memories from the past from one generation to another. Local residents whom I happened to meet on the street still remember the old Haenghwatang.
The other day, I came across Sweet Sorrow 's song called Ahhyeon Dong, and the lyrics drew memories from Haenghwatang, with the lyrics ‘We swam in a bathtub at Haenghwatang where people are not going anymore’. I'm glad that the memory can continue thanks to our efforts."
Haenghwatang has preserved its historic structure, allowing visitors to enjoy the original roof structure that creates a unique atmosphere in a warm orange hue, providing a break from everyday life.
"I love coffee and I don’t usually pick just one café to go." said Ms. Kim who works in the next building. "I go wherever I feel like going. But if I am with my close friends or want to talk with my colleagues, I bring them here because it has a high ceiling and many seats. My friends love the Bansinyok latte and they are always busy capturing the moments we spend in this space."
Sustainable Living
Hyundai supports a more sustainable way of living, and #Haenghwatang is a great example of sustainability in today’s world.
Haenghwatang 행화탕
613-11, Ahyeon-Dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea 04117
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A glass of ice cool Haenghwaade (apricot-ade)