Monocle Café on Jeju, Not London

A few days ago I visited Dongbaek Arboretum, and that day, after leaving, I wanted to stop by a café for a short break. While looking for a café nearby, I happened to find Monocle, but my wife suggested we go to Dongbaknang Café right in front of Dongbaek Arboretum, so we didn’t make it. A few days later I visited Namwon again, and this time I stopped by the Monocle Café that had stayed in my mind.

I like cafés with a lawn courtyard like this. These days, young people often look at artificial turf laid on rooftops and say, “Wow! So cool.” But grass really belongs somewhere that can evenly take in the energy of sky and earth—not on concrete.

I like cafés, but I can’t really tell how good the coffee or desserts are. I like cafés because each one has its own kind of space.

When I hear “Monocle,” I think of the British magazine publisher, and the Monocle Café in Marylebone, London. I don’t know what relationship the owner here has with Monocle, or whether they use the same recipe as the Monocle Café in the UK, but I like this place as a space where I can quietly rest while letting my imagination wander.

The upscale interior felt like a hotel lobby. The neatly fermented syrups displayed behind the barista stood out, and the desserts arranged next to the register looked tempting. One thing I missed, though: the uniform tables and chairs—everything was the complete opposite of my taste.

I found a larger table and sat outside. Maybe because Namwon is a warmer part of Jeju, it wasn’t that cold. I must have been low on sugar, because I ordered a sweet drink and a sweet dessert—total fail. Sweet desserts really should be paired with bitter coffee.

Beyond the stone wall, yellow-ripe miggang (Jeju dialect for tangerines) hung from the branches. At the end of the lawn courtyard were pink camellia blossoms, and beyond them Hallasan was showing off its dignified presence. This place was heaven in a quiet rural village somewhere on Jeju.

Cafe

Monocle Jeju30-8, Taewi-ro 360beon-gil, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si

This bakery café stands out with its expansive lawn garden and striking red-brick building. Set amid the tranquil scenery of a rural village, it’s a great place to slow down and relax, and it’s loved for its homemade desserts such as classic scones and cheesecake. With a spacious outdoor area and tasteful interiors, it’s also popular for photo shoots. A lovely spot to enjoy coffee and desserts in a peaceful atmosphere, and an ideal stop while traveling around Namwon and Wimi-ri.

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