Cafe Waan

Cafe Waan in Songdo-dong serves as a quiet retreat from the busier corners of Yeonsu-gu, offering a calm, unhurried space to enjoy well-crafted coffee. It’s the kind of place where the coffee’s quality clearly matters—lightly roasted filter options and drip coffee varieties appeal to those who appreciate a carefully balanced cup. The presence of refill options caters well to people settling in for a few hours, whether to work or catch up with friends.

The cozy interior extends vertically, with a small concert hall on the second floor that doubles as a Friday jazz bar and bistro. This layered setup means the ground floor can stay laid-back and relaxed, while the upstairs space adds an occasional dose of local live music and a more lively night vibe. For visitors, this makes Cafe Waan flexible—ideal for a quiet afternoon or a casual evening outing.

Regulars seem to favor seating on the terrace during mild weather, enjoying offerings like waffles paired with fresh berries and ice cream, a nice balance to the solid coffee lineup. The ambiance is restrained but welcoming, comfortably avoiding the crowds that pack many other Songdo cafes. This makes it a solid choice for locals who want a little breathing room rather than a bustling scene.

Beyond coffee, the cafe also stocks cakes from Mamangato, a popular bakery from Gangnam, which adds a touch of regional connection and gives an extra reason to linger. Plus, for those who prefer something different alongside their coffee, beer is available, hinting at the cafe’s blend of casual and slightly more social offerings.

Overall, Cafe Waan fits well into the Songdo lifestyle—functioning as a quiet daytime hangout for coffee enthusiasts and a local spot for casual weekends with live jazz into the evening. It’s best visited in non-peak hours to enjoy its unhurried vibe, and attracts a mix of people looking to work, relax, or catch a low-key evening show in a community-focused setting.