Around Samgakji and Namyeong stations is a recent hot bed of new life. Tucked in-between old restaurants and buildings, new spaces are popping up. If you walk along one of the alleyways there is a break in the grey buildings with terracotta bricks. The terracotta bricks belong to a large café called Good News Café.
The café is two storeys with a courtyard and a balcony. To enter the café, you must go through a cobbled courtyard, with umbrellaed tables and a large tree. The entrance of the cafe is through a large turquoise door that contrasts well with the terracotta bricks.
The interior of the cafe had a mix of American vintage style and aged industrial elements. The walls and floors were concrete, stained and weathered to give off the effect of an old warehouse. The space had a mix of materials such as concrete, wood, metal and leather. This was seen in the furniture and decoration, which was also heavy on the mid century Americana with a lot of vintage metal signs.
With elements such as vintage metal signs and industrial light fittings there was a very industrial masculine energy to the space. However the addition of upholstered furniture and vintage rugs gave a softness and warmth to the cafe.
However, since the day my friend and I went, it was cloudy, I felt we couldn’t feel the true beauty and warmth of the café. The sky was gloomy and didn’t lend itself nicely to the feel of the café. This didn't allow fully for the comforting feeling that the space would give off on a sunny day.
The café had various seating arrangements on the first and second floors, as well as outside. From the second level, you could access the terrace that looks out onto the café’s courtyard. While appropriate for working, the atmosphere of the cafe was comfortable so it seemed more suitable for socialising.
My friend got an americano, I got a milk tea and we shared two scones. We got a raspberry scone and a matcha scone and both were really delicious. Their base was true to traditional scones, buttery and soft, and not dry at all. The best of the two was the raspberry scone which had a lovely sweet dollop of jam on top. The milk tea was yummy and had a strong tea flavour. And my friend said the coffee was well brewed and had a nice taste to it.
Good News is a break in the typical type of café in Korea. In dead beat terms it’s an ode to Americana style but with a soft touch. While the interior has cold industrial elements, the café has a nice comforting feel that is helped along with the baked goods on offer. If you’re in the neighbourhood, especially on a nice day, make the most of the café’s outdoor seating and don’t forget to try the scones.
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