Bohemian Park I-choo Coffee Factory: A Gangneung Must-Visit

On the scenic route from Gangneung towards Jumunjin, Yangyang, and Sokcho, we made a special stop at the coffee factory of Park I-choo, widely regarded as a pioneer barista who transformed Gangneung into South Korea's renowned 'Coffee City.'

This unique spot blends the majestic scale of a large-scale roasting facility with the breathtaking blue vistas of Sacheon Beach on the East Sea.

Floor-by-Floor Tips for Your Visit

The first floor is essentially your go-to for takeout and merchandise.

Here, you'll find a dedicated counter for espresso machine beverages, along with a selection of roasted beans, convenient drip bags, and various coffee tools for sale.

If you're just looking for a quick takeaway, there's no need to head up to the second floor.

The second and third floors host the hand-drip lounge.

This is where you can sit back, relax, and savor expertly prepared hand-drip coffee and delightful desserts.

Honestly, if you've traveled all this way, we highly recommend opting for a traditional hand-drip coffee over a machine-made one to truly appreciate the craftsmanship.

You can place your hand-drip order conveniently via the kiosk on the second floor.

From the second floor, large windows offer a fascinating peek into the adjacent Park I-choo Coffee Factory, allowing you to observe the impressive machinery at work.

While I visited later in the day and couldn't take advantage, if you arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, I highly recommend trying their Morning Set for just ~$6. It includes the recommended hand-drip coffee of the day and toast, but be aware that quantities are limited and it might sell out early!

The space itself feels wonderfully open and airy. Even though my visit was on a weekend and there were many people, it never felt overwhelmingly crowded.

For the ultimate experience, secure a window seat on the second or third floor. These prime spots offer expansive, unobstructed views of the East Sea while you sip your coffee.

The coffee factory's location is perfect too, with Sacheonjin Beach and a lovely coastal walking path just steps away. It's ideal for a refreshing stroll by the sea breeze after enjoying your coffee.

While it would be great to explore the factory itself, direct access is not permitted; you can only view it from the outside. Therefore, I recommend enjoying the factory view from the second floor of the coffee shop, which offers an excellent vantage point.

Global Explorer's Take

Combining a scenic drive along Sacheon Beach with a deep, rich hand-drip coffee truly made my Gangneung trip even more memorable. Do you have a favorite coffee you'd seek out first on a trip to Gangneung? If you have other coffee shop recommendations, please share them in the comments below!

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