🍽️ Today's Foodie Route |
✔️ Why I Recommend Cafe Kiwa & How to Get There |
✔️ Menu Recommendations & Prices at Cafe Kiwa |
✔️ My Honest, 100% Self-Funded Review |
✔️ Cafe Kiwa FAQ |
1. Why I Recommend Cafe Kiwa & How to Get There
Yungneung, located in Bongdam, Hwaseong.
When you search for cafes near Yungneung, a ton of options pop up.
Out of all the spots around the royal tombs, there are four main reasons why I keep coming back here.
1️⃣ ~$0 discount exclusive to same-day visitors of Yungneung
2️⃣ Amazing Fresh Mango Bingsu
3️⃣ A brand-new cafe that just opened in June
4️⃣ Spacious 2-story layout (perfect for lounging without feeling rushed)
These four reasons are exactly why Cafe Kiwa has captured my heart.
The mango season has wrapped up for now, so the apple mango bingsu is off the menu, but I've tried their other shaved ice options and they were absolutely fantastic.
I'm already eyeing the peach bingsu they're planning to launch soon!
Like I mentioned, I’ve already visited three times—all completely out of my own pocket. That's how much I love this place!
⏰ Hours: 09:00 - 22:00
☑️ Closed: Open year-round
✔️ Parking available
✔️ Group seating available
✔️ High chairs available
✔️ Takeout available
For more details about Cafe Kiwa, check out the link below!
Cafe Kiwa: Naver Map
2. Menu Recommendations & Prices at Cafe Kiwa
While their bingsu is definitely the star of the show, they also offer a wonderful selection of other desserts and drinks.
On my very first visit, they only had traditional rice cakes, but this time I was thrilled to see and try their new additions like financiers and tiramisu!
<📌 Cafe Kiwa Recommended Menu >
Menu | Price |
Bingsu [Red Bean, Matcha, Injeolmi, Peach (Upcoming)] | ~$10 ~ |
Americano | ~$3 |
Red Grape Green Tea Boom | ~$5 |
Homemade Tiramisu | ~$5 |
Injeolmi (Rice Cakes) | ~$3 ~ |
Sweet Corn Steamed Buns | ~$1 |
✅ ~$0 discount when presenting a same-day admission ticket to Yungneung
✅ Receipt Review Event: 1 Free Americano Refill!
They have a wide variety of menu items, but
here is what I ordered this time:
Mango Bingsu (shaved ice), an Americano, Mugwort Injeolmi (rice cake), and Corn Steamed Buns!
While the mango bingsu was a bit on the pricier side,
it was absolutely loaded—packed with about two and a half whole apple mangoes!
To be honest, I'm not usually a huge fan of rice cakes (tteok),
but when I saw them steaming them fresh right there on one side, I just had to order some.
Here is my completely honest review of how everything actually tasted!
3. My Honest, 100% Honest Review of Cafe Giwa (Paid out of my own pocket!)
Last time I visited on a weekend,
but this time I dropped by on a weekday.
It’s definitely much quieter during the week,
and I even saw a few people studying or working on their laptops.
After about 10 minutes, our apple mango bingsu arrived.
I was genuinely surprised by the first impression because the bowl was way bigger than I expected!
They said it contains two and a half entire mangoes.
Although it's a bit pricey, considering the generous portion size and the high-quality ingredients, it's completely worth it.
It was a snow-like milk bingsu that melts instantly in your mouth.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that both adults and kids would absolutely love.
Sometimes bingsu can be so overwhelmingly sweet that you get tired of it quickly,
but Cafe Giwa’s bingsu has the perfect balance of gentle sweetness and rich milk flavor,
making it super easy to enjoy right down to the very last spoonful.
Honestly, I had such a great experience with their matcha bingsu last time,
which is why I decided to try the mango bingsu this time—and it did not disappoint!
You see standard yellow mango bingsu everywhere, but apple mango bingsu?
It really shows how much they care about the quality of their ingredients.
Along with the mango bingsu, I also ordered the Mugwort Injeolmi.
It was generously coated in nutty roasted soybean powder, making it incredibly savory and delicious.
If you're not a huge fan of shaved ice,
pairing a hot coffee with this rice cake would make for a perfect afternoon treat.
I also ordered the Corn Steamed Buns that were sitting next to them.
These buns are packed with sweet red bean paste inside,
and they served them nice and warm. It paired beautifully with the coffee!
And oh, the Americano here!!
It leans toward a nutty, roasty flavor profile rather than high acidity, which made it the perfect companion for the sweet bingsu.
Regularly Coffee
They use beans from Regularly Roastery, so the quality of the coffee exceeded my expectations.
Apparently, you can even order their beans online, so I'm planning to enjoy their coffee at home next time! ☕️☕️
If you're wondering which cafe to visit near Yungneung and Geolleung (Yunggeonneung),
I highly recommend Cafe Giwa, located right in front!
It's the perfect spot to cool down with a refreshing bowl of bingsu after a scenic walk or a date at Yunggeonneung. Whether you're visiting with family, your significant other, or friends, you're bound to have a great time.
🚨 Quick Foodie Tip! |
Personally, the most surprising menu item for me was the Red Grape Green Tea Boom. If you're a fan of the famous "Very Grape Cheezo" (Grape Boom) from the Chinese beverage brand HEYTEA, you'll find this flavor profile wonderfully familiar! |
4. A Few Tiny Drawbacks
Even though Cafe Giwa is one of my favorites (I’ve already been back three times!),
there is just one minor downside:
the parking situation.
While they do have their own dedicated parking lot, it’s not exactly spacious. 😭
But the silver lining is that the neighboring Yunggeonneung parking lot is completely free!
If you park there and take a leisurely walk, you’ll reach the cafe in just 3 to 5 minutes.
So, if you're driving over and find that Giwa’s lot is completely full,
you can easily park at the Yunggeonneung public parking lot instead.
(Keep in mind: weekdays are usually breezy, but weekends can get a bit crowded!)
5. Cafe Giwa FAQ
Q. Is parking available at Cafe Giwa?
Yes, it is! However, the parking lot isn't huge, so if it's full when you arrive, you can use the free Yungneung and Geolleung (Yunggeonreung) public parking lot right next door.
Q. Can I get an Americano refill?
They are currently running a receipt review promotion where you can get a free refill if you leave a photo review!
Q. How many people does the bingsu serve?
Based on my experience, although some people do tackle it solo, the portion size is massive.
It's easily enough for 2 to 3 people.
Q. Do they have high chairs for babies?
Yes, high chairs are available. It's a very family-friendly spot!
Q. Is it a good spot for solo travelers?
Absolutely! The seating area on the second floor is quite spacious, making it perfect for solo visitors or anyone looking to get some laptop work done.
✅ Today's Foodie Adventure: Complete!
I'll be back with more delicious recommendations and helpful tips in my next food diary.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Thank you so much for reading today's post!
Thank you! 🇰🇷
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