Dongbaekdang Geoje: A Must-Try Brunch Cafe Near Gohyeon Market

After a delightful stay at Geoje Stay, I popped into Dongbaekdang for brunch before heading out. Conveniently located in the same building, I initially just planned to grab a coffee, but their extensive menu of proper meals quickly caught my eye.

Dongbaekdang Cafe

2nd Floor, Geoje Stay, 5 Geojejungang-ro 17-gil, Geoje-si, Gyeongnam, South Korea

Operating Hours:

Daily: 10:00 AM ~ 10:00 PM

Last Order: 9:30 PM

*Closed every Sunday

Dongbaekdang Location

Dongbaekdang is ideally situated directly opposite the Gohyeon Market public parking lot. If you're driving, this public parking is a convenient option.

Interior

The interior is incredibly spacious! There are plenty of seating options, and each area boasts slightly different decor, creating unique atmospheres. While I was dining, a steady stream of regulars came in, and delivery orders kept piling up, suggesting this spot is quite well-established.

I arrived right when they opened at 10:00 AM, making me their first customer of the day. It seemed like a mother-daughter duo was running the place, which added a lovely personal touch.

The ambiance is really pleasant, isn't it? Whether you're dining solo, as a couple, or with a larger group, Dongbaekdang can accommodate everyone comfortably. You'll feel completely at ease even if you're visiting by yourself.

Menu

Let's dive into Dongbaekdang's menu. They offer a diverse selection, from set meals and main dishes to various coffees and teas. It's thoughtful that they even have traditional Korean drinks like Misugaru Latte and Ssanghwacha, catering to a wider range of tastes, including older patrons. I initially wanted to try their 'Brunch of the Day,' but as it wasn't quite ready, I opted for the Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and an Americano set instead.

The cakes and pastries displayed looked incredibly tempting as well. A fantastic perk: guests staying at Geoje Stay receive a 10% discount at Dongbaekdang!

Since I'm not a huge fan of Americano, I paid a small upgrade fee to switch to a latte. The portion was generous, and the coffee had a wonderfully nutty flavor. Latte with pickles, you ask? An interesting combination indeed!

It had been a while since I enjoyed Tonkatsu, and the presentation here certainly passed with flying colors! It came beautifully plated with a side salad, pickled radish (danmuji), and even a fried shrimp.

While you shouldn't expect the exact same quality as a specialized Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant, it was definitely satisfying and enjoyable.

As I ate, a slight richness started to set in, but the pickles and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) did an excellent job of cutting through it. I imagine their risotto or pasta dishes would also be quite good, perhaps even above average. While I usually lean towards American breakfast or sandwich options, the Tonkatsu was surprisingly solid.

So there you have it, my recommendation for Dongbaekdang, a fantastic brunch cafe located right across from Gohyeon Market. It's a great spot for a morning or lunchtime brunch, and best of all, the ample seating ensures a comfortable and pleasant dining experience. If you find yourself in the market area, definitely consider stopping by!

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