Mukho Station Cafe: Discover Donghae's Caramel Station

I’d heard whispers about a trendy cafe near Donghae's Mukho Station, a real hotspot with the younger crowd, so I decided to check it out. Walking in, I quickly realized I was probably the oldest person there – but hey, age is just a number when there's good coffee involved!

This charming spot is called 'Caramel Station,' and it cleverly operates as both a cafe and a guesthouse.

Caramel Station

1st Floor, 219-11 Balhan-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Operating Hours:

Daily 11:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

*No pets allowed

Getting to Caramel Station

Caramel Station is incredibly easy to find, located less than a 5-minute walk from Mukho Station, nestled right between the station and Mukho Port.

If you're driving, there's a convenient public parking lot right in front of the cafe. Just a heads-up: on weekends, with nearby spots like Daiso, Mukho Port Central Market, the post office, and community center, the lot can fill up quickly.

Caramel Station has a fascinating history: it’s a beautifully renovated old inn. The first floor now serves as the cafe, while the upper floors offer guest accommodations. Even before stepping inside, the unique signboards and posters at the entrance caught my eye, hinting at the charm within.

The heavy iron door might seem a bit surprising at first, but once you pull it open, you'll discover a space with an unexpectedly wonderful atmosphere.

Menu

The interior is packed with photo opportunities, but first, let's talk about the menu. The cafe was bustling with customers, and I was lucky to snag a spot at the slightly less popular (yet still perfectly comfortable) large central table.

Caramel Station’s signature drinks are the Corn & Sweet Potato Coffee (~$5) and the Caramel Cream Coffee (~$5). They also offer a Signature Set for ~$10, which includes your choice of one signature coffee (Caramel Cream Coffee or Corn & Sweet Potato Coffee), an Americano, and your pick of either Tiramisu or Basque Cheesecake. For two people, the Signature Set can feel a bit limiting, as one would have to opt for an Americano and miss out on a signature coffee.

The coffee selection isn't overwhelmingly vast, but it covers all the essentials, including Americano (~$4), Cafe Latte (~$4), Vanilla Latte (~$5), Chocolate Latte (~$5), and Matcha Latte (~$5). They also had an Egg Tart Package Set (4pcs for ~$10) available.

While most egg tarts are flat and round, Caramel Station’s Egg Tarts (~$3 each) have a unique, charming shape. Beyond that, you can find Tiramisu (~$5), Cookies (~$3), and Basque Cheesecake (~$5) to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Interior

Overall, the atmosphere is wonderfully quiet. It's the kind of serene calm that almost makes you feel like you should whisper – which, for a relaxing break, is absolutely perfect. Couples around the entrance were quietly sipping coffee or scrolling on their phones, enjoying the peaceful vibe.

The space is adorned with charming details like printed photos, vintage typewriters, and old telephones, creating a cozy, nostalgic feeling that instantly makes you feel at home.

They also have a lovely display of their own merchandise, including luggage tags, mugs, and glass cups. Surprisingly, they even had some unique alcoholic beverages for sale.

As someone who doesn't drink, I honestly had no idea what most of them were! They all looked quite unique and unfamiliar to me.

Who sends postcards these days, right? I can barely remember the last time I bought one. But instead of sending them, picking one up here as a memento of your trip can turn into a cherished treasure. I like to think a single purchase could hold a hundred times its value in memories down the line!

The Caramel Cream Coffee was exactly as I imagined: a sweet and nutty aroma with a delightful taste. While I usually stick to cafe lattes at home, when I'm traveling, I always find myself gravitating towards these sweeter, creamier latte varieties.

I briefly ventured down to the basement level. There are additional seating areas down there, along with a variety of hats, t-shirts, and other merchandise.

Despite having more seating, the basement felt a bit enclosed, so it wasn't as popular with customers. However, that makes it an even better spot if you're looking for a quieter place to relax.

Head up to the rooftop, and you'll find... a 'rebar view' (yes, really!).

The building stands out from its neighbors, and from the 4th-floor rooftop, I had hoped to catch a glimpse of the sea towards Mukho Port. But perhaps my expectations were a bit too high – there wasn't much of a view to speak of.

With guest rooms on each floor, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to stay here for a night or two if you're looking for accommodation near Mukho Station.

For accommodation, you can search for 'Hotel Caramel' on major booking platforms.

So there you have it – a look at Caramel Station, a popular cafe and guesthouse near Donghae's Mukho Station. It’s a wonderful spot to unwind with a cup of coffee in a truly peaceful setting. If you're taking the KTX, you can actually set your destination to Mukho Port for easier access if you plan to stay nearby, rather than getting off at Donghae Station.