Pody by SAAN Ichon Station Cafe Review 2026: Unique Train Views

After a fascinating visit to the National Museum of Korea, I was on the hunt for a charming cafe near Ichon Station and stumbled upon a real gem.

This place, called Pody by SAAN, is nestled right alongside the train tracks. Its unique interior design and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular hotspot, especially with the younger crowd looking for an aesthetic experience.

Pody by SAAN

52-14 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Pody Seoul)

Hours of Operation

Daily: 10:00 AM ~ 8:30 PM

Last Order: 8:00 PM

Getting to Pody by SAAN

You can reach Pody by SAAN with about a 5-minute walk from Ichon Station's Exit 5. It's tucked away at the very end of an alleyway. If you're driving, parking is available at the Yongsan Tax Office after 6:00 PM on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

If you're coming from the railway side, you'll need to cross the tracks and follow the main road. I actually walked quite a distance towards the apartment buildings before realizing I was going the wrong way!

There are quite a few great restaurants around here as well. I rarely find myself in the Yongsan and Ichon area, so the streets felt unfamiliar to me.

Keep going all the way to the end of the alley, and you'll spot the cafe.

Inside Pody by SAAN

Stepping inside Pody by SAAN, I noticed several distinct features that set it apart from typical cafes. The alcohol bottles on display are purely for decoration; they focus on serving three main categories: coffee, tea, and desserts.

Pody by SAAN is perfect for those seeking a quiet moment alone or for small groups of 2-4 looking for an intimate chat. While weekends can get quite busy, you'll likely find more open seating on weekday afternoons.

With gentle music playing in the background, the entire cafe exudes a distinctly upscale and sophisticated ambiance.

Menu Experience

Let's talk about the menu at Pody by SAAN. I must admit, I was a bit flustered when I saw it. While the cafe certainly has a trendy vibe and attracts a young, hip crowd, I really wish the menu board was larger and easier to read. The text was practically invisible, making it quite challenging to place an order. I doubt anyone can walk in and immediately know what to get!

You're supposed to select your coffee bean on the left and then choose a corresponding drink from the menu on the right. Be prepared for the prices; they're more than double what you'd typically pay for a standard coffee.

They also offer signature beverages, desserts, and teas. However, the desserts aren't displayed, so you can't really see what they look like before ordering.

The cafe is generally divided into three main areas. The inner rooms and the spots where music flows were occupied, so I settled into a seat closer to the entrance.

You can watch the trains pass by right outside! It reminded me of when I used to live right next to train tracks in Hongdae. While it's nice to see a train go by now and then, having the constant noise and vibrations 24/7 at home can really get to you. I ended up moving out before my year was up!

I ordered a cafe latte. Honestly, I'm not sure if the higher price truly translated to a better taste, but I suppose I was paying for the ambiance and unique aesthetic.

So there you have it, my review of Pody by SAAN, a cafe near Ichon Station. It's definitely a great spot for taking aesthetic photos, but personally, it wasn't the most comfortable cafe. The uncomfortable chairs and low tables make it difficult to settle in for a long stay, though it's perfectly fine for a quick visit. If nothing else, I truly hope they update their menu to be more legible or at least provide clear instructions on how to order.