Toetmaru Gangneung Central Market Branch 2026: No Wait for Black Sesame Coffee

If you've ever dreamt of experiencing Gangneung's famous Toetmaru Cafe but were put off by the notoriously long waits, I have incredible news! Toetmaru has opened a second branch right in the bustling Gangneung Central Market, and I recently visited to find out if it lives up to the hype without the queue.

During my weekday visit, there was absolutely no waiting time, allowing me to dive straight into their legendary Black Sesame Coffee. Let me tell you, Toetmaru's black sesame coffee is truly in a league of its own!

Toetmaru Central Market Branch: Essential Info

Operating Hours

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Closed on Tuesdays

The location near the Central Market is incredibly convenient. It’s the perfect spot to grab a refreshing coffee after exploring the market. Plus, there's public parking available within a 5-minute walk, which is a huge bonus if you're driving.

Weekday Waiting Experience

While the original Toetmaru location often sees waits exceeding an hour, the Central Market branch offers a completely different experience. During my visit, there was no line at all. Even for those who arrived after me and used the Catchtable waiting system, their orders were ready within 5 minutes!

The Central Market branch is primarily a takeout store, meaning limited indoor seating and only a small outdoor terrace area. This quick turnover, coupled with a high volume of takeout customers, ensures that even if there’s a short line, it moves incredibly fast. You definitely won't encounter the notoriously long queues of the main store here!

My Black Sesame Coffee Review

The menu features their most famous item, the Toetmaru Coffee, which is essentially their signature Black Sesame Latte, alongside various other coffee options, black teas, and ades. While they also offer desserts, I had just finished a meal and decided to stick with the coffee.

As a renowned coffee spot, they also sell their signature coffee beans and a variety of merchandise. I saw quite a few travelers picking up souvenirs, and I totally get it! If you're looking for a unique keepsake from your Gangneung trip, why not grab something from Toetmaru? My personal favorite was their adorable eco-bag.

My black sesame coffee was ready almost instantly after ordering. The only minor downside? It's not a huge serving. (Seriously, Toetmaru, can we get a bigger size?!) Instead of using a straw like you would with an Americano, you're meant to just sip it directly. As the coffee and the rich black sesame cream blend together, it creates an incredibly smooth and nutty flavor that's truly delightful. It's clear why they're the original – the depth of the savory black sesame flavor is simply unmatched!

Having tried it before, I can confirm the taste at this new branch is identical to the original store. So, if you're looking to avoid long waits or prefer to grab your coffee on the go, I highly recommend visiting the Central Market location!

However, if you prefer to sit down and savor the full cafe experience, or if you simply want to visit the iconic original, then the first branch is still your go-to. Just be prepared for the mandatory wait!

For anyone planning a trip to Gangneung and eager to try Toetmaru's legendary coffee, make sure to visit the Central Market branch before the secret gets out and the queues start forming!

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