Annyeong! There’s a new cafe in town with a Korean drama feel! Yes! I’m talking about the Seollem Cafe.
Overview
☕Location and Hours
Located at Kennon Road/Camp 7 beside K-Mart and Baguio JIC Academy, this cafe is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 8:30pm.
If you’re coming from Session Road, going there via taxi would cost you about a hundred pesos. I’d say with traffic around Governor Pack Road on a Sunday (Session Road is closed on Sundays) would be more or less a 30-minute travel (but totally worth it!). You may ride a Camp 7 Jeepney but this may also include some walking because Camp 7 Jeepneys usually have a final stop, somewhere in Camp 7 Talipapa. Jeepney fare is around 11-15 pesos.
The café primarily attracts young professionals and students. During our visit, we noticed a family dining with a toddler, indicating its appeal to a diverse clientele. Surprisingly, we also observed someone working remotely, though we didn’t inquire about the availability of Wi-Fi or charging stations for laptops. This suggests potential amenities for local remote workers and virtual assistants.
Our Experience
Seollem Cafe has typical Korean snacks like Tteokboki (spicy rice cake), Rabboki (spicy rice cake + ramyeon), and Kimbap. There’s also the bestselling Korean Fried chicken in different flavors and Bibimpap.
We went at lunch time, around 12:30 and the place was packed with more people coming in. The area was a little bit warm by the time we arrived not only because of the number of customers but also because of the specific time we went there. So the best time to go there, I think, would be around 4:00 PM to feel the cool breeze of Baguio.
The ambiance is sophisticated yet minimalist, creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. While it’s undeniably a popular hangout spot for friends, it also serves as an ideal place for work, study, or group meetings.
Those involved in discipleship or church cell groups might find it particularly suitable.Music is not too loud unlike some cafes where conversations are hard to happen and there are a lot of picture perfect spots that will surely draw out hearts on your IG account.
Our Personal Favorites
We ordered
☕Dalgona Latte
☕Caramel Machiatto
☕Tteokbokki
☕Rabokki
☕Yangnyeom Chicken
☕Fruits and Cream Croffles
☕Mermaid Toast
The Dalgona Latte, which I believe is one of their bestsellers, strikes a delightful balance in sweetness. As you savor it, you’ll notice its subtle sweetness gradually unfolding, perhaps due to the Korean honeycomb—a taste that is very reminiscent of “Squid Game.”
We were pleasantly surprised by the portion size of the Tteokkbokki and Rabokki, as it easily serves 2-3 people. The generous quantity of tteokbokki and fish cakes they provide truly exceeded our expectations.
Our Budget
Our culinary indulgence amounted to Php 1,620 or 27 USD for the delectable dishes we ordered, with an additional expenditure of 340 pesos for the round trip to the cafe, resulting in a total of Php Php 1,960 or 33 USD.
Why Visit Here
☕ Ambience
Seollem Café is a perfect retreat for catching up with friends, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The sophisticated yet minimalist ambience creates a relaxing atmosphere that’s both inviting and comfortable.
Tips
If you’re planning to have lunch here, order the tteokbokki—it’s a generous serving that’s perfect for sharing.
Complement your meal with one of their signature drinks, like the Dalgona Latte, to enhance your dining experience.
If you want something light, go for the croffles and toast. These delectable treats are perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.
The best time of the day to come is in the late afternoon. The natural light filtering through the windows creates a warm and inviting ambiance, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re intending to come here to review for an exam or study, choose the area outside as that’s quiet. It’s warm outside during the day, though, so dress comfortably and bring a cool drink to stay refreshed.
If you’re going in the afternoon, bring a light jacket; it’s almost “Ber” months now, and the evenings can get a bit chilly. The added layer will ensure you stay comfortable as the temperature drops. This way, you can fully enjoy your time at the café, whether you’re inside savoring a hot drink or outside appreciating the crisp air.
There is limited car parking, so it’s a good idea to arrive early or consider alternative transportation options if you’re visiting during peak times. There are a few spaces designated for café patrons, but they can fill up quickly.
In Summary
As the name implies, “Seollem,” meaning anticipation, evokes a feeling of excitement about something pleasant or thrilling that you know is going to happen. This sense of eager expectation is perfectly mirrored in the café’s ambiance and offerings.
So next time you visit the City of Baguio, make sure to stop by Seollem Café for a memorable experience. Seollem Café is a perfect addition to your itinerary!
Are you also a foodie like me who loves Korean food? Try the 1st Korean Restaurant in Baguio when you come this side of the Philippines. My fellow writer here has written a great post on it!
Check Wood Nymph Restaurant!
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