Why This Busan Cafe Opens at 7:30 AM: World Barista Champion’s Hidden Garden HQ

 Hi! It’s your K-office Unni again.

Today, I’m letting you in on a real local secret. It’s a cafe I pass every single day on my way to work. The exterior is so unique it grabs your attention immediately, but it’s the taste and the vibe that keep people coming back for more.

          


My first visit was actually a failure. In Korea, most cafes are "night owls"— they open late and close near midnight. But this place is a total "early bird." They open at 7:30 AM and close at 6:00 PM. I finally made it there with a friend before work, and even at that early hour, there was a line! Why? Because this is the main branch of Momos Coffee, the home of the 2019 World Barista Champion (Jooyeon Jeon). People travel all the way from Seoul just to sip a cup of coffee here.

The quality is officially guaranteed by the Blue Ribbon Survey (Korea’s version of the Michelin Guide), which they’ve received multiple times. But honestly, it’s not just the coffee.

The cafe consists of several beautiful wooden buildings connected like a traditional hidden garden. Walking through the entrance feels like stepping into a peaceful forest. The desserts are as pretty as they are delicious. It’s so relaxing that it actually makes me a little annoyed—I just want to stay here and "heal" instead of going to the office! lol.

If you are visiting Busan and love cafe hopping, this is a non-negotiable stop. It’s right next to Oncheonjang Station. After your coffee, head over to the Oncheon-cheon Stream nearby. It has amazing walking and running paths, and to be honest, I think it’s just as charming as the Han River in Seoul! If you visit in the Spring, you’ll see the entire stream lined with Cherry Blossoms. It’s truly magical.

Come for the world-class coffee, stay for the garden vibes. Let me know in the comments: Are you a morning coffee person or a night owl?

Stay caffeinated and stay glowing! Bye!


✨ Unni’s Picks
1. Hario V60 Pour-Over Starter Set

If you're inspired by the World Champion's brew but can't visit Busan right now, I highly recommend starting your home-brewing journey with the same gear pros use. [https://amzn.to/4u471RZ: This is the V60 set I personally love.]

2. Lightweight Sunscreen (K-Beauty)

When I head down to the Oncheon-cheon stream for a walk after my coffee, I never forget my sunscreen to keep my skin glowing. [https://amzn.to/3OhBr41: My favorite K-sunscreen for sunny Busan days.]

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