Cafe In: Quiet Cyclist Cafe Near Yangsu Station
If you're looking for where cyclists in Seoul gather, Yangsu Station is the prime spot. Beginners flock here, starting their easy routes at the Han River parks and setting Yangsu Station as their destination. It's also the starting point for those who have just leveled up from beginner status and are heading out to practice hill climbs on the Eastern 3 Passes or 5 Passes. It's not just limited to road bikes, either—you'll see MTBs and e-bikes too. It's basically the ultimate melting pot for anyone who rides a bike in the Seoul metropolitan area.
But there's one big problem with Yangsu Station: there aren't many coffee shops right in front of the station, making it inconvenient to take a break. Plus, because it's always so crowded, there's no space for groups who just want some peace and quiet. Sure, if your goal is people-watching or if you're the type of older guy who needs to shout to be heard, the cafes right in front of the station are perfect. However, for those who come to Yangsu Station all the time, I highly recommend the place I'm introducing today: "Cafe In."
It's not located right in front of Yangsu Station, but rather about 500 meters before you reach it. Maybe that's why the coffee shop is so quiet and empty. When you first start riding, taking a photo right in front of Yangsu Station feels important, but after a while, you reach a point where one spot is as good as another. I guess you could say this place is for those kinds of riders.
The advantages of this cafe are that it's a bit away from Yangsu Station, so there are fewer people, and the space is divided into two large sections, meaning two big groups of riders can come in without bumping into each other. Also, they have fuel for riders. The weather has gotten chilly now, so ice water isn't necessary, but they fill up your ice for free—making it a cafe I'm incredibly grateful for when riding under the scorching sun.
The coffee prices are also on the cheaper side. If you just go to Paldang, coffee is basically 5,000 KRW minimum, but here it's priced lower than that, so it's not a burden. On this day, I had an Americano and an egg sandwich that wasn't on the menu, which is really great for a light snack mid-ride. I was so distracted by eating that I didn't take any photos, so I'll have to go back and take some next time.
Just like the coffee shops in front of Yangsu Station sell energy gels, this place sells them too. They also sell bananas, so if you're not feeling 100% but still need to tackle the 5 Passes or more, it's a great place to refuel before heading out.
It's a bit of a hidden gem, so part of me hopes it doesn't get too crowded. The area in front of Yangsu Station is practically a chaotic marketplace with people shouting, so I do worry a bit that introducing this place might cause a sudden influx of people. On the other hand, there were so few people during my last visit that I'm also worried it might go out of business. That's just how great of a spot it is to rest while cycling.