▲ Architecture Cafe Utopia in Seogwipo City. Photo by The Jeju Weekly

With new coffee shops springing up nearly every week on Jeju, businesses need to go to special lengths to really grab the attention of the public. Architecture Cafe Utopia, Seogwipo City, manages to do so, thanks to its eclectic approach and goldmine location.

Situated in the heart of Seogwipo’s cultural and artistic quarter, it fits well with the arty-crafty atmosphere and makes a big statement with its bold and eye-catching colors. To find it walk south down Leejungseop-ro and turn right down Jungang-ro 4-beongil. Architecture Cafe Utopia is on the left.

This is the second coffee shop of “Jeju Architecture,” a group of artists headed by a traveling architect nicknamed “Jeju Bada,” or Jeju Sea. He decided to make his home on Jeju and began providing house-building and construction classes to Seogwipo people.

The coffee shops are part of this project and his first, Architecture Cafe Homchi on Leejungseop-ro, is just a few meters away from Architecture Cafe Utopia. Both premises exude creativity and stand out from the coffee shop crowd.

▲ Architecture Cafe Utopia in Seogwipo City. Photo by The Jeju Weekly

Utopia opened this spring and it defies simple definition. There is a tree house surrounded by well-tended flower beds and a wooden gazebo-type structure at center. A building to the right houses a labyrinthine art gallery and ladders lead up on to a rooftop terrace with sunbeds and beanbags. There is even a mini library for anyone wanting a few quiet moments.

In terms of the menu, there are no big surprises. It is mostly standard coffee-shop fare plus an ice-cream bar and ice-cold beers. You can also get the shaved ice sherbets (“patbingsu”) as expected at this time of year.

▲ Architecture Cafe Utopia in Seogwipo City. Photo by The Jeju Weekly

The prices are standard, not cheap. Expect to dish out 4,300 won for your latte and 3,500 for your Americano. A small ice cream scoop is 3,500 won and a bottle of Hoegaarden will set you back 7,000 won.

Possibly due to the intricate - and heaving - premises, the staff will not bring you your drink; up to the counter for you once your order is called out.

Architecture Cafe Utopia is the perfect place to relax with an afternoon coffee after touring Seogwipo’s markets or even after a day walking the Olle. The terrace and garden are also absolutely gagging for some ice-cold summer evening beers.

▲ Architecture Cafe Utopia in Seogwipo City. Photo by The Jeju Weekly

Architecture Cafe Utopia
409-10 Taepyeong-ro
Seogwipo City
Contact: 064-762-2597