Coffee Libre (커피 리브레)
English Address (Google Map) : 227-15 Yeonnam, Mapo, Seoul
Korean Address: 서울시 마포구 연남동 227-15a
Operating hours: 12.00 pm – 9.00 pm, closed every Monday
I recommend you to use Naver Map for direction to Libre Coffee as it’s more accurate.
Click here for full list of Seoul Food Itinerary
Introduction
Coffee Libre is situated far from the happening part of Hongdae (홍대) and is tucked at a quiet corner at an old warehouse area. At a glance, no one would have guessed that such a inconspicuous cafe is far more popular than expected among the locals.
They don’t serve any food, not even puff or pastry. There are only two tables in the cafe, and the sitting capacity of the cafe is less than 10. And yet long queues were formed during working day’s meal hours. The reason? Quality coffee beans.
The Coffee Machine almost took up half of the space in the cafe. And from this angle, you can see both tables, one on the left, and one on the right.
Background of Coffee Libre
Coffee Libre is actually a side venture from their main line of coffee bean roasting (and they had won numerous awards). The team behind the roaster travels around the world in search of the best coffee beans and is involved in multiple coffee-related events in Seoul. Champion Barista Sang Ho Park has been using their beans in the UK Barista Championship. Sang Ho took the 2013 UK Brewers Cup title at The London Coffee Festival.
I’m sitting at one of the two tables
Their Coffee
On menu, Coffee Libre only serves 3 kinds of coffee – Espresso, Caffè Latte (espresso with milk) and Americano (espresso with water), at W$4000 each. Each cup of coffee is prepared by using their one of three kinds of espresso beans of the day.
Their menu with three kinds of beverages
You may also purchase their freshly roasted coffee bean and upon request, they will make a cuppa aeropress coffee for you right on the spot.
Generally, the espresso beans used in Singapore has quite a standard taste so that it’s widely accepted by the public. I tried Libre’s “Bad Blood” espresso bean and was blown away. The taste totally differs from the typical espresso taste. The coffee taste of bright acidity with a complex fruit blend. I can’t really handle the taste as it totally deviates from Singapore’s traditional espresso bean. I had never tasted such a sour coffee in my life.
Initially i ordered their caffe latte (right) and notice the out-of-the-ordinary tinge of sour in their coffee and so i ordered the espresso (left) to confirm it.
The Caffe Latte at W$4000
I sat at the table and observed how did the Barista made an aeropress coffee for one of the customers who purchased coffee beans from the shelf. Perhaps he noticed how interested and captivated I were, he actually served the extra portion to me, free of charge. This roast is much easier to accept and I love it – Just a tinge of acidity, strong flavor and absolutely aromatic. The only problem is, I forgot to ask about the bean used. Zzz.
Here are some of the interesting roasts that Coffee Libre has to offer. Note that these roasts are seasonal:
Farenda Sertaozinho (Yellow Bourbon / Pulped Natural)
Jasmine, Peach, Grape, Milk Chocolate
Verde Alto (Caturra / Washed)
Orange, Lime, Pineapple, Caramel
The old school rustic feel is certainly amplified by the presence of herbal medicine shelf
Conclusion
This little coffee place is definitely not easy to locate and may require some effort. Apart from visiting the usual cafe that serves mediocre coffee, if you are interested to visit a cafe that is a little out of the ordinary and to widen your palate for handcrafted coffee, Coffee Libre may be the place for you.
Click here for full list of Seoul Food Itinerary
Maps and Directions
I use the Naver Map for Coffee Libre because i think it is much more accurate with more accurate details.
1. If i remember correctly, i came out from Hongdae Exit 4. I had to walk along the main road to the right to cross the road using traffic light. These are some really wide roads.
2. Then, there’s another traffic light to cross over to the Coffee Libre side. I can’t recall why i didn’t come out from Exit 3 already.
3. Anyway, after you crossed to the Coffee Libre side, walk straight and you need to turn to your left into a small alley. This is the crucial part. See my photos below.
Click to enlarge
This is the crucial turning point. I miss this turn as it’s relatively easy to miss
This is how the small alley looks like after you turn in. Walk straight and you should be able to see Coffee Libra.
You should be able to see Coffee Libre on your right. You can easily identify it by the head of the Wrestler.
Chin Chai Jiak 