[Korean Cafe] Gimhae Hanok Cafe "Myeongwol" – A Taste of Korean Tradition Under the Bright Moon
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🌙 Gimhae, the City of Iron, and the Hanok Cafe Myeongwol
Hello, I’m Dano, a brand designer and travel blogger. ✨
If you’re used to hopping around trendy cafes only in Seoul, why not broaden your horizon this weekend? Today, I’ll take you to Gimhae — a city where Korea’s ancient history breathes. And in the heart of it, there’s a very special Hanok-style cafe called Myeongwol, where the love story of King Suro and Queen Heo Hwang-ok still lingers.
🌿 Myeongwol – A Cafe Embracing Tradition
Gimhae isn’t just a city with an airport. Two thousand years ago, it was the capital of the Gaya Kingdom, and home to the legendary romance between King Suro and Queen Heo Hwang-ok.
Cafe Myeongwol is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a cultural experience.
At the heart of Myeongwol is the Gaya Garden, designed by director Yoo Jung-soo. This garden reimagines the first meeting place of King Suro and Queen Heo at Myeongwolsa Temple.
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The vast Gimhae plains are represented by frost moss.
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The gentle rolling hills of Gimhae are recreated with stones.
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The wetlands of Hwapo Stream, the largest in Gimhae, come alive through a water space.
As I stepped in, the live performance of the traditional Gayageum instantly transported me back in time. The scenery felt like stepping into a thousand-year-old Gaya night — serene yet romantic.
☕ Signature Drinks at Cafe Myeongwol
The charm of Myeongwol lies not only in its atmosphere but also in its storytelling drinks. Each cup reflects the timeless love story of King Suro and Queen Heo Hwang-ok.
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🌹 King Suro’s Promise (₩6,500)
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Recipe: Gimhae’s specialty wild strawberries blended with rose tea and sparkling water.
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Taste: Refreshing and romantic, with rose fragrance and berry tang bursting like a promise of love.
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Story: Queen Heo crossed the sea because she believed in King Suro’s promise. This drink symbolizes the beginning of their love.
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☕ Queen Heo’s Faith (₩6,500)
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Recipe: A blend of Indian Assam tea and Masala Chai, enriched with star anise and cinnamon.
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Taste: Warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting with layers of spice.
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Story: What carried Queen Heo across 9,800 km to a foreign land was faith. This drink embodies trust and courage.
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🌙 Myeongwol (₩6,800)
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Recipe: Espresso combined with black sesame cream and rice milk.
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Taste: Soft and elegant, just like moonlight.
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Story: This drink captures the enchanting night when King Suro and Queen Heo first met under the moon.
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💕 The Love Story in Every Sip
The romance of King Suro and Queen Heo is Gimhae’s most iconic story. A queen from India crossed oceans, found her king in Korea, and together they built history.
At Cafe Myeongwol, this love lives on — not only in the garden but also in every cup.
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King Suro’s Promise → The exciting beginning.
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Queen Heo’s Faith → The trust that carried them through.
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Myeongwol → Their first romantic encounter under the moon.
Each drink is a chance to experience a thousand-year-old love story.
🚆 How to Get There: From Gimhae Airport to Cafe Myeongwol
If you’re traveling from Seoul, Gimhae Airport is your best gateway. From the airport, the Gimhae Light Rail Transit (LRT) will take you straight to the nearest station: Suro King’s Tomb Station (수로왕릉역).
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Travel time: about 35 minutes
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Route: Gimhae Airport Station → Suro King’s Tomb Station
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Tip: On weekends, it can get crowded. Check the schedule in advance and allow some buffer time.
From Suro King’s Tomb Station, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Cafe Myeongwol. Easy, convenient, and perfect for travelers.
✨ 5 Reasons to Visit Cafe Myeongwol in Gimhae
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A storytelling space filled with history & romance – Experience the love of King Suro and Queen Heo in an immersive way.
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Unique signature drinks – From Korean strawberries to Indian teas, each drink tells a cultural tale.
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A garden inspired by Gimhae’s nature – Plains, hills, and wetlands reimagined in a single space.
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Convenient transport – Just 35 minutes from Gimhae Airport, easy for both locals and tourists.
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Traditional desserts & souvenirs – Try Sansdalgi Juak and Gaeseong Juak, and even take them home.
🎁 More Than Just Coffee
A visit to Myeongwol is not just about enjoying a drink. It’s about feeling joy through traditional desserts, supporting local businesses, and keeping stories alive.
For families, couples, or solo travelers, Cafe Myeongwol is more than a cafe — it’s a small cultural journey waiting for you in Gimhae.
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