Bugangtang Bathhouse Café & Late-Night Bars in Sangdo, Seoul

Illustration of coffee, bread, wine and grilled skewers for Sangdo cafés and bars

Coffee in a 1973 bathhouse, squid at a local pocha, and an izakaya open until 3 a.m. Our guide to Sangdo cafés and bars, minutes from Maison Sangdo.

Bugangtang is one of Seoul's most unusual cafés: a 1973 public bathhouse turned into a bakery, brunch spot and gallery, with the old tiles and tubs still in place. It's seven minutes on foot from Maison Sangdo, our home stay three minutes from Sangdo Station (Line 7). Here is our local guide to Sangdo's cafés and late-night bars, from the first coffee to the last drink.

Morning & afternoon

Bugangtang: a 1973 bathhouse café

Bugangtang, illustration

Bugangtang opened in 1973 as the largest public bathhouse in Dongjak-gu. It closed in 2021 and reopened in 2023 as a bakery, brunch café and gallery, keeping the original tiles and baths. Drinking coffee where the bathtubs used to be is a very Seoul experience, and a great photo.

  • 1F: Bakery café. Try the salt bread and olive ciabatta.
  • 2F: Brunch. Eggs Benedict ₩18,000.
  • 3F: Gallery.
  • Pets are welcome, good news if you're staying at Maison Sangdo II with your dog.
  • Address: 7 Sangdo-ro 34-gil, near Sangdo Station Exit 2
  • Hours: 10:30–22:00 · No parking
  • Instagram: @bugangtang1973
  • From Maison Sangdo: 7–8 minutes on foot

Camel Coffee (Sangdo): a quiet vintage room

Camel Coffee, illustration

The Sangdo branch of Camel Coffee is calm, vintage and full of soft light. A good place to plan your day. Order the signature Camel Coffee with a croissant.

  • Address: 12 Yangnyeong-ro 36-gil (1–2F)
  • Hours: 08:00–18:00
  • Price: Camel Coffee ₩6,500 · Americano ₩5,500
  • From Maison Sangdo: 5–6 minutes on foot

Evening & late night

Sangdo Indoor Pocha: squid, every which way

Sangdo Indoor Pocha, illustration

A pocha is a casual Korean spot for soju and good food. This one is a local favourite for squid: chilled spicy squid mulhoe, or a whole steamed squid to share. Squid is at its best from July to November.

  • Address: 288 Sangdo-ro (1F), near Sangdo Station Exit 1
  • Hours: 16:30–23:00
  • Price: Squid mulhoe ₩40,000–50,000 · Whole steamed squid ₩50,000
  • From Maison Sangdo: 3–4 minutes on foot

Honmi: an izakaya open until 3 a.m.

Honmi, illustration

A Japanese-style izakaya with charcoal-grilled skewers, sashimi and a terrace for warm nights. Open until 3 a.m., so it's the place for a late arrival or one last drink.

  • Address: 271 Yangnyeong-ro (1F), near Sangdo Station Exit 4
  • Hours: 17:00–03:00, daily
  • Price: Charcoal skewers ₩16,900 · Sashimi platter ₩42,000
  • From Maison Sangdo: 4–5 minutes on foot

Oomph: a wine bar with a good cellar

Oomph, illustration

More than 100 wines and a sommelier who will happily pair a glass with your plate. Small dishes, low light, unhurried conversation.

  • Address: 341-2 Sangdo-ro (1F), near Soongsil Univ. Station
  • Hours: Opens 17:00 or 18:00, closes between midnight and 2 a.m.
  • Price: Dishes ₩12,000–19,000
  • Instagram: @bar_oomph
  • From Maison Sangdo: 8–10 minutes on foot

Back home

Everything here is within a ten-minute walk of Maison Sangdo, so the night can end slowly: a short walk home, a warm lamp and a quiet room. Need dinner first? See Where to Eat Like a Local in Seoul.

FAQ

Is Bugangtang still a bathhouse?
No. It's a bakery, brunch café and gallery, but the original tiles and tubs are kept as part of the design.

Can I bring my dog to Bugangtang?
Yes, pets are welcome. Maison Sangdo II is also pet-friendly.

Where can I get a drink late at night near Sangdo Station?
Honmi is open until 3 a.m., and Oomph usually stays open past midnight.

Stay close: Maison Sangdo

Maison Sangdo is a small home stay in Sangdo-dong, three minutes on foot from Sangdo Station (Line 7), with easy rides to Gangnam, Yeouido and the Express Bus Terminal.

Maison Sangdo II
Maison Sangdo II

  • Maison Sangdo I: warm, deep-orange tones and a European retro mood. For couples, friends and slow stays.
  • Maison Sangdo II: bright, white and full of soft light. Pet-friendly, with a welcome kit for your dog.
  • Both have a home-café kitchen, a De'Longhi coffee machine, high-speed Wi-Fi, self check-in and one free private parking space. Each sleeps 2–4 guests.
  • From Incheon Airport: about 60 minutes by Airport Limousine Bus 6019.

Why stay in Sangdo? Read Where to Stay in Seoul Like a Local.

Check availability and book →

Information as of October 2026. Hours, menus and prices change, so please check Naver Map or Kakao Map before you go.

Illustrations by Maison Sangdo.