Yri Café and Bar

Considering the turnover rate of businesses in Seoul, Yri Café’s ten-year tenure in Hongdae (5 years north of the main gate, 5 years south of Sangsu) is impressive. It’s widely known as a sort of godfather to the Hongdae café scene, inspiring a generation of “culture cafes.” Founded by two literature graduates, they host book readings and performances, hang local artists’ work on their walls, and house an impressive collection of art books and magazines. The menu isn’t standout, but that’s not what most people come for.