December's things to do

Following the availability of small American craft roasters including Intelligentsia and Stumptown Coffee Stumptown Coffee, we now have the Berlin-based artisan roaster Bonanza in Seoul. Even beyond Berlin, Bonanza Coffee is one of the fastest-growing roasters in Europe, with its original location selected by National Geographic as one of the “25 coffee shops around the world you have to see before you die.” This new international location is in Itaewon, but the surrounding area of Hangangjin (near Downtowner burger pub and Pizzeria D' Buzza’s Hannam Dong branch) is quite serene. Although the café is located inside novelty merchandise retailer Morethanless, its seriousness towards extractions has been attracting even professional baristas and humble home brewers alike. As I open its large glass doors and step inside, sturdy La Marzocco Linea machine first catches this aficionado’s eyes. A specialty coffee icon established in Florence, Italy, it grew with Starbucks’ early expansion, and since been an inspiration for most of the high-end espresso machine brands in the world including Synesso and Slayer. The overall atmosphere of the café is quite refined and modern (which is appropriate for its identity as a fashion retailer as well). The staff is kind and friendly, while the audio system involving a powerful amp and a fancy set of speakers are adding another tasteful element to the space. The star of the show is, of course, the coffee. The roasted beans selection available...

Comments from our coffee experts SJ This place is owned by Coffee Libre’s Kim Byung-ki, a green coffee bean buyer; roaster Kim Do-hyun; barista Park Geun-ha; barista Song Sung-man from El Café; and the genius pastry chef Heo Min-su. It took almost a year for this coffee place to become one of the best places in Korea. David G. We Some people call this place the “Avengers of the coffee industry,” as people from diverse backgrounds got together to open this store. It is famous for its baked goods as well. Cho Won-jin Their fresh coffee and baked goods will satisfy you in every way.   Fritz is one of the few places in Seoul that will offer you the choice of paper or metal filters for your pour-over. It’s no mere gimmick: one of the five cofounders is Park Geun-ha, 2014 Barista Champion of Korea, and a 14-year veteran in the business of beans. They hold cupping sessions Thursdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. for those of you wishing to learn more about the finer points of coffee (sorry, Korean only). If the language barrier has you on the sidelines, console yourself with a pain au chocolat and enjoy the retro vibe of the converted traditional tile-roof house.

Visiting Aquafield, you’ll first notice the relaxed and carefree expressions of those enjoying the spa, and the excited and overwhelmed looks of those at the water park. And soon you’ll realize you’ll be one of them. This new “water culture resort” encompasses a vast 13,000 square meters on the 3rd and 4th floor. It includes different types of saunas, jjimjilbangs (Korean dry sauna) and a water park. Although the outdoor pool is in preparation for the Korea’s cold winter, once open in December, it will surely become the highlight of the venue. Enjoy the scenic view of the Han River and the mountain beyond while floating on the L shaped infinity pool, which is the longest pool in Korea boating the length of 115m. Jacuzzis, sand pools, junior pools, outdoor baths, therapy spa, aroma spa, you name it—they’ll have it, open all four seasons long. The 4th floor indoor water park includes Korea’s first whirlpool and vortex pool along with a thrilling ride on the ‘Sky Twister’ slide and a body-massage pool. Once you’re done using up all your energy at the pools, head in to the saunas to revitalize yourself (it may sound corny, but it indeed is what happens). Salt room, intense heat room, charcoal room, a room that oozes in mist like a cloud coming through, media room (360 panoramic video + light heat spa), a wood room resembling a forest, are just some of the ‘rooms’ you can relax in. You may not be able to wash away your sins while indulging yourself, but Aquafield is probably...