Asan Ginkgo Trail: 5 Best Cafes for Prime Viewing
Me and London with the Asan sign on the trail
In case you were unaware, people flock to Korea for the nature. There are the Cherry Blossoms in the spring and yellow ginkgo tress in the autumn. There is a walkway along a river in Asan called “Asan Ginkgo Tree Road” or “아산은행나무길” in Hangul. In my opinion, autumn is the best in Korea. She truly shines this time of year.
Wind and rain are two of the biggest enemies of cherry blossoms and ginkgo leaves and the weather we had this weekend knocked down a lot of the bright yellow leaves. However there are still so many trees that are full, green, and still yellowing. If you haven’t made it out there yet, you’re in luck - there is still time!
The pathway is gorgeous and when it’s not packed, it makes a great backdrop for pictures. If you’re looking to linger in the are a bit more, there are several cafes along the way that have great tables for viewing. I’ve listed my favorites below in order as you’d walk past them. Like every cafe in Korea, they’re all unique in their own and a few of them are old renovated houses and loved, stray cats roam all over the place.
Underhill (언더힐) instagram
This cafe has a cute outdoor patio when you enter, limited indoor seating, and a great rooftop. Highly recommend getting the chicken tender sandwich here, it is SO good. While there’s no bad seating in the cafe, people snag the best spots quickly.
They are open everyday from 10:00-21:00.
충남 아산시 염치읍 송곡남길 90 1층 카페 언더힐
Cafe Eunhaengnamugil ( 은행나무길카페&타로) instagram
This one is literally right next door to Underhill. I love that the outdoor patio is colorful and welcoming, and the inside is like visiting a friends cozy home. One thing you’ll notice about all the cafes here is that cats are prevalent. They have a typical brunch menu as well as some macarons and juices for kids. I wanted a tea when we visited but I would’ve loved to try their witch latte.
They are open everyday from 10:00-21:00.
충남 아산시 염치읍 송곡남길 88 112-133
Gallery Cafe Monet (갤러리카페모네)
This one is unique in that they have a shelter built for the cats. You can also buy cat food for 1,000₩ per bag and feed them. London was in heaven being able to do this. They have a small deck and in my opinion, it has the best view of the ginkgo tree road. I also love the photo spot they’ve set up downstairs with their red and green ivy climbing the building.
They are open everyday from 10:00-19:00.
충남 아산시 염치읍 송곡남길 87-19
Tata’s Bagels (베이글카페)
I love that each cafe has something different. The bagels here were so good! London got the glazed bagel and it was like a fluffy donut flavored bagel. Highly recommend, I would get one just for myself next time. I also tried the basil cheese bagel with onion cream cheese. So good!
They are open everyday from 09:00-21:00.
Tataseu Bagel Asan Eunhaengnamu Gil Branch
충남 아산시 염치읍 송곡남길 87-31 1층
Obear Coffee (오베어 커피) instagram
This cafe is the most modern of all the ones I’ve visited and it has the largest outdoor seating options available. I love the giant windows.
They are open everyday from 10:00-20:00.
충남 아산시 염치읍 송곡남길 87-37 1층
Fun fact: I’ve been spelling ginkgo wrong - apparently - FOR EV ER. I finally got it right this year. Let me know if you visit and if there are any other cafes I should try next time! I love visiting cafes over and over but I also love checking out new ones.
