South Korea really struck me as the kind of place that has yet to have its full moment.
Despite the global boom of K-Pop, Korean cinema, Netflix dramas, and the country’s ever-popular beauty industry, I still know surprisingly few people who’ve actually been there. When choosing a destination in the Far East, most people still default to Japan—but that is starting to change.
And if you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend stepping outside of Seoul and heading south to places like Gyeongju.
Located in the southeast of the country, Gyeongju is famed for its dome-shaped royal tombs, ancient temples, and chilled-out pace of life. It’s often referred to as “the museum without walls” thanks to its rich historical legacy—but what surprised me most was its vibrant specialty coffee scene.
One place that absolutely won me over was Tak.
Tak is a Scandinavian-inspired bakery café that seamlessly blends global flavors, exceptional coffee, and Korean elegance. The space itself is stunning—with soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and a bright, minimalist design that feels both serene and stylish.
On my first visit, I popped in for a casual afternoon snack and ended up enjoying a divine pain au chocolat paired with a flat white. The café was buzzing with both locals and curious travelers.
So naturally, I went back the next morning.
This time, I had a delicious breakfast dish inspired by Cilbir (Turkish poached eggs with yogurt and chili oil) alongside a pour-over coffee brewed with beans from Strut, a roastery based in Busan.
As I savored my meal, I watched the in-house pastry chef preparing croissants, the scent of butter and dough filling the air. Honestly, the whole place smelled like heaven.
One thing I found amusing across Korea—everyone photographs their food. Literally everyone. Plates and cups are admired, styled, and snapped before a single bite is taken. Of course, I’m totally guilty of doing the same…
Tak doesn’t just do breakfast and coffee. It also offers a well-curated selection of natural wines, served with fresh sourdough bread and cheese. In true European fashion, the café’s coffee menu features beans from top roasters like:
Friedhats (Amsterdam)
Datura (Paris)
Obadiah (Edinburgh)
Clearly, Tak is as globally connected as it is locally grounded.
A bakery that serves outstanding coffee, bakes artisan pastries, and offers a warm, welcoming vibe is always going to be a hit—whether in Gyeongju, Berlin, or Barcelona.
And Tak? Tak is definitely doing it right.
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