Ha:nok, a charming Hanok cafe in Gijang, Busan

Some places in Korea feel special not because they are famous, but because they make you slow down the moment you arrive. Ha:nok is exactly that kind of place.

Tucked away in Naedong Village in Gijang, deep in the valley of Aengnim Mountain, this hanok café feels genuinely hidden. Not “hidden” in the Instagram sense, but hidden in the way rural Korea often is: quiet roads, small houses, and suddenly a beautifully preserved hanok opening up into a calm garden.

Ha:nok sits right between Songjeong and Gijang, which makes it surprisingly accessible by car, but not so much by public transport.

From Haeundae, it’s about 20 minutes by car or taxi when traffic is light. By bus, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from Haeundae Station, including a transfer. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend the bus unless you really enjoy complicated routes. This is one of those places where hopping in a taxi is absolutely worth it.

The exterior is classic hanok architecture, but not in a museum-like way. It feels lived-in and warm. One of the highlights is the open garden. There are outdoor floor seats, perfect on a sunny day, and even a private room tucked into the garden if you want something a bit more secluded.

Inside, the café keeps the traditional hanok atmosphere intact. Wooden floors, beautiful wooden roof, and soft natural light give the space a calm, grounded feeling.

For a hanok café, the menu is exactly what you’d hope for, and a bit more. There’s an English menu available, which already makes things easier for foreigners. The tea selection follows the idea of Korea’s four seasons, with different teas reflecting seasonal flavors and moods.

One thing that stood out to me was the rice latte. It’s a non-coffee drink. Not something most foreigners are familiar with, but absolutely worth trying if you want something different from the usual café options.

There’s a variety of beautifully presented desserts. Ranging from traditional to cute, to genuinely funny. They have Hanok set with traditional snacks, basque cheesecakes with unique korean flavors, tteok, grilled tteok, dried persimmon, and more. I tried the black sesame basque cheesecake, and it was delicious.

Ha:nok isn’t a quick coffee stop. It’s a destination café. The kind of place you plan an afternoon around, especially if you’re exploring the eastern side of Busan or combining Songjeong and Gijang in one day.

What makes it special is the balance. It respects tradition without feeling rigid, and it welcomes foreigners without diluting its Korean identity. Sitting on the wooden floor, tea in hand, surrounded by mountains and quiet village life, it’s easy to forget you’re still technically in Busan.

If you’re looking for a hanok café that feels authentic and calm, Ha:nok should be high on your list.

Busan Gijang-gun Gijang-eup Naeri-gil 146-5
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