Do you like good food? Do you enjoy eating
posh at a reasonable price?
Not many people have heard of the French
Village (서래마을 – Suhrae ma-eul) and many who have heard
about it have no idea where to find it. This is because it is tucked away in a
cluster of side streets no one would ever glance at if they were among the few
travelling by on a bus.
Getting there can be tricky. The closest
station is “Express Bus Terminal” Station on lines 3, 7 and 9. The closest exit
is exit 5. This can only be accessed on the Line 7 side, so if you go out the
gate off of Line 9 or 3, head to surface and follow the numbers until you get
to 5. You’ll come up on the peaceful corner of a busy intersection. Follow the
walking path straight ahead to the overpass bridge. The path is between an
upscale apartment complex and a small stream. Go over the overpass and head
down the closest street.
This may look like your standard Korean
fare, but look a little closer. It has a certain “je ne sais quois” that most
places are lacking. Once you figure it out, take your pick. Not every place is
strictly French, in fact MOST aren’t, but they do have a standard that
guarantees something good to eat.
A few suggested places:
Paris Croissant – Yep. Paris Croissant. But
this isn’t your typical Korean Bakery. You can smell it halfway there from the
main street. Follow your nose and your mouth will water. Three stories and a
basement of the best baked goods in Korea. The top two are Café space. Same as
below, but more expensive.
Shy Bana – Comfort food. Cajun Style! This
is down one of the side streets and is so small you’re likely to walk by it.
Try the Mac’n’Cheese. As one friend put it: “Well, I guess I like Cajun Food.”
Do not miss this one.
Steak – Not a place, but top notch in
several locations, done in a variety of styles. Throw a dart at a road map and
you’ll hit a good one.
Izakaya – The nicest looking establishment
of the well known Japanese Pub franchise.
Wine – See “Steak”.
Pick a nice day to sit on a terrace and
enjoy several places in one day.
