Cafe Sinola
116 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
On a quiet street in Seochon, there is a café 'Sinola,' where personal taste and style are evident in every detail. As you step inside, the soft piano melodies of Eddie Higgins flow through the space from an LP, filling the air with a gentle ambiance. The slanted wooden ceiling, vintage furniture marked by the passage of time, and a densely packed collection of old vinyl records come together to create the illusion that you’ve stepped out of reality and into the pages of a novel. Time at Sinola seems to calm the noise of daily life, offering comfort through the warm analog sounds of music and the soothing taste of coffee.
'Sinola' is the second space created by the owner of the Euljiro LP bar 'Pyeonggyunyeol,' and it carries his musical taste and philosophy just as deeply. The café features vintage sound systems from the 50s to the 70s, including 1960s Jensen speakers highlighted by walnut cabinets and a Marantz tuner with its signature blue light and blue-toned front panel. Here, you can enjoy a carefully curated selection of cool jazz, classical, bossa nova, old pop, and other genres, all blending seamlessly into the atmosphere without preconceived notions. The café also produces a periodic publication, "GATEWAY TO SINOLA," in collaboration with jazz expert Shim Young-bo, which reflects the depth and attitude of Sinola's music. At Sinola, sound is not just background noise but a profound experience that evokes memories of the era.
The coffee and desserts are as uniquely charming as the space and music. Sinola’s signature house blends, crafted from beans roasted in-house, include the 'B Flat,' with a subtle sweetness, notes of black tea, and a nutty finish, and the 'Night Bloom,' where herb and grass notes blend with lemon zest to create a pronounced acidity. Just one cup of carefully brewed coffee brings you closer to the cozy atmosphere created by the music and space. The signature dessert, French toast, is crisp yet moist, sweet yet light. Other delights include the anchovy egg mayo sandwich and the seasonal summer menu item, sweet corn soup, all of which bring a smile just by looking at them.
Sinola is more than just a café; it’s an emotional space where music, coffee, and relaxation come together. The traces of time and the warmth of analog elements make even the simple act of drinking tea feel special. A visit to Sinola is not just about having a cup of coffee but about discovering the small joys and delights of life. A cup of coffee at Sinola is a chance to pause the rush of time, rediscover forgotten tranquility, and fill your heart with the sweet sounds of music, creating a truly special moment.
