Cherry blossoms set the stage for a lively atmosphere in Yeouido this weekend, where an outdoor concert series brings music to the banks of the Han River. On the other side of the city, near Seoul Forest, a quiet cafe in Seongdong-gu pairs coffee with knitting, offering an oasis of calming in the city.
Stitching time away in a cozy Seoul Forest hideaway
Located just steps from Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu, Cafe Merino offers a quieter alternative to the surrounding bustle of Seongsu-dong — bringing together coffee and knitting in a relaxed setting.
What sets Cafe Merino apart from the many other cafes located in the area is its focus on knitting.
Operated by yarn manufacturer Samwon Ilmo, the cafe doubles as a retail and hobby space, offering yarn, needles and knitting patterns alongside its drinks and desserts. Visitors who indicate they are there to knit are provided with a complimentary ball of yarn upon ordering — often made from higher-quality materials such as alpaca wool or cashmere-blend tweed.
Additional yarn displayed throughout the space is also available for purchase, allowing guests to continue their craft projects beyond a single visit.
Despite its niche appeal, the cafe holds a level of appeal to non-knitters. Its beverage menu stands on its own, with lattes — including hojicha, matcha and ice cream varieties — among its highlights. Starting in April, the cafe has expanded its offerings to include meals such as pasta, along with wine and highballs from noon.
Open from 10 a.m. daily — closing at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and 10 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday — Cafe Merino offers a setting where time can be spent not just lingering, but making something meaningful.
Cafe Merino
24, Seoulsup-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Riverside concert under spring cherry blossoms
When the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, Yeouido, one of the city’s most popular spring destinations attracts a deluge of visitors.
This weekend, the annual Yeouido Spring Flower Festival will unfold along Yeouiseo-ro and near the National Assembly grounds — a hallmark seasonal event that draws millions each year.
Along the Han River four outdoor concerts will take place from Friday to Sunday at Yeouido Hangang Park.
The "Seoul Stage" program will feature a crossover performance by the ensemble Jangdan Yuhui in collaboration with a string quartet, presenting arrangements of popular drama soundtracks and K-pop melodies reimagined with traditional instrumentation.
Performances will be held at the Multi Plaza in Yeouido Hangang Park, at 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Organizers noted that rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday, and performances may be canceled or adjusted depending on the weather.
Yeouido Hangang Park
84-4 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
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