[CUP]
Warm spring winds and space to reflect and read

Mui Mui is filled with beautiful furniture created by Lee Jeong-seob. By Ser Myo-ja

“Rodeo” in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul, used to be the most fashionable spot in Seoul when I was a high school student, but that area full of robatayaki grill bars, fancy pasta restaurants and cafes has long been forgotten. I recently revisited the neighborhood to check out the newly opened cafe Mui Mui that everyone around me was talking about.

As I opened the glass door to the cafe, I was met by an impressive space of great-looking furniture and light. The cafe has an inner courtyard and the surrounding walls were left open to let the spring breeze blow through. A tree about the height of two-story building stood in the middle of a patch of green grass.

The architecture is minimal, the space a near empty void, with a unique high ceiling and tables, couches and chairs by the designer Lee Jeong-seob. When I sat down in one of the chairs I felt like I was slipping on a perfectly soft silk dress.

Mui Mui’s goldfish.

After admiring the cafe’s design, my companion and I ordered patbingsu, grated ice topped with glazed red beans, (9,000 won, $6.78), a traditional summer-time dessert served in a gorgeous glass bowl. The portion was enough for two - or maybe three - diners. In addition to the red beans, the ice was topped with bits of fried rice cake and perilla seed powder, a nutty flavor that went well with the sweetness of the red beans and freshness of the grated ice.

The cafe’s menu is very kid friendly, and tables were packed with families. There’s bibimbap (mixed vegetables with rice), pasta and burgers. The beverage and dessert menu also includes black bean ice cream, coffee variations and Korean teas such as ginger, wild chrysanthemum and “first flush” green tea.

We spent hours reading the magazines available - ranging from interior design and gossip to the local clubbing culture - and enjoyed the spring breeze coming inside from the sunny courtyard.

The cafe also has a small glass basin full of goldfish. As I looked at my reflection, I realized this was a fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Patbingsu, or grated ice with red beans.

Mui Mui

Location: 653-4, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Telephone: (02) 515-3982

Patbingsu, or grated ice with red beans.