The sandwiches make customers Swing on the tables (there’re only 4)

Swing might not be the first place to catch your eye in Apgujeong-dong’s bustling side streets. But if you like sandwiches, this shop will probably catch your fancy.
Opened in March this year, Swing is located on a narrow road full of other simple eateries, including several pojangmacha, food tents that are taken down and carted away just before dawn and put up again at nightfall. With just four tables, Swing is a place where most customers order their meals to-go. Though it might not look like a good place to sit to enjoy your food, the warm lighting and sparseness create a cozy atmosphere.
As far as sandwiches go, you can choose from three kinds of bread: white, croissant and black rice. Sandwiches cost from 3,500 won ($2.90) to 7,000 won. Add a cup of coffee or fruit juice to your order and you will pay 4,800 won to 9,500 won.
If you have tried the sandwiches at Korean bakeries, they might have fallen short of your expectations. At Swing things are different. They import their pastrami, turkey and salami and hold the Korean extras, like canned corn.
The mozzarella sandwich ― tomato slices and melted mozzarella on white bread ― is one of the rarest sandwiches you will find in Seoul. "It is delicious,” says the owner, Cho E-geum, “though not many people dare try it unless they've already tasted mozzarella and learned to love it."
The club II sandwich is not a bad choice if you enjoy garnished turkey. The club II is a hearty sandwich, with thinly sliced salami and veggies piled on top of the turkey breast.
The ham and cheese sandwich is great on black rice bread, but Ms. Cho says ham and cheese is the most popular item, served on a croissant with coffee or fruit juice for breakfast.
Fresh fruit juices (5,000 won) are made on order. The fruits available vary according to season, but Ms. Cho says she always tries to have five fruits to choose from. In winter, she says, mandarin orange juice is very popular and matches any of the sandwiches on Swing’s menu. Six flavors of smoothies, including lychee, peach and kiwi, are also available -- with or without tapioca.

Swing
Telephone: (02) 511-1022
Location: Subway line No. 3, Apgujeong Station, exit 3, near Gaonix Sports Center
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Parking: Available

by Eugine Oh