The Culture Dabang: A Hidden Gem for Art, Wine, and Healing in Seoul

Geumunhwa Dabang is a long-standing wine-and-pasta spot in Sangsu run by an artist couple for over 15 years. With 250+ wines, cozy lighting, and a crowd of musicians, writers, and visual artists, it’s one of those neighborhood favorites that feels like a creative hideout.

– Dabang is Old-school Korean coffee house

Location

• –Address: 49 Wausan-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1F)
• –Neighborhood: Sangsu / Dangin / Hapjeong area

Hours

It was a rainy Saturday evening and the restaurant was already full. The interior feels warm, dimly lit, and lived-in with an old-school artistic charm.

It’s the kind of place where you sit down intending to stay for an hour and suddenly it’s been three.

Many guests come for dates, quiet dinners, or drinks with friends, and the space has an unmistakably creative energy—likely because the owners come from art and music backgrounds.

Wine Program

One wall holds a refrigerated wine display with around 250 types of wine, curated by the owner. He knows his bottles well, often sourcing wines personally or through sommelier recommendations. If you’re unsure what to order, ask for a pairing—every time I’ve taken his suggestion, it’s been spot on.

Menu Style

Signature dishes include:

– Beef steak

– Seasonal pasta

– Goulash

– French onion soup (house specialty)

There are sets designed for value:

1. Special Set (Green salad, pasta, beef steak, onion soup, cheese plate, dessert)

2. Seasonal Pasta Set (Green salad, seasonal pasta, onion soup)

3. Beef Steak Set (Green salad, beef steak, lasagna)

Wine can be ordered freely or selected by ecommendation. I strongly suggest asking for a pairing.

What I Ordered

• –Beef Steak Set (Green salad, beef steak, lasagna)
• –Seasonal Pasta
• –Onion Soup
• –White Wine (recommended)

Recommended Wine

We were served a Whitehaven Chardonnay from New Zealand.

Vanilla on the nose, soft and balanced on the palate, pairing beautifully with the seasonal pasta.

Taste Notes

Green Salad

Fresh greens with a well-balanced house dressing—simple but excellent.

Seasonal Pasta

Bright, refreshing, and perfect for warmer days.

The basil and arugula boost aroma, the marinated peeled tomatoes melt softly, and the burrata adds creaminess and salt.

Lasagna

Layered and baked until the cheese forms golden pockets. Rich and satisfying.

Beef Steak

Cooked medium-rare and sliced easily. Crispy edges and juicy center, tender enough to melt slightly as you chew.

Onion Soup

The house signature: caramelized onions with cheese and puff pastry baked on top.

Rich, lightly sweet, and comforting—breaking the pastry with a spoon adds to the experience.

Price Range

• –Moderate for dinner with wine; the sets add good value
• –Wines vary widely by bottle, but pairing recommendations help guide the choice

Ordering & Tips

• –The interior fills quickly, especially on rainy weekends
• –Good spot for wine-focused nights without needing a full meal
• –Wine-only + cheese plates is common among regulars

Who I Recommend It For

• –Wine lovers exploring Sangsu / Hapjeong
• –Couples looking for a cozy date spot
• –Writers, artists, musicians needing a warm hideout
• –Friends wanting a slow dinner with good music and conversation
• –Anyone who enjoys pairing pasta and wine