From Public Bath and Church to Café: Kirintowol and Manoah

Jeonju is also known for a wide range of unique cafés. It’s very easy to find the convenient franchise cafés on the streets, but since you’re travelling Jeonju, how about visiting some local ones? Today, I’ll introduce two unique local cafés in Jeonju.

Kirintowol

Near Jeonju Hanok Village, there’s a café that once used to be a public bath, Café Kirintowol. Opened last June, this café retains the worn-out atmosphere of the old public bath. Can you see the ‘public bath’ sign on the board?

Inside I could spot the marks of the old public bath.

The beverages are priced around 3500~4000 won, cheaper than the franchise cafés. For dessert, Victoria cake, vanilla scone, and lemon cake were on the menu. I ordered a latte and a piece of lemon cake.

The latte was rather strong and savory. The lemon cake was moist and refreshing. Strongly recommended.

Kirintowol’s kitchen is observable from the hall. You might also choose to drink coffee inside the former sauna and bath. It was a very peculiar, instagrammable spot.

On the second floor is a small space for exhibitions.

Café Kirintowol reminded me of my childhood days when I visited a public bath with my mum.

​Café Kirintowol

Address: Madangjae 2gil 75, Wansangu, Jeonju

Contact: 0507-0465-8074

Opening hours: 1000~2000 (closed on Mondays)

Café Manoah

Take the bus number 87 or 79 and get off at the stop ‘Sinsung Nursing Home (Sinsung Yanglowon)’, Café Manoah will be in front of you. The café used to an old church. ‘Manoah’ in Hebrew means ‘comfortable rest, a pause’.

The café lends dresses to visitors (ordering beverages) for taking wedding photos. This seems a good place for a proposal or a small wedding.

Inside is wide, lit by a grand chandelier. The traces of the old church are everywhere, from the windows to the high ceiling.

On the menu are a range of beverages, desserts, and even brunch and meals. Take note of the photos!

I ordered a latte and a piece of crepe cake. The coffee was a big portion. The cake’s texture was very soft.

There are also outside tables and seats.

Visiting Café Manoah was like travelling to a different country. If you’re interested in trying on a wedding dress, this place is highly recommended.

Café Manoah

Address: Gyeryongsangil 46, Wansangu, Jeonju

Contact: 063-227-1788

Opening hours: 1000~2200 (closed on Mondays)