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Sometimes you wake up too late for breakfast but too early for lunch, and the only logical choice is brunch. The catch is that real brunch cafes can feel few and far between, so when you find a place where the atmosphere and the food are both excellent, you want to settle in and stay a while. If you are traveling through South Korea and craving that perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, Seoul has cafes for days, but few are as charming or as distinctive as Summer Lane Cafe.
An Aussie Brunch Hideaway in Hannam-Itaewon
Summer Lane (써머레인) primarily runs as a cafe, but a full brunch menu is available all day. What sets it apart is that the menu is firmly rooted in Western, specifically Australian, cuisine, even though Australia sits squarely south of South Korea. Expect classic brunch plates and a beautifully composed line of baked goods. The cafe is hidden down one of the smaller streets in the lively Itaewon-Hannam neighborhood at 49 Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, a 5-minute walk from the Kyungnidan side of Noksapyeong. Whether you are a curious local or a first-time tourist, Summer Lane delivers a flavor you do not stumble onto every day in Seoul.
Prices and Atmosphere
Brunch prices land in the average range for the area, roughly 12,000 to 15,000 won per plate, but meals like these are uncommon, not just in Seoul but in most cities. The interior leans minimalist, with potted greenery climbing the shelves and walls, sunny yellow awnings out front, and large murals of beaches and waves that channel the Australian coast. The space is small, airy, and bright, and there is often a line waiting outside the door. Arriving when the cafe opens at 7:30 AM is the easiest way to skip the crowd and ease into a slow Seoul morning.
What to Order at Summer Lane
The signature plate is the salmon waffle eggs Benedict, a flavor explosion of poached eggs, salmon, avocado, and a savory waffle topped with hollandaise. The poached eggs come perfectly runny, the hollandaise is bright and not too thick, and edible flowers add a delicate finishing touch. Sweet tooths should look to the Pavlova, a traditional Australian and New Zealand meringue cake crowned with passion fruit and raspberry. Other Aussie staples on the menu include Lamingtons, Anzac biscuits, and Vegemite on toast, alongside cheap and cheerful scones and cookies if you only want to nibble.
Drinks: From Aussie Ice to Melbourne Breakfast Tea
Need something to wash it all down? Try an Aussie Ice, an iced latte topped with vanilla ice cream that doubles as dessert and palate cleanser. If you are leaning into a leisurely morning, order a Melbourne Breakfast, the special-tea on the Summer Lane menu, or stick to a classic flat white. The cafe is, after all, an Aussie spot, and the coffee program shows it. Visit Seoul's official guide highlights the croissant French toast and waffle eggs Benedict as the dishes you absolutely cannot miss, and they pair beautifully with a strong coffee.
Why Summer Lane is Worth a Detour
Even if you are not in the mood for a full brunch, Summer Lane is happy to feed you. The pastry case stocks small bakery goods, and the bar pours strong coffees and well-curated teas for the everyday drop-in. The cafe is in walking distance of some of Hannam's best shopping, gallery spaces, and bookshops, so you can easily make a morning of it. Pop in for a quick brunch with an Australian flair, then wander down toward the Han River and lose yourself in the neighborhood. Would you try the salmon waffle eggs Benedict, or are you more of a Pavlova person? Let us know in the comments below.
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