Korea Day 9: Back to Rafre Fuit for Strawberry Cake and a Secret Door in Seongsu Darak

22 March 2026

BACK TO SEOUL

I took the KTX back to Seoul, and where did I go first? Seongsu, of course. My third time there on a nine-day trip. I think it’s safe to say I have a favourite neighbourhood!

STRAWBERRY CAKE AT RAFRE FRUIT

I wanted to give Rafre Fruit another try after seeing the queue on my previous visit and deciding against it. This time I went closer to opening. There was still a queue, but it was much more manageable. The café is known for its seasonal fruit desserts, and I really enjoyed my strawberry field cake. The strawberries were so fresh!

You also have to order a drink per person if you’re dining in, so I went for the strawberry latte. I thought it was a little too sweet and milky for me. The cake was definitely the better half of my strawberry order.

Double strawberries at Rafre Fruit: strawberry shortcake and a strawberry latte.

Rafre Fruit, Seongsu (라프레플루트)

Address: 2F, 8-8 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 1 pm–7:30 pm; Saturday–Sunday, 1 pm–8 pm

DINNER AT SEONGSU DARAK

After Rafre Fruit, I wandered around Seongsu with no particular plans. Then I saw people going through what I thought was a framed sign on the wall, and I was like, “Ooo, I have to go in too.” That’s how I ended up at Seongsu Darak for dinner. It was a really cute concept, and I felt a bit like Alice going into Wonderland as I stepped through the door and headed up the narrow stairs.

I ordered the Darak Rosé Pasta and really liked the sauce. You stir the dollop of cream into the spicy tomato and meat sauce, and it gets creamy while still keeping that tomato tang.

I thought this was a framed sign until I saw people walking through it. Obviously, I had to follow. My little Alice in Wonderland moment at Seongsu Darak.

Darak Rosé Pasta, before I stirred that big dollop of cream into the spicy tomato sauce.

Seongsu Darak (성수다락)

Address: 2F, 20 Ttukseom-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 11:30 am–9:15 pm; Saturday–Sunday, 11:00 am–9:15 pm

LAST NIGHT IN KOREA

After dinner, I headed to Myeongdong for one last wander and picked up a few souvenirs for my loved ones back home.

For my last night in Korea, I checked back into Koreana Hotel. I was heading to the airport early the next morning, so I paid for the breakfast buffet this time. It was nice to have breakfast sorted before heading out. You can refer to my Korea Day 1 post for my experience with the hotel! The hotel receptionist was also able to help in the booking of the airport limousine bus and I just need to pay the driver with cash when boarding.

Back at Koreana Hotel for my last night in Seoul.

A peek at the bathroom, which came with a bathtub.

Part of the breakfast selection the next morning.

The hot breakfast spread. The pizza was good.

Smoked salmon, cold cuts and cheese at my last breakfast in Seoul before heading to the airport.

Address: 135 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZvWSTmkETyHBXHf7A

Room Type: Deluxe Queen Room

Price: $269.11 (1 night, including breakfast)

AND...

That’s the end of my nine days in Korea! I went from watching the sunrise in Busan to making one last stop in Seongsu for strawberry cake. Three visits to Seongsu in one trip, and I’d still go back.

Till next time, Korea~

Love,

Shu