Orouf - Cafe, Daegu, South Korea


Are you weary of the bustling city, humming with people, cars, and a symphony of sounds? Sometimes, a detour to the outskirts can be a delightful escape. Just a stone's throw from Daegu's Dongseong-ro, the streets of Bukseong-ro are also experiencing a fresh breeze of change. And it is here, at Cafe Orouf, that I wish to introduce a place that truly captures the charm of this coexistence.

As you wander past the streets of Bukseong-ro, lined with workshops and tool stores, you’ll stumble upon spaces boasting stylish interiors. Cafe Orouf is no exception. A sliding iron door, crafted from thin panels—a rare sight these days. Its surface is adorned with an orange, pop-art logo. It’s a combination that shouldn't work, yet it captivates the eye.




The interior of Orouf is filled with a kind of nonchalant chic. A sofa where the rugged texture of aged leather is palpable. Wooden tables and chairs in hues that seem to have gently faded with the passage of time. There's a captivating charm in its seemingly neglected, yet impeccably clean appearance. Look closer at its unrefined facade, and you'll discover tastefully chosen props.




A graffiti-design sticker on a flowerpot. A mirror that resembles a stray piece of plywood. A bottle of hand cream, betraying a thoughtful concern for dry hands. There’s a peculiar joy in discovering these trendy items within such a vintage space.

Ascend the stairs beside the sofa, and a hidden alcove reveals itself. Seated on a chair placed neatly against the wall of this small space, you can gaze out through an opening in the wall. The view from here fulfills the lingering childhood wish for an attic of one's own.




If there's one small inconvenience, it would be the restroom's considerable distance. You must exit the building, turn right to find a set of stairs, descend them, and then climb another flight. But perhaps, in a positive light, this too can be seen as part of its retro appeal. After all, wasn't it common for countryside homes to have their bathrooms outside?

As the saying goes, nothing lasts forever. What is new today will eventually become old. Perhaps it's a sign of age, but unlike my younger days, I now find myself exclusively seeking out quiet cafes. Even so, I can't seem to shake my old habits, still searching for spaces with a distinct aesthetic and the unique sensibility of their creators.




To awaken my body from the summer heat, I ordered a refreshing Omija berry ade and a flat white that delivers a punch with its deep chocolate notes. In my cup of coffee from the tranquil Cafe Orouf in Bukseong-ro, I captured a moment of rest and relaxation on a sweltering day. What did you capture in your cup of coffee today?

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