The Cafe from aespa’s “Thirsty” MV: Can You Actually Visit It?
If you love aespa’s “Thirsty,” you may have wondered where the video’s dreamy and kitschy setting was filmed. Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, Mermaid’s Recipe is known as one of the filming locations for aespa’s “Thirsty” track video. The cafe has also introduced itself as the place where the “Thirsty” track video was filmed.
With a distinctive American retro diner aesthetic centered around pink and blue tones, the space feels like a set from a classic teen movie. This makes Mermaid’s Recipe an interesting destination not only for K-pop fans but also for international visitors searching for photogenic and unusual cafes in Korea.
• Filming location for aespa’s “Thirsty” track video
• American teen-movie-inspired retro concept
• Distinctive pink-and-blue interior design
• A Korean cafe worth visiting for K-pop fans
• A place where visitors can enjoy both desserts and photography
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Retro Interiors That Feel Like an American Teen Movie
One of the biggest highlights of Mermaid’s Recipe is its kitschy interior, which clearly stands out from typical cafes in Korea. Pink dominates the space, while vintage furniture and decorative objects create the atmosphere of an old-fashioned American dessert shop or a movie set from a retro teen film.
The cafe has also been introduced as a pink dessert cafe in Gyeonggi-do where visitors can experience an American retro atmosphere. Visitor reviews frequently mention the distinctive interior design and brunch menu as major reasons to visit.
Rather than being a cafe where you simply order a drink and leave, Mermaid’s Recipe is especially suitable for guests who want to explore the interior, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere itself.
• Kitschy, vintage American retro interior
• Various photogenic areas throughout the cafe
• Opportunity to experience an aespa filming location in person
• Relaxed atmosphere for visiting with friends or a partner
• The entire cafe feels like one large photo spot
A Popular Brunch and Dessert Cafe in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do
Mermaid’s Recipe is more than an aesthetically pleasing cafe. It also offers an extensive selection of brunch and dessert dishes. Visitor reviews often mention menu items such as Portland Bacon and House Made Corn Soup, while French toast, sandwiches, and brunch sets provide plenty of options for guests looking for a full meal.
The cafe has also been introduced as a retro-style destination where visitors can enjoy brunch and desserts together. According to the menu information, brunch is available from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. If you want to combine photography with a meal, arriving during brunch hours can be a convenient choice.
• Brunch hours: 10:30–15:30
• Portland Bacon
• House Made Corn Soup
• Greek Yogurt Arugula Salad
• French toast and biscuit sandwiches
• Brunch sets for guests who want a complete meal
Starter and Signature Brunch Menu Prices
The Mermaid’s Recipe menu ranges from lighter starters to substantial signature plates. Portland Bacon is described as smoky bacon prepared with ingredients including roasted pecans, brown sugar, black pepper, and chili powder. House Made Corn Soup is served with ciabatta bread, while Greek Yogurt Arugula Salad combines seasonal fruit, arugula, homemade granola, and yuzu balsamic dressing.
Signature dishes such as Mermaid’s Plate and American Breakfast Plate are also available for visitors who want to sit down and enjoy a more substantial brunch.
• Portland Bacon: KRW 10,900
• House Made Corn Soup: KRW 8,700
• Greek Yogurt Arugula Salad: KRW 16,800
• Mermaid’s Plate: KRW 22,900
• American Breakfast Plate: KRW 21,000
French Toast and Sandwich Menu
If you prefer a sweeter brunch, Mermaid’s Recipe offers several French toast options. Banana Foster French Toast combines banana foster sauce with vanilla milk jam, while Basil French Toast uses ingredients such as basil pesto and homemade tomato jam for a more savory flavor profile.
Ice Cream French Toast is served with vanilla ice cream, maple syrup, cinnamon powder, and berry compote. For visitors who prefer a hearty savory meal, the sandwich selection includes Arugula Biscuit Sandwich with arugula and prosciutto, as well as Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with bacon, scrambled eggs, American cheese, mini salad, and pickles.
• Banana Foster French Toast: KRW 17,900
• Basil French Toast: KRW 16,000
• Ice Cream French Toast: KRW 12,400
• Arugula Biscuit Sandwich: KRW 13,900
• Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich: KRW 13,900
Brunch Sets for Sharing or a Bigger Meal
Visitors traveling in a group or looking for a more filling meal can choose from several brunch sets at Mermaid’s Recipe. Options range from a basic combination of sandwich, soup, and drink to larger sets featuring Mermaid’s Plate or American Breakfast Plate.
Selected drinks are included with set-menu orders, and a mini salad can be added for an additional charge. During brunch hours from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the menu also advertises a 20% discount coupon for prepared beverages when customers order at least KRW 20,000 worth of brunch items. Coupon availability and conditions may change, so it is best to check the latest information when visiting.
• Sandwich Set: KRW 22,600
• Mermaid Brunch Set: KRW 31,600
• American Breakfast Set: KRW 31,900
• Classic Brunch Set: KRW 29,900
• Heavy Brunch Set: KRW 38,900
• Set drinks may include black coffee, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, or milk
• Mini salad available for an additional KRW 5,000
• Brunch hours: 10:30–15:30
• 20% prepared-drink discount coupon advertised for brunch orders of KRW 20,000 or more
Coffee and Mermaid’s Recipe Signature Lattes
The drink menu reflects the cafe’s distinctive personality as well. Mermaid’s Latte is a signature iced latte made with rich caramel sauce and whipped cream, creating a salted-caramel-style drink. Tahiti Vanilla Latte uses house-made Tahitian vanilla syrup.
Classic coffee options such as Americano, Caffe Latte, Cloud Cappuccino, and Espresso are also available, making Mermaid’s Recipe suitable for guests who prefer familiar coffee alongside its elaborate desserts.
• Mermaid’s Latte: KRW 6,400 / ICED ONLY
• Tahiti Vanilla Latte: KRW 6,000
• Americano: KRW 5,000
• Caffe Latte: KRW 5,500
• Cloud Cappuccino: KRW 5,900
• Espresso: KRW 4,000
• Refill Coffee: HOT KRW 1,500 / ICED KRW 2,000
• Coffee refill service is available to customers who have ordered a beverage
Non-Coffee Drinks and Homemade Chocolate Beverages
Mermaid’s Recipe also provides a varied selection for visitors who do not drink coffee. Mermaid’s Milk is a smooth milk-based drink prepared with house-made Tahitian vanilla syrup, while Fresh Orange Ade is described as a refreshing ade made with freshly squeezed oranges.
During summer, Watermelon Smoothie is offered as a limited menu item made with carefully prepared watermelon without added water or ice. Cool Lime Mojito combines fresh lime and mint in a refreshing non-alcoholic ade.
Old Fashioned Chocolate Soda combines chocolate syrup, carbonated water, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream in the style of an old-fashioned American soda, making it particularly well suited to the cafe’s retro atmosphere.
• Mermaid’s Milk: HOT KRW 5,500 / ICED KRW 6,000
• Fresh Orange Ade: KRW 6,500
• Watermelon Smoothie: KRW 7,200 / Limited summer menu
• Cool Lime Mojito: KRW 6,900
• Old Fashioned Chocolate Soda: KRW 6,900
• Homemade Chocolate Milk: KRW 6,800
Blended Tea and Fragrant Tea Options
Tea lovers can choose from blended drinks and several classic tea selections at Mermaid’s Recipe. Yuzu Chamomile Relaxer combines yuzu and chamomile with rosemary, while Lemon Ginger Tea pairs lemon and ginger for a warm and comforting drink.
The tea menu also includes Earl Grey, fruity Red Berries, caffeine-free Rooibos Vanilla, Royal Blend, Marco Polo, Chamomile, and Peppermint. These selections provide lighter alternatives for guests who want a beverage to pair with dessert without ordering coffee.
• Yuzu Chamomile Relaxer: KRW 6,800
• Lemon Ginger Tea: KRW 6,800
• Earl Grey
• Red Berries
• Rooibos Vanilla
• Royal Blend
• Marco Polo
• Chamomile
• Peppermint
• Tea menu: HOT KRW 6,000 / ICED KRW 6,500
From Mango Yogurt Parfait to Watermelon Sorbet
One of the desserts frequently mentioned in visitor reviews is the mango parfait. At Mermaid’s Recipe, Mango Yogurt Parfait combines homemade yogurt ice cream, fresh mango, homemade granola, and mango purée.
Cherry Chocolate Parfait includes homemade yogurt ice cream, fresh cherries, homemade chocolate crumble, chocolate granola, and cherry purée. During warmer months, visitors can also choose Watermelon Sorbet made with homemade watermelon sorbet, fresh watermelon pieces, and condensed milk.
Lemon Sorbet and the classic Affogato provide additional dessert options for visitors looking for something lighter or more traditional.
• Mango Yogurt Parfait: KRW 12,900
• Homemade yogurt ice cream, fresh mango, homemade granola, and mango purée
• Cherry Chocolate Parfait: KRW 12,900
• Homemade yogurt ice cream, fresh cherries, homemade chocolate crumble, chocolate granola, and cherry purée
• Watermelon Sorbet: KRW 9,400
• Homemade watermelon sorbet, fresh watermelon pieces, and condensed milk
• Lemon Sorbet: KRW 8,400
• Homemade lemon sorbet and homemade yogurt ice cream
• Affogato: KRW 6,800
• Vanilla ice cream, espresso, and chocolate couverture
Reservation Cakes for Special Occasions
In addition to regular desserts, Mermaid’s Recipe offers cakes that can be ordered through advance reservation. The provided reservation information lists Peach Yogurt Cake and Angel Heart Cake as available reservation products.
The reservation process is described as requiring payment to the designated account, followed by sending the depositor’s name to confirm the booking. Cake types, designs, prices, and available reservation dates may change, so customers planning to order a cake for a special occasion should check the latest reservation information beforehand.
• Peach Yogurt Cake available by reservation
• Angel Heart Cake available by reservation
• Cakes operate through an advance-reservation system
• Check available dates and designs before ordering
• The provided reservation screen does not display cake prices, so confirm the price during booking
What Visitors Frequently Mention in Reviews
Summaries of visitor reviews frequently identify the unusual kitschy interior and enjoyable brunch menu as two major strengths of Mermaid’s Recipe. Portland Bacon, House Made Corn Soup, and the various French toast options are often mentioned, while the fresh mango parfait also receives attention among the dessert choices.
The charming atmosphere and friendly staff are additional points mentioned by visitors. Rather than planning only a quick coffee stop, guests may be able to experience more of the cafe’s character by combining brunch, desserts, photography, and time to explore the interior.
• Distinctive kitschy interior
• Portland Bacon and House Made Corn Soup frequently mentioned
• Several varieties of French toast
• Eye-catching desserts such as mango parfait
• Charming interiors and photo spots
• Friendly staff service mentioned in visitor reviews
Mermaid’s Recipe Opening Hours and Last Order
Based on the provided operating information, Mermaid’s Recipe is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last order at 9:30 PM. Monday is listed as the regular weekly closing day.
Operating hours may differ on Korean public holidays. The provided schedule shows operation from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Liberation Day, but visitors planning to go on a public holiday should still confirm the latest opening information before traveling.
• Tuesday: 10:00–22:00
• Wednesday: 10:00–22:00
• Thursday: 10:00–22:00
• Friday: 10:00–22:00
• Saturday: 10:00–22:00
• Sunday: 10:00–22:00
• Monday: Closed
• Last order: 21:30
• Check holiday opening hours before visiting
Location and Transportation
Mermaid’s Recipe is located at 207-7 Pabal-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Unlike central Seoul areas such as Hongdae or Gangnam, the cafe is located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, so travelers coming from Seoul should allow enough time for transportation.
For public transportation, Gyeonggi Gwangju Station on the Gyeonggang Line can be used as the nearest major railway reference point. Recent visitor information describes the cafe as being approximately an 8- to 10-minute drive from Gyeonggi Gwangju Station.
Travelers coming from Seoul can take the Gyeonggang Line and continue by taxi, or include the cafe in a Seoul-area driving itinerary.
• Address: 207-7 Pabal-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Area: Tanbeol-dong, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Nearby railway station: Gyeonggi Gwangju Station, Gyeonggang Line
• Approximately 8–10 minutes by car from Gyeonggi Gwangju Station
• Suitable for a cafe trip or driving itinerary outside Seoul
• Allow extra transportation time when traveling from Seoul
Check Parking Information Before Your Visit
Visitor information suggests that guests may need to use nearby parking facilities rather than relying on a large dedicated parking lot at Mermaid’s Recipe. Some visitor reviews mention using parking around a nearby public health center or other surrounding parking areas.
Parking conditions may vary, particularly on weekends or during busy hours. Travelers arriving by car should therefore check available nearby parking before visiting and allow additional time in their schedule.
• Check dedicated parking availability before visiting
• Nearby public health center or public parking facilities have been mentioned by visitors
• Parking may be more crowded on weekends
• Include parking time when planning a visit by car
A Korean Cafe Worth Visiting for aespa Fans
If you love the visual atmosphere of aespa’s “Thirsty” or want to visit somewhere different from an ordinary franchise cafe in Korea, Mermaid’s Recipe can be a memorable destination.
The combination of pink American retro interiors, its connection to a K-pop filming location, brunch dishes, cakes, parfaits, and distinctive drinks creates several different experiences in one place.
Both the cafe interior and its colorful food and drinks are highly photogenic, making Mermaid’s Recipe suitable for K-pop filming-location trips, cafe tours with friends, or a day trip and drive outside Seoul.
• Filming-location destination for aespa fans
• Recommended for travelers searching for a distinctive retro cafe in Korea
• Suitable for enjoying brunch and desserts together
• A good choice for visitors who enjoy photography and videos
• Can be included in a day trip outside Seoul
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