We travel a lot with our son, and this time we went to Taean in South Chungcheong Province. Taean is close to where we live, so it always feels familiar. Manlipo Beach, where I went with my parents as a child and later on dates, has changed a lot, with plenty of pretty new cafes. My favorite is Cheonmangeum, an ocean-view cafe in Manlipo.
Cafes in Taean often have tight parking, but Cheonmangeum has a big lot. It’s run together with Cheonmangeum Pension, so it’s easy to pair with an overnight stay, as we did on this Taean trip.
Cheonmangeum is also known for bingsu, with lots of varieties. It was too cold for shaved ice the day we went, but bingsu was clearly the most popular order.
Options range from classic red bean to ube, roasted soybean powder, mango and Oreo. I’ll definitely try one next time.
Let me tell you about the seating: you can see the sea from every seat. It was raining when we visited, so we didn’t get the full view, but reviews show a stunning ocean panorama, which is why this popular Manlipo cafe was so busy.
There are large tables for families with sea views, and many groups of two or three generations. The sofas were soft and comfy.
Cheonmangeum is a bakery cafe too, with salt bread, walnut tarts and other desserts that go well with coffee, perfect after a meal. A nearby stone-pot jjajang restaurant reportedly hands out cafe coupons, so the two make a nice combination.
There are plenty of tables, but it’s very popular on weekends, so expect a possible wait. Many people take out, and coffee comes quickly, so we didn’t wait long. There was no wait on Saturday, but Sunday seemed busier.
There are all kinds of chairs, and Yans had fun sitting everywhere for photos.
Photos with the ocean behind you look fantastic. Through the big windows, it feels more like the south coast or the East Sea than Taean, and even though it’s the West Sea, the water looked so blue. Chollipo Beach and Chollipo Arboretum are nearby, so it’s a great stop after sightseeing.
There are plenty of books, so it’s a good place to read quietly. On a weekday, gazing at the sea with a book would be lovely.
Coffee is made by a robot barista and a Starbucks coffee machine, so drinks come out fast with no waiting.
We ordered milk tea, banana milk and an Americano, and they arrived quickly. They were delicious; I didn’t expect much from machine-made coffee, but I was impressed. At a busy tourist spot, fast service matters, and that’s a real strength at Cheonmangeum.
Non-coffee drinkers have plenty of options too.
Cheonmangeum is dog-friendly. The owner has a white Jindo dog, and many dog owners visit. It’s hard to find cafes and restaurants that welcome dogs, so places like this are a treat.
Quick coffee, Starbucks caramel macchiato and great bingsu: Cheonmangeum is the perfect Manlipo cafe to stop by after Chollipo Arboretum.
If you’re planning a trip to Taean, drop by for the ocean views. It welcomes both kids and dogs, all the more reason to visit.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in March 2024 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.