Whisky, Warm Light, and Midnight Coffee: Inside Fir.d

In Korea, cafés are more than places to grab a drink, they’re destinations shaped by atmosphere, identity, and the desire to slow down in style. Coffee culture here is deeply tied to aesthetics: people seek out spaces that feel unique, expressive, and “Instagrammable,” where the interior design, lighting, and even the desserts become part of the experience.

Trends shift quickly, from minimalist Scandinavian cafés to botanical greenhouses, vintage hideaways, and themed spaces that feel like stepping into another world , but the core appeal stays the same: a café must make you feel something the moment you walk in. It’s this blend of visual charm, comfort, and crafted mood that makes Korea’s coffeeshop culture so magnetic, drawing people not just for the drink in their hand, but for the story the space tells around it.

And in our South Jeolla’s Gwangju, there’s a place that stands out above the rest, a spot where atmosphere becomes an experience of its own, and the one I’ve kept returning to for the past two years.

Interior design of Fir.d Cafe.

Fir.d Coffee (퍼드커피) is one of those places you don’t simply walk into,  you drift into it, almost as if the city gently nudges you toward a quiet escape.

Hidden along a small street in Dong-gu, it doesn’t call attention to itself, but the moment you push open the door, the entire mood shifts. Warm light spills over dark wood and antique accents, creating a European-inspired atmosphere that feels like a mix between an old café in Prague and a cozy bar in a obscured corner of Paris.

Vintage chairs, shelves lined with little treasures, soft music humming in the background, everything inside seems carefully selected, not to impress, but to make you breathe a little slower. And during this time of year, the fireplace glows softly in the corner, Christmas lights trace warm patterns across the walls, and a beautifully decorated tree adds a gentle sparkle.

The whole place feels wrapped in a winter embrace, intimate, nostalgic, and a little magical. Fir.d is the kind of café where the air itself feels steeped in stories, and every detail whispers that someone here genuinely cares about atmosphere.

Me enjoying good desserts and quality time with friends at Fir.d.

Step outside to the terrace and the charm continues. There’s a quiet yard, a bit rustic, a bit romantic, the kind of spot where you can sip your drink under the open sky or linger with friends long after you meant to leave. And then there are the cats, calm, loved, and part of the identity of the place. They wander the space like soft, furry guardians of the café, making the environment feel even more like a home rather than a business. Everything moves slower here, in the best way.

Relaxing or chasing cats on Fir.d's terrace.

What truly makes Fir.d stand out, though, is its personality, that rare blend of café culture and whisky bar warmth. By day, you know it for its excellent coffee: beautifully extracted espresso, rich drip brews, and signature menus that showcase the quality of the beans they use. Their coffee has depth, clarity, and an honesty that keeps people returning.

But as the sun sets, the café doesn’t wind down; it glows. The counter shifts into an evening sanctuary where coffee lovers and night owls meet in the middle. You can sip a smooth whisky, enjoy a late-night conversation, or pair both worlds together, the scent of roasted beans mixing with the soft burn of something aged. This dual identity gives Fir.d a mature, stylish charm without ever feeling pretentious.

The fireplace.

Christmas vibe on.

Christmas mood on.

And the best part? It’s open until 1 a.m. While most cafés close their doors early, Fir.d stays awake for the ones who aren’t ready to end the night. Whether you’re wandering after dinner, needing a place to think, meeting someone special, or simply craving good coffee at an unusual hour, Fir.d feels like a warm light left on for you.

Desserts. There's always something new to try.

It’s not a place you visit once, it’s a place that lingers with you. Fir.d Coffee is an experience, a mood, a little world of its own. And once you step inside, it’s hard not to want to return. Enjoy your coffee and/or your whisky!

Instagram: @fir.d_coffee