[Seukon Exploration] The Specialness Beyond 31 at Baskin-Robbins

A Space Where Light and Harmony Meet Beautifully, Visiting Baskin-Robbins Apgujeong Station♥

Editor's Note
Words like ‘special·hot place·limited-time pop-up store’ instantly make the heart race. It’s because people are curious about what exactly makes these places so special and different that countless people visit them. If you don’t want to revisit places you’ve already been to but don’t want to miss out on the HOT spots others are going to, or if you want to visit somewhere special, you’ve come to the right place. Drinkit editors explore each store and deliver the experience as it is. Introducing Scon Exploration (Special Concept Store Exploration)! Were the editors able to truly catch the ‘special scent’ at the places they visited?

Before planning, we were overwhelmed by the variety of special concept stores each brand offers, making it hard to decide which store to visit first. We couldn’t help but be confused by the different charms and unique points of each store! Then, Baskin-Robbins CAFE31 Apgujeong Station branch caught our attention. From the signboard we faced upon arrival, it was different from the usual Baskin-Robbins, and stepping inside, we felt a different vibe. If you didn’t know what was special about this place, you might have just passed by thinking ‘It’s just a cafe...’ but from now on, you’ll think, ‘Was there such a place in Apgujeong?’ The first story of Scon Exploration begins now.

Baskin-Robbins CAFE31 Apgujeong Station Branch

Photo by Baskin-Robbins

◈ Exterior and Theme

This is Baskin-Robbins’ eighth concept store, themed ‘LUMINE.’ The word comes from the Latin ‘Lumen,’ meaning ‘light,’ and it means ‘to illuminate’ or ‘to decorate with light.’ The exterior already sets it apart from other Baskin-Robbins stores. Exterior, pass-! Also, since ‘Lumine’ is the main concept, the store showcases interior goods featuring ‘Lumir’ lighting on one side of the store.

Upon entering, dozens of light bulbs greet us splendidly. Am I wrapped in dazzling lights...? Unlike other stores, the sales booth where staff stay is located in the center of the store, reminiscent of a cocktail bar. The store doesn’t have many seats inside, but thanks to this, the distance between seats is relatively spacious.

The sales booth features a large model of the store’s signature menu, catching the eye. Even if you visited Baskin-Robbins without much thought, you might feel compelled to order by the realistic model visuals.

◈ Special Menu

The reason for choosing this store is the signature menu items sold only at the Apgujeong Station branch. The differentiated signature menu includes ‘Brown Cheese Waffle Ice Cream, Ice Cream Fondue, Tenmini, Einsp?nner,’ among others. We ordered the Brown Cheese Waffle Ice Cream, Ice Cream Fondue, and this month’s flavor together.

Ice Cream Fondue, 15,900 KRW.

Among them, the most anticipated menu was none other than the Ice Cream Fondue. This menu started in 2005 but had disappeared for a while, which was disappointing. It comes with 12 flavors of ice cream, strawberries, bananas, madeleines, various crushed nuts, and pretzels. If you want to enjoy various ice creams and fruits, this is an excellent composition for the price. It’s not a particularly new taste, but anyone who has tried this menu in the past can enjoy it nostalgically.

*A quick note!

The editor also vaguely remembers being dazzled and dizzy when Ice Cream Fondue first appeared back then. Ice cream dipped in chocolate fondue? That’s unbelievable! When it was first introduced 17 years ago, it was sold at around 12,000 won. At that time, the minimum wage was about 2,800 won, so considering the cost of living, it was quite pricey. Nevertheless, it gained considerable popularity. However, it suddenly disappeared without warning.

Brown Cheese Waffle Ice Cream, 3,900 won.

The Brown Cheese Waffle Ice Cream was more ordinary than expected and below expectations. It didn’t feel much different from vanilla ice cream topped with brown cheese, which you can taste at many cafes’ croffle menus. The brown cheese flavor was weak, which was disappointing, and there is no intention to reorder.

Instead, I highly recommend ordering the Ice Cream Fondue. Looking at the menu composition, besides the 12 popular ice cream flavors, there are various treats, making it enjoyable for all ages. The value for the price is excellent, and the visual is GOOD!

◈ Overall Review

If you have a chance to visit Apgujeong Station, it wouldn’t be bad to stop by. Thanks to the warm and stylish atmosphere, it doesn’t feel like a Baskin-Robbins store, which is refreshing. Visiting in the evening will give an even cozier feeling. It’s a good place to visit when you want to enjoy the vibe of a sentimental cafe while reading a book. For nearby office workers, it’s also recommended as a place for business meetings. But if you come only to visit this store... well?

Four-Character Review: “A bit ambiguous”

Photo by Kim Taein