This Hidden Warehouse Cafe in Daejeon Blew My Mind | Common B Review
A Family Lunch That Led to a Hidden Gem
After a long-overdue family lunch, we needed coffee — because in Korea, grabbing a cafe drink after a meal is practically an unwritten rule. The question was where to go. Then it hit me: Common B, a cafe I hadn't visited in over 15 months.
Honestly, the first thing I did was Google whether it was still open. Common B is tucked away in one of those spots only locals know about — the kind of place where you could easily drive right past it. Thankfully, it was still up and running. I was curious to see if anything had changed, or if it still had that same magic.
The Warehouse Exterior — Less Shocking the Second Time Around
Since this was my second visit, the industrial exterior didn't catch me off guard like before. The first time I came here, I genuinely couldn't tell if it was a cafe or an actual storage building. But now that I know what's waiting inside, I walked in feeling more comfortable than surprised.
Step Inside: A Completely Different World
But here's the thing — the moment you push open the door, everything flips. The dull warehouse exterior gives way to a completely different scene. Warm lighting, beautifully maintained plants, and sleek interior design come together to create something that feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. Whatever disappointment you might have felt looking at the outside instantly turns into genuine awe.
Soaring Ceilings and Natural Light
The ceilings are impressively high, and natural light pours in from above, making the whole space feel bright and airy. You'd never expect this kind of openness from a converted warehouse. It's clear that a lot of thought went into the design.
Every angle in this place is photo-worthy. If you're visiting with a partner, your Instagram feed is basically going to curate itself.
The Showstopper: A Tree Art Installation in Glass
Right in the center of the space, there's this incredible tree art installation encased in glass — roots fully exposed and all. It honestly feels like something you'd see in a modern art gallery, not a cafe. This single piece completely elevates the vibe and ties the whole aesthetic together. You can't help but stare at it.
The Best Part: Spacious, Thoughtful Seating
For me, the biggest win at Common B is the seating layout. Most cafes in Korea pack tables as tightly as possible to maximize capacity. Not here. The tables are spaced far enough apart that you can barely hear the people next to you. It makes a huge difference when you actually want to relax and enjoy a real conversation.
A Space Designed for Comfort, Not Capacity
You can tell the owner prioritizes guest comfort over squeezing in more covers. Cute little decorations, cozy chairs — once you settle in, you feel zero pressure to leave. It's the kind of place that makes you forget you ever judged it by its warehouse shell.
For more interior photos, check out the cafe section at the bottom of Hi-JSB. I wanted to include everything here, but the post was getting way too long!
The Dessert Showcase: Too Many Good Options
Now for the fun part — desserts. The glass showcase is packed with cakes, and choosing just one is a genuinely difficult task. What immediately caught my eye were these mountain-shaped slice cakes, layered with fluffy sponge, soft cream, and a generous dusting of nutty powder. They looked almost too good to eat.
Injeolmi Cake: Korean Tradition Meets Western Patisserie
The standout was the injeolmi cake — a fusion dessert that combines a soft Western-style sponge with injeolmi, a beloved Korean rice cake coated in roasted soybean powder. The result is something unexpectedly delightful: fluffy layers of cream with a subtle sweetness, finished with that warm, nutty soybean flavor that Koreans grew up loving. It's comforting in a way that's hard to describe, and it paired perfectly with the cafe's laid-back atmosphere.
Freshly Baked Pastries Worth Trying
Beyond the cakes, Common B also has a solid lineup of freshly baked goods. Dark chocolate croissants that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, golden egg tarts, sausage rolls — everything looked and tasted like it was made with real care.
The Einspänner: Cream Done Right
I ordered the Einspänner — a Viennese-style coffee topped with whipped cream — and the cream-to-coffee ratio was honestly impressive. The owner clearly doesn't skimp. You get that sweet, pillowy cream first, followed by the bitter punch of a strong Americano underneath. The contrast between the two keeps every sip interesting from start to finish.
A Warm Latte to Round Things Out
A family friend who joined us went for a hot latte, which came with a perfectly even layer of microfoam on top — simple but elegant. Sitting in that spacious room, each of us with our drink of choice, chatting without any rush — that's the kind of moment that actually recharges you.
15 Months Later, Common B Still Delivers
After being away for over a year, I'm happy to report that Common B hasn't lost any of its charm. The dramatic contrast between the rough warehouse exterior and the dreamy interior is still just as impressive. The generous seating layout meant our family could relax without feeling crowded or rushed.
From the cream-loaded Einspänner to the one-of-a-kind injeolmi cake, this place nails both the food and the atmosphere. Common B truly is a hidden gem — the kind of spot only locals know about, tucked away in Daejeon (about an hour from Seoul by KTX). If you're looking for a quiet, beautiful space to unwind with people you care about, this is the place. I know I'll be back.
