With over 10,000 cafes in Seoul itself, you’re bound to find some stiff competition and unique finds! Seoul is a city that never sleeps, and that means there is always a place to get a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax, a trendy place to socialize, or a creative space to work, you can find it in one of the many cafes that dot the capital of Korea’s streets.
What really sets Seoul’s cafe scene apart from those around the world is the sheer number of unique cafe experiences you can find aside from just having your normal iced coffee to go. Besides great aesthetics, many of the cafes in Seoul also feature experiences, cultural architecture, art, activities, and much more! It seems like every time I come back to Seoul, I’m checking out more coffee shops from a list that never ends.
It’s hard to pick among the thousands (or possibly tens of thousands!) of cute cafes in Seoul, but I’ve narrowed it down to my favorites. Note that these options are not in any particular order!
Cheongsudang
Cheongsudang is my favorite cafe in Seoul, hands down. Literally translating to “clear water room,” this cafe tucked in a hidden bamboo forest in the bustling artistic district of Ikseon-dong embodies the peace and calm associated with its name. Seating ranges from the cushioned floor overlooking the bamboo forest with its numerous tiny fish to a stone counter covered in minuscule trees and plants. I love the tiramisu cakes, they’re absolutely gorgeous, and the drinks are as delicious as they are aesthetic. Sipping away at tea or coffee in Cheongsudang’s magical forest, it’s too easy to forget that you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world.
Address: 31-9, Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Cafe Onion
Cafe Onion located in Anguk is one of the most popular cafes in all of Seoul for its gorgeous hanok (or traditional Korean architecture) interior and courtyard. And when I say one of the most popular, you’ll have to be ready to queue for hours if you want to come on a weekend. Their housemade pastry and bread options are released one by one every morning fresh from the oven, and you’ll want to bring a friend because the portions are massive.
The house specialty is their pandoro, a cone-shaped pastry covered in powdered sugar, but we were more impressed by the strawberry tart. The options here change throughout the seasons, so even if neither of those are up your alley, you’re guaranteed to find something delicious at Cafe Onion.
Address: 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Dae-o Bookstore
K-pop fans will surely love Dae-o Bookstore—this historic swimming pool-turned-bookstore-turned-cafe (yes, all of those) is frequented as a shooting set for famous idols, including BTS’s RM and soloist IU. Even if you aren’t interested in K-pop, it’s hard not to fall for the kitschy, vintage-style charm of this tiny cafe crammed among the dusty shelves full of antique books. Only a handful of drinks are available, and to be honest, the beverage selection isn’t the main draw here. It’s more fun to pick around the cozy interior, examine the piano room, and imagine the historic movies and music videos that were shot here.
Note that full-size cameras are not allowed. Phones are OK!
Address: 55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, 청운효자동 Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Rafre Fruit
Rafre Fruit is a mainstay on Korean social media and definitely one of the most popular cafes in Seoul. They are famous for their seasonal bingsu that changes fresh fruit themes every few months based on what’s in season—summer strawberries, winter Jeju oranges, autumn figs, and so forth. Even on weekdays, you’ll find an hour-long queue just to get your hands on the bingsu that’s as delectable as it is Instagrammable!
If you’re not a bingsu fan or it’s too cold outside, Rafre Fruit also serves cream cakes with fresh fruit sliced inside. Since fruit tends to be expensive in Korea, this spot isn’t cheap, but it’s definitely a cafe in Seoul that is worth visiting at least once!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seoulsup 2-gil, 8-8 2층 (Seongsu Location)
Veranda
Tucked away in a tiny alley is the sun-drenched Veranda, a cafe in Seoul that boasts vintage books and year-round cozy aesthetics. Snuggle into one of the corners with leafy plants and a book, sipping on a hot coffee with a plate of basil-marinated tomatoes and crusty bread. I adore this cafe and it’s a bit of a hidden gem, one of the lesser-known coffee shops in Seoul!
Address: 9-4 Sajik-ro 10-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Nuldam Space
Nuldam Space is one of the most unique cafes in Seoul—at this spot, you can write yourself a letter and have it mailed to you in the future! I love the different letter formats and you can even seal the envelope with your very own melted wax seal. Nuldam Space lets you choose which date you want your letter mailed out (within a year), and you can send it internationally—making it perfect even for foreign visitors like myself.
Address: 24 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea (Gyeongbokgung Palace Branch)
Haus Coffee & Dessert
Is this the prettiest cafe in Seoul? Located at the end of a picturesque park is Haus Coffee & Dessert, which has both a modern space and this gorgeous hanok area with windows, floor seating, and wisteria hanging from the ceiling. I felt so at peace with the windows thrown open, sipping on my omija-ade and watching people jog through the park just outside. If you come in the fall, you can even see the persimmons starting to ripen on the trees just outside the window!
Address: 257-8 Dongho-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Tteul-An
I’ve already listed two hanok cafes on this list alone, so what makes Tteul-An special? Unlike Cheongsudang and Onion, which have traditional exteriors but are modern cafes at the core, Tteul-An is fully dedicated to its historical aesthetic. The tea options are all extremely traditional, such as medicinal herbal tea and pear tea, as are the desserts. There are no pastel lattes or French pastries here. Instead, you’ll sample hard squares of sesame, puffed rice crackers, and dried persimmon stuffed with chopped walnuts. Of course, you’ll also be treated to the typical floor seating and a small side garden. The vibe is relaxed, slow, and authentic—a perfect way to step back in time and take a breather at the same time.
Address: 35-169, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Standard Bread
If there’s one thing I’ve realized about Korea, it’s that bread culture here is taken very seriously. One of the most popular cafes in Seoul is a bakery called Standard Bread, where people queue for up to two hours just to get their hands on the viral butter salt bread that makes the rounds on social media. The store smells like fluffy brioche and warm butter, with delicious tea and coffee to round out your brunch. If you can, show up before items start selling out and try their bread of the day, or go for the classic butter salt bread or tissue bread instead!
Address: 37 Seongsui-ro 18-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Peach Gray
One unique feature of Seoul is the number of activity-related cafes. You can find sewing cafes, laundry cafes, and of course classic pet cafes, among hundreds of other options. Peach Gray is a relatively low-key watercolor cafe located in trendy Jamsil, near the famous Lotte World Tower, where you can paint and eat at the same time. A custom watercolor set and drink are only 10,000 won, with the option to add some fluffy souffle pancakes on the side. The food and drink are quite delicious, but the star of the show is peacefully sitting and painting away for an hour or two, before admiring your masterpiece on a full stomach. It’s great fun, especially on a rainy day.
Address: 14-1 Garok-ro 21-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
☕ Want to visit even more Korean cafes? How about taking a trip down to Busan, where you can enjoy your coffee by the sea coast? Check out my list of things to do in Busan!
Cafe Pokpo
Did you know you can see a waterfall in the middle of Seoul? Cafe Pokpo is located directly across from the Hongjecheon Ingong waterfall, a 60-meter-high artificial waterfall in the middle of the city. Even though the waterfall is man-made, the sound of falling water and the artfully placed greenery and rocks make it super soothing to look at! This is definitely one of the most unique cafes in Seoul.
While I think sitting at the cafe and enjoying the view is an excellent way to pass an hour or two, you don’t actually need to buy anything at the cafe in order to see the waterfall. The falls themselves are open to the public and you can pass through here anytime.
Address: 262-29 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
1인1잔 (Irin Iljan – One Cup Per Person)
At the foot of the majestic Bukhansan mountains on the north side of Seoul is Eunpyeong Hanok Village, a beautiful area dedicated to Korea’s traditional hanok houses. Here is where you’ll find the extremely popular Irin Iljan (literally translating to “one cup per person”), a multi-story cafe in Seoul that boasts beautiful views over the entire hanok village and the mountains beyond.
Irin Iljan is most famous for its third-floor corner view overlooking Eunpyeong Hanok Village, but there’s actually very little seating in the corner itself. We simply snagged whichever seat was available and came over to the window just for photos. If you’re interested in the view from the fourth floor, you’ll need to order food instead of just drinks or snacks.
Address: 534 Yeonseo-ro, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea
The Cafe Hopping Never Ends!
If that isn’t enough cafe options for you, here are some other standouts in Seoul that are worth visiting if you have enough time:
- Smallucke: A cozy cafe with soft couches and beautiful window views, especially in the spring and fall. Famous for their fruit cream cakes not unlike the ones at Rafre Fruit, but I personally think the view here is better!
- Whitebirch Story: A comfortable cafe in Insa-dong with hanok influence and traditional feels, perfect for people-watching.
- Brady’s Cafe: A cute cafe with beautiful drinks and lots of natural light! The menu changes frequently and I love how pretty the interior is, especially the spaces near the window with the floral water basin.
- Sumsei Terrarium: A plant-themed gallery crossed with a cafe featuring five rooms of exhibits focused on nature and sustainability. Aside from being breathtakingly beautiful, the cafe also aims to educate visitors on ecology initiatives. Your drink is included in the entrance fee.
- Art x Shift: A trendy experimental blue art gallery that also functions as a cafe. The interior is extremely vibrant and feels like a modern museum, designed to create immersive artistic experiences for the guests.
- T.Nomad Seoul: Another beautiful traditional-style cafe with floor cushions, traditional tea and desserts, and warm wooden interiors.
- Cafe Lingling: A tiny cafe featuring beautiful pastel artwork in the drinks and on their pastries and cakes. The interior is otherwise unremarkable and monochrome, but the food is extremely maximalist (and heaven for pink and blue lovers).
I hope you enjoyed my selection of favorite cafes that Seoul has to offer. These cafes are not just places to get a cup of coffee, but destinations to explore and discover. Each of them has a unique atmosphere and menu that reflects the culture and personality of Seoul. Whether you want to experience the traditional, the modern, or the elaborate, you can find it in one of these cafes. Happy cafe hopping, and let me know your thoughts if you visited any of these!
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