Must-visit cafes for your next trip to Seoul
Seoul, South Korea, is a bustling metropolis well known for its coffee culture.
Yeonnam Coffee Shop. Image: Chelsea Cheetham for Cherry Chu Magazine.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or tend to opt for something caffeine-free, Seoul has a plethora of cafes to suit everyone’s taste. Here are our top-picks that you’ll immediately want to save to Naver Maps ready for your next trip.
Cafe Sudal, Insadong
Set in a traditional Korean Hanok, this seemingly subdued cafe is brimming with charm. Beautifully decorated with floral paintings and aesthetic oddities, this cafe offers a wide variety of options to choose from.
Adorning some cups and used to decorate the drinks, you’ll find the cafe’s otter mascot; a nice addition to the wholesome vibe. You can also buy cafe merchandise if you’re in need of a cute tumbler for on-the-go. And don’t worry if your Korean level is low, you can order your drinks and desserts at the kiosk.
Read a full review of Cafe Sudal here.
Location: 서울 종로구 율곡로 49-14
Price: $
Instagram: @cafe_sudal
However Yeonnam, Yeonnam-dong
If you’re a user of Instagram reels, you most likely will have seen this viral rainbow cafe at least once (or a hundred times). But does it live up to the hype?
The iconic cake on everyone’s feed is a simple, not-too-sweet, Castella cake. The thing that gives it the wow factor? The rainbow milk pouring cream, of course! That pour is definitely not for the weak of heart and will likely need sharing as the portion is pretty large. However, rather than being sickly sweet like icing, this rainbow cream is silky smooth and won’t leave you feeling too full. While the drink selection offers some yummy choices, the cafe’s vibrant pop-art aesthetic and rainbow cake are what everyone’s really there for.
Location: 서울 마포구 연희로1길 45-6 하우에버 연남
Price: $$
Instagram: @however_yeonnam
Yeonnam Coffee Shop, Yeonnam-dong
If you’re a fan of cafe hopping then Yeonnam-dong is the gift that will keep on giving. Another cafe worth noting in this area is Yeonnam Coffee Shop (연남다방).
This cafe should be a priority if you’re travelling with someone who is restricted to eating gluten free. The cakes in Yeonnam Coffee Shop are made with rice flour, so everyone in your group can enjoy a sweet treat here. While swapping out the gluten, this cafe definitely doesn’t skip on the flavour! You’re also sure to see people whipping out their cameras to take photos with the minimal but typical Korean-aesthetic as a backdrop.
Location: 서울 마포구 연희로1길 36 1.5층
Price: $
Instagram: @yeonnamdabang
Music Complex Seoul Annyeong Insadong Branch, Insadong
This spot is most ideal for those travelling solo or as a couple. While not super notable for its menu, Music Complex Seoul is a cafe you have to visit purely for the experience. As far as LP cafes go, this one is definitely a favourite.
The drinks may seem extortionate at first glance, but this cafe-cum-bar’s entry fee is included in the price of your first drink (all drinks purchased after that are priced regularly). So make the most of it and stay for a while! There are plenty of records to choose from and each table has its own turntable and headphones so you don’t have to worry about other people listening in; nobody will judge your music choices here. Located in the Annyeong Insadong shopping complex, this cafe is the perfect place to end a busy day of searching for souvenirs.
Location: 서울 종로구 인사동길 49 안녕인사동 5층 뮤직컴플렉스 서울
Price: $$
Instagram: @music.complex.seoul
Koriko Cafe, Yeonnam-dong
This one’s for the Studio Ghibli fans. Tucked away on a quiet street in Yeonnam-dong, this magical cafe has wonders-a-plenty in store.
Themed like the popular Studio Ghibli animation, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989), this quaint cafe boasts a shop overflowing with Studio Ghibli merchandise imported from Japan and a delightfully themed menu of delicious treats. The staff wear outfits reminiscent of Kiki’s blue dress and red bow, just to top off the exceptional theming. While the desserts are on the pricey side in this cafe, the overall vibe and taste are entirely worth the splurge.
Location: 서울 마포구 성미산로 165-7 대원미디어 연남점
Price: $$$
Instagram: @cafe_koriko
Other notable cafes:
79 Founyard Hapjeong Branch (79파운야드 합정점): This cafe is easily identifiable for its duck egg blue exterior and cute animal cakes adorning the window, enticing you in. The croffles here are a must-try item and they’re priced incredibly fairly for the portion size.
Location: 서울 마포구 양화로6길 80 1층 (@79founyard_hapjeong)
COUCH: Located near Seoul Station exit 3, you’ll first notice the iconic sight of Namsan Tower at the top of the hill when you reach COUCH (which sits at the bottom of said hill). Though small, this bespoke coffee bar is simply delightful. With its small, carefully crafted menu, COUCH is perfect for the coffee connoisseur.
Location: 서울 용산구 한강대로104길 6 2층 couch coffee (@couch.seoul)
Cafe333: If you’re a K-pop fan visiting Seoul, this cafe is a must for you. Located in the hip area of Hongdae, visit Cafe333 during a popular K-idol’s birthday to see it transform. With a different themed menu for each idol’s birthday, this cafe is one that any fan of K-pop is sure to enjoy.
Location: 서울 마포구 와우산로29라길 12 (@hongdaecafe333)
CORCOVADO (꼬르꼬바두): While being a little difficult to find, this cafe is well worth the twists and turns to get there. Coffee lovers will take delight in this Brazil themed coffee roasters. Both inside and out, this cafe has a calming aesthetic that will entice you to bring a book and chill out for a few hours. In spring when the temperature is mild you’ll enjoy this cafe most when you sit outside among the water features and soothing bird sounds.
Location: 서울 종로구 수표로 86-11층 카페 꼬르꼬바두 (@cor_covado)
