South Korea is on the rise and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Everyone who visits will undoubtedly head to Seoul. The city has everything, from traditional Korean buildings and modern skyscrapers to street markets and chic bars and clubs. Gyeongbokgung Palace is an attraction that is not to be missed. The palace is so huge that it has more than 7,000 rooms. If you feel tired, you can relax a bit near the lake or refresh around the lush trees in the park of the palace. Here, try wearing Hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, and be a Korean for the day. Bukhansan National Park is another point of interest which you should visit. The park features many hiking trails, a variety of flora and fauna and, of course, spectacular views. To have fun, visit Lotte World. The theme park boasts abundant thrilling rides. You can also enjoy the swimming pools and ice-skating area, among others. For an ultimate getaway in the soul of Korea, we also recommend you to stay in either one of the best themed hotels or any of the affordable Airbnb vacation rentals you can find pretty much everywhere in the city. Also, spare time to visit some or all animal cafes available in Seoul as they feature different animals. Read on to learn more about these animal cafes in Seoul, South Korea.
1. Meerkat Friends
From the name alone, you’d know what this animal café is all about! Joining the bandwagon of popular pet cafes in this beautiful city, Meerkat Friends offers you a totally different take on the animal café craze as it features not just your usual dogs and cats but exotic wallabies, raccoons, a South African genet, and, yes, meerkats as well! But don’t you worry about these cuddly animals because they’re all professionally tamed.
This café and restaurant serves a range of Korean and international dishes for customers to enjoy. The place also features a bright and cozy dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing the perfect atmosphere for both humans and animals alike. Visting this restaurant should be included in your list of things to do in Seoul.
Meerkat Friends
Address: 364-3 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Meerkat Friends
Opening hours: 12pm - 9:30pm (daily)
2. Wanggwan House (왕관하우스)
If you’re a bird lover, then the Wanggwan House café is the best option for you. This cozy café allows you to meet and greet different bird species including colorful cockatoos, finches, and parrots. You also get to see a variety of macaws like the African grey and the blue and yellow macaw. Also, if you’re looking to get a parrot as a pet, you can do so here as the owner is a parrot breeder.
Wanggwan House is a bird café where you can also enjoy sumptuous food and tasty drinks—from coffee to juices.
Wanggwan House
Address: 101-5 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
3. Bau House Dog Cafe
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Who does not love dogs? These man’s best friends are happy to welcome you to Bau House Dog Cafe in Seoul and shower you with sweet doggie love. All the dogs are well-groomed, healthy and fluffy and you can choose whether to spend time in the small dog area or big dog area. To spend as long as you want to in the cafe to play with your new little friends, you are required to purchase at least one drink and the price is quite costly. It is, however, worth it. A cup of coffee and a few dogs around you, it is the best experience.
Bau House Dog Cafe
Address: 64 Yanghwa-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 1.30PM - 10.30PM (weekdays), 12.30PM - 11PM (weekends)
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4. Blind Alley
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Yes, as you can see in the picture, Blind Alley is one of the most popular animal cafes in Korea that is unlike the others because it is filled with raccoons. Despite their mischievous behavior, they will still win your heart every time they look into your eyes. You just cannot resist them and end up giving them treats. Enjoy sweet moments with the raccoons while indulging in a cup of coffee. The coffee menu served here includes Hazelnut Latte, Dark Chocolate Latte and Sweet Potato Latte. You can also order from a selection of teas and fresh juices.
Blind Alley
Address: 76 Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Cheongpadong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10.30AM - 10PM
5. Gio Cat
Cats are amazing and they can make you feel relaxed, that is what people say. If you are looking to enjoy some amazing time with more than ten breeds of cats, including Scottish Fold and Persian, Gio Cat is the right cafe for you. You can stroke your favorite cat while taking a sip of your coffee, tea or juice. The cafe can be found near Hongik University.
Gio Cat
Address: 12-6 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 1PM - 10PM (Mon) & 1PM - 11PM (Tue - Sun)
6. Koopet
Not everyone will find this cafe attractive because not everyone likes reptiles. But for a lifetime experience, visiting Koopet is a must. Combining the concept of a reptile cafe and a pet store, Koopet allows visitors to touch and feed all the reptiles. Lizards, snakes, iguanas and tortoises are among the reptiles you can find. As for the menu, you can order an Americano or a selection of organic teas.
Koopet
Address: 147-7 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10.30AM - 10PM (closed on Mondays)
7. Godabang Cat Cafe
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Another cafe featuring cats is Godabang Cat Cafe. Before you can meet the super adorable cats, you are required to remove your shoes and wear indoor slippers provided. You will also have to pay for a mandatory drink. Good news is, you are free to stay for as long as you want. When you are inside the cafe, you can roam around and play with those fur balls.
Godabang Cat Cafe
Address: 51-14 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 1PM - 10PM
8. Thanks Nature Cafe
Finally, we have Thanks Nature Cafe, an animal cafe that is quite unique compared to the others because it features cute and fluffy sheep. Have a very good time indulging in delicious drinks and tasty banana-strawberry waffles, the cafe’s popular menu. The best thing is the sheep would like to accompany you and if you touch them with love, they will love you back. In addition to the real sheep, you can also see sheep toys and paintings throughout the entire cafe.
Thanks Nature Cafe
Address: 10 Hongik-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 11AM - 10PM
Make new animal friends
There is nothing cuter than animals, be it a sheep, a cat, a dog or even a snake. While enjoying your vacation in Seoul, it is highly recommended to make stops at the animal cafes such as the many dog cafes in Seoul listed above for a truly memorable vacation in South Korea. For more food scenes, check out some Korean restaurants and halal restaurants also found in the city.
Editor’s note: Trip101 has always been against animal cruelty, and we’re constantly striving to raise awareness for establishments related to animal welfare, such as animal cafes. Please highlight to us immediately if you see signs of poor care or cruelty, and we will do our best to report true facts and fight for animal rights together.