Top 9 Cafes In Seoul, South Korea

cafes in seoul
Seema
Seema 
Updated
| 4 min read

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is surrounded by four guardian mountains. It is believed that these mountains generate a powerful Feng Shui that protects the city. After the devastating Korean War, the city rose to establish itself as a key player in the Asian economy. This lively city never sleeps. And people here live life to the beat of the latest catchy K-pop songs. One of the best places to get a feel of the city is its popular cafes. These spaces, with their decor, food, and ambience, form a microcosm of the city. Sit back with a cup of coffee, relax, read a book, and see life pass by the Seoul style. Don’t know where to start? We’ve created a list of the best cafes to kickstart your cafe exploration in Seoul, South Korea.

1. Coffee Hanyakbang

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This cafe, tucked in a narrow alleyway at Euljiro, is a hidden treasure of Seoul. Step in and you’ll be transported to an enchanting Wang Kar Wai movie set brimming with old world charm. The creaking old floor, antique furnishings, wall panels with mother-of-pearl inlays, and other knick-knacks recreate the feel of a Korean medicine room. Their single-origin drip coffee and dessert are quite famous in the city. Relax here and soak in the heritage vibes.

Coffee Hanyakbang (커피한약방)

Address: 16-6, Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04542, South Korea

Website: Coffee Hanyakbang

Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday), and closed on Sunday.

Average price for two people: 7 USD

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2. Coffee Prince Cafe

Coffee Prince service counter
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michaela den used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For an authentic popular culture experience, visit Coffee Prince Cafe in Hongdae where the iconic Korean romantic drama series, ‘The 1st shop of Coffee Prince’ was shot. The cafe retains all the props, decor, and design used during the filming of the series and has souvenirs for sale at the counter. While the coffee and tea are priced more than other cafes nearby, you are actually paying for the Korean love-drama set experience.

Coffee Prince Cafe

Address: 5, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04053, South Korea

Website: Coffee Prince

Average price for two people: 11 USD

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3. Mouse Rabbit Coffee

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Beautiful facade of Mouse Rabbit! cr to the owner of this picture. Thank You!

Posted by Mouse Rabbit Coffee on Saturday, July 12, 2014

Mouse Rabbit Coffee, owned by K-pop star Yesung of Super Junior, has three floors each with a different ambience. The first floor houses the coffee counter. If you are lucky, you might find Yesung’s family or Yesung himself serving patrons. The lounge-like basement has low lighting and comfortable seating. The second floor has a minimalist decor with white walls, cafe seating, and various art products on display such as paper toys and handmade eco bags. Their signature drinks are Americano, Lemon Mojito, Strawberry Shaved Ice, and Chocolate Shaved Ice.

Mouse Rabbit Coffee

Address: 1 Neungdong-ro 11-gil, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Mouse Rabbit

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 9 USD

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4. Pink Pool Cafe

Pink Pool Cafe, in Stylenanda Pink Hotel, is like a princess’s castle. Classy pink decor with gold highlights and a touch of the Stylenanda design ethos creates a whimsical atmosphere. The drinks here are as exotic as the interiors, with Cotton Candy Ice Coffee a must order for avid Instagrammers. Lounge on a pink recliner on the terrace as you watch clouds float by or sip a drink with a huge of cotton candy by the pool while enjoying the latest K-pop songs.

Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe (스타일난다 핑크풀카페)

Address: 37-8 Myeongdong 8-Gil, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe

Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 12 USD

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Seoul Tour Guide

연경바람

연경바람

Discover a vibrant mix of past, present, and future of Korea on a journey you'll never forget. Our tours unlock the secrets of Korean history and culture, offering a profound understanding of the people who make this nation unique. Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, each whispering stories of Korea's fascinating past. Immerse yourself in traditional practices, savor delicious cuisine, and witness the dynamic modern scene. Engage with warm and welcoming Koreans, gaining insights into their lives and perspectives. Share your interests, and we'll tailor a personalized experience that ignites your passion. Join us and create unforgettable memories in Korea. Let us guide you on a journey that will touch your heart and enrich your soul.

Tours by 연경바람

5. Hola Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

# # # # # #holacafe

Posted by Hola Café on Monday, March 7, 2016

If you are looking for a break from Korean cafes, then Hola Cafe is perfect for you. This tiny cafe is run by Marco from Mexico. He uses authentic Mexican coffee which explains their bold, flavourful coffee. The cafe offers a wide selection of beverages, including lemonades and lattes. There’s a good selection of sandwiches and croissants to go with your drink as well as some hearty desserts like their famous homemade Mexican lemon pie. Spacious and bright, with some portraits of Frida Kahlo, this is a good space catch up on some work or just unwind.

Hola Cafe

Address: 23 World Cup-ro 13-gil, Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Hola Cafe

Opening hours: 11 p.m. to 10 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 18 USD

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6. Miss Lee Cafe

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The cafe was used as the filming location for popular Korean drama, ‘We Got Married’. With its romantic, high-school vibes this place has a youthful appeal. You’ll find notes of dreams everywhere, including a large tree lush with these notes. They serve traditional Korean snacks, Bingsoo (shaved ice with syrups and fruit toppings), and Dosirak (lunch box) meals. Try their popular Byeoldabang’s Memorial Assorted Dosirak which comes with sausage, egg, seaweed, and kimchi.

Miss Lee Cafe

Address: 03145 2nd Fl, 59 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Website: Miss Lee Cafe

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 12 USD

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7. Thanks Nature Cafe

Thanks Nature Cafe
Source: Photo by Flickr user Wei-Te Wong used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nature lovers will immediately feel at home in this beautifully designed, earthy cafe. The spacious interior is decorated with paintings and figurines of sheep, cows, and aeroplanes. While enjoying a cup of coffee, you can step out to the patio and play with their well-groomed friendly sheep, Anna and Sam. You have a range of beverages to choose from, all made with natural sweeteners. And their fresh fruit waffles are simply delicious and a must-have!

Thanks Nature Cafe

Address: 486 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Thanks Nature Cafe

Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 12 USD

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8. Ban Bossy Boutique

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

So dreammyyyy #seoul

Posted by Eme Abarracoso on Friday, September 28, 2018

Ban Bossy Boutique is a memorable cafe with its floral decor, pastel shades, and a 1950s-style glamour. Their desserts and beverages are as impressive as the interiors. The fresh lemonade with flower ice cubes is the perfect pick-me-up. For an adventurous drink try their Magic Tea and Bomb Shake. Cupcakes come with frosting flowers so delicate that you almost don’t want to break them. This cafe is sure to delight you with its feel-good factor.

Ban Bossy Boutique

Address: 19-22 Wausan-ro 17-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Ban Bossy Boutique

Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 14 USD

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9. Blind Alley

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Cat and dog cafes were quite popular a couple of years ago. Now, Blind Alley in Seoul has taken the pet theme a step further. Located near the Sookmyung Women’s University Station, this cafe houses three racoons, a corgi, and a capybara. Warm brown decor, inviting interiors, affordable and wide selections drinks make this cafe a nice stop for animal lovers. For a small fee, you can play with the mischevious tame racoons.

Blind Alley

Address: 76 Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Cheongpadong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Blind Alley

Opening hours: 12 a.m. to 10 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Average price for two people: 7 USD, Entrance fee for Racoons Room is 5.34 USD per person

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Cafe hopping in Seoul

Seoul offers a kaleidoscopic experience with palaces, pop culture, cutting-edge architecture, hiking trails, temples, and bustling street food and cafe culture. Visit these cafes to experience a slice of life in Seoul. You are sure to fall in love with the food and culture of the city!

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Joyang Bangjik Cafe

Contributed by Tour Guide, 연경바람

Joyang Bangjik
Source: 연경바람

If you don’t mind venturing outside of Seoul, you can head to Gangwhado Island, which is just a short distance from Seoul, Korea. Joyang Bangjik, which translates to Joyang Textile Mill, is a cafe in a former textile factory. The factory was built in 1933 during the Japanese colonial period when the textile industry was booming in Korea. In 2017, the factory was converted into a cafe, which is now a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The cafe is unique in its design and atmosphere. The original brickwork and machinery from the factory have been preserved, giving the cafe a rustic and industrial feel. The large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the cafe is decorated with plants and artwork, creating a relaxed and inviting space.

The cafe serves a variety of coffee, tea, and other drinks, as well as light snacks and desserts.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Seema Misra is an artist and writer. She has over nine years of experience in various writing fields including instructional design, editing, technical writing, business writing, travel writing,...Read more

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