As a Korean who grew up in Seoul, I’m super excited to share my honest take on the best coffee shops in Seongsu-dong!
Seongsu-dong has been called the Brooklyn of Seoul, and there are quite a few parallels. Seongsu-dong used to be a pretty industrial area, with different factories and warehouses. Today, shoe artisans still keep their small shops along the alleyways in this neighborhood.
Seongsu-dong started becoming trendy around the 2010s, and you’ll find plenty of unique cafes that are former warehouses. There’s so many hip shops and things to do in Seongsu-dong, that you could easily spend the whole day there and not get bored.
Which is why, you need coffee and sweets to keep you perked up in Seongsu-dong! I’m excited to share all my favorite spots with you.
Where is Seongsu-dong?
The Seongsu area is in the eastern part of Seoul, South Korea.
There’s four main stations that form this neighborhood. There’s Seongsu Station, Seoul Forest Station and Ttukseom Station to the west and Konkuk University Station in the Konkuk University area to the east.
With that, let’s dive into the best coffee shops in Seongsu-dong.
Best Coffee Shops in Seongsu-dong
1. 5to7
Step into this wooden oasis and enjoy some of the best souffle you’ll ever have. The Fruit Souffle (17,000 KRW, 13 USD) is incredible; the jiggly souffle is soft and plush, the mango puree makes it look so cute (like a little egg!) and the seasonal fruit brightens the whole experience.
There’s a lot of cafes and restaurants in Asia that feel like you’re in a little storybook, a cozy little cabin in Seoul Forest. 5to7 is one of those venues.
It’s fall year round here, with wooden everything, jute pendant lights and warm lighting. They’ve also got outdoor rooftop seating!
Address: 44-13 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. THOUSAND (따우전드 성수점)
THOUSAND’s pies are as tasty as they are beautiful. The Banana Cream Pie is incredible, which has this rich cream that exudes fresh banana and a rich vanilla bean flavor. But beware, because they sell out all the time!
The Apple Pie, Cheese Blueberry Pie and Cherrychee Pie are fantastic runner ups. A great slide of pie (7,000 KRW, 5 USD) isn’t complete with a nice cup of coffee! Down a delicious Latte (5,000 KRW, 3.75 USD) to help you digest your pie.
I love the Seongsu-dong location because it’s got such a retro vibe, complete with dark panel moulding on the walls, decorative old-world style tin ceilings, and channeled leather sofas.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Yeonmujang 1-gil, 7 1/F
3. Myosa (묘사서울)
I grew up on Baskin Robbins’ Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip (a forcefully acquired taste for baby Rhaime, I thought it was grown-up to eat toothpaste-flavored ice cream).
But nothing can cool you down like Bingsu can. My mom at one point bought a bingsu maker, and we’d grind blocks of frozen milk and douse it with condensed milk, sweet red bean paste and top it with a few pinky-sized pieces of mochi.
Myosa has an awesome traditional Korean twist on this shaved ice dessert. The Black Sesame Bingsu (12,000 KRW, 9 USD) has a very deep, savory nuttiness that anchors the shaved ice. They’ve also got a bunch of interesting, unique bingsu flavors like Green Pea, Doenjang (Fermented Soybean Paste) Caramel and Matcha Coconut.
Myosa also has cutesy shaped monakas, which are traditional Japanese cream and paste-filled desserts wrapped with a crispy wafer exterior. The Carp-Shaped Monaka (4,800 KRW, 3.60 USD) reminds me of my Grandma – of the memories eating ice-cream filled monakas in her living room thinking, “This traditional stuff ain’t that bad!”
They’ve also got Tiger, Bear and even Tree-shaped Monakas!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seoulsup 2-gil, 2 2/F
4. new at dawn (뉴앳던 성수)

new at dawn is a hidden gem of a cafe, with modern and hip vibes and views of Namsan Mountain from the 5th floor rooftop.

Koreans love their sweet potato cake, and I know Americans love oven-baked potatoes. new at dawn has the perfect in-between: the sumptuous, satisfying Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream (10,000 KRW, 7.50 USD). The triangular matcha Seoul Forest Cake (8,500 KRW, 6.40 USD) is oh-so-soft and the sweet red bean cream just melts in your mouth 🥺

Oh! Did I mention that new at dawn is pet-friendly?
Address: 9-16 Wangsimni-ro 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Bontemps (봉땅 서울숲)
Experience a modern twist on the Korean traditional donut, kkwabaegi, at Bontemps! Their kkwabaegi are so chewy and soft.
For pistachio lovers, try the decadent Dubai Chocolate (4,800 KRW, 3.60 USD), with intensely rich cream and generous amounts of chocolate pieces you can crunch with each bite. The Corn Cream and Salted Caramel Kkwabaegis are also a hit!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seoulsup 6-gil, 16-1 1/F
6. Scène (쎈느)
Pick from 4 different types of coffee beans at this two-storey minimal, brutalist cafe. Scène is spacious, and light flows in from the wide windows.
The second floor, where you’ll find pop-up stores for brands like Dior and Calvin Klein, looks out onto the outdoor patio.
Address: 20 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
7. BREWC (브루크)

You know, I’m a fan of the modern, minimalist cafe, but sometimes that gets old. When you’re in the mood for something different, fun, romantic and moodier – BREWC is your place.
The owner was inspired by a trip to Italy, as you can tell from the play of words (“baroque”). You’ll see that antique vibe play out on the ceiling, on the walls and just about anywhere you’ll look. Even the bathroom is beautiful and photo-worthy!

The coffees are delicious, and so is the elegantly presented Tiramisu (14,500 KRW, 11 USD).
Address: 29-1 Ttukseom-ro 15-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
8. Seongsu Baking Studio (성수 베이킹 스튜디오)
It was an honor when my French friend told me, after visiting Korea, that we’ve figured out the bread thing. Dare she say that (she said this, not me!), the bread, pastries and desserts were even better than in France ⁉️
Let’s put that to the test at Seongsu Baking Studio.
Seongsu Baking Studio gets the basics right; the chewy baguette and tasty ham of the Jambon Beurre (5,800 KRW, 4.35 USD) hit the spot. Be sure to grab a couple fresh Baguettes (3,000 KRW, 2.25 USD) and buttery Croissants (3,500 KRW, 2.60 USD) for the road!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, 668-123 B/1
9. Beton (베통 성수 플래그십)
Salt bread has taken Korea by the storm, and you’ll find the best of the best at Beton.
The salt bread here has a pretty unique shape – it looks a little like a big, fluffy croissant that connects to form a circle at either end. It’s not only impressive by looks though, because the shape means that you get to enjoy a thicker texture in the softer middle and crispy bites at the bottom end.
The classic Salt Bread (3,900 KRW, 3 USD) is always my favorite. It’s buttery but not too oily, and the inside is moist and a chewy mouthful.
Note that you can only buy 4ps per person, two of any one type, and it’s likely that you’ll need to stand in line. But the service is outstanding – the guy outside is so friendly, walks you through the Beton way of making salt bread and keeps checking up on you!
Address: 315-47 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
10. ddd

This expansive cafe has high ceilings and cool concrete walls. Plop a seat in the outdoor terrace and enjoy a leisurely catchup with friends with a piece of cake and a coffee!

Kinda random, but there’s a bed in the middle of the cafe, giving major Ikea vibes haha. It’s a good place to rest your legs after walking all around Seongsu-dong and snap a couple pics.

Address: South Korea, 4F Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, 271-12 KR Seoul, Seongdong-gu
11. Permanent Habitat (퍼머넌트해비탯)
Permanent Habitat is a simple and lovely little oasis nestled on the 4th floor, with views of Namsan Tower.
The Iced Coffee Cream Latte (6,500 KRW, 5 USD) is soothingly smooth and is delicious with the cherry-covered Syo-Tong cake, which is a cassata encased in meringue.
If you’re searching for a cozy spot to read a book or relax one-on-one, this is it 🙂
Address: 9 Seoulsup 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
12. LOOOP (루프 베이커리 카페)

Treat yourself to a nice slice of cake and head on over to the rooftop at LOOOP Bakery Cafe. The staircase going up to the rooftop is especially pretty, like you’re headed into the sky 🤪

There’s plenty of seats on the rooftop and also on the lower floors of this four-storey cafe.

Korea doesn’t have tons of vegan options yet, but LOOOP’s got you covered – try out their Vegan Chocolate Bagel!

They also have a bunch of different filter coffee options, like the Panama Janson Geisha (19,000 KRW, 14 USD).

Address: 9-13 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongsu 2-ga 3-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
13. B DAY
Growing up, K-Pop was my way of life. Without fail, I’d watch the weekly live concerts that played on the living room TV. Then, I’d head to school and we’d play pretend the different idols and practice the dance routines for hours on end.
While I don’t really listen to K-Pop anymore, I understood when BTS became major around the world. I know that’s more than just music or the dance routines. The fandom of K-Pop groups are next level!
If you’re visiting Korea as a major K-Pop fan or want a taste of that lifestyle, head on over to B DAY, which rotates themes around different K-Pop idols.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Ttukseom-ro, 47-7 1/F
14. Tongue Seongsu (텅 성수 스페이스)

Wigs hung up from the ceiling and tongue cookies. I love the weird, funky vibes at Tongue Seongsu.

Walk in and the first thing you’re greeted with is a mini media art gallery.

I love that there’s so many distinct pockets of seating and vibes at Tongue Seongsu. Plus, they have great coffee and their adorable Emoji Cakes (14,000 KRW, 10.50 USD) are worth a try!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsui-ro, 82 2/F
15. Lowkey (로우키)
Lowkey is serious about coffee and is also an awesome place to park yourself and work from home. Ask for the Specialty Coffee (5,000-9,000 KRW, 4-7 USD), and the barista will talk you through the 5-6 different blends on hand, hailing from places like Ethiopia, Peru, El Salvador and Kenya.
The first floor has high ceilings and gets tons of light. There’s also a cozy basement floor.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the resident tabby cat!
Address: 6 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
16. Cheongsang Gaok (천상가옥)
Cheongsang Gaok means “heavenly estate.” Looking up to the romantic vibes of the sheer draped curtains in the ceiling makes me understand why 🪽🪽
The desserts at Cheongsand Gaok as as tasty as they are beautiful. The homemade raspberry jelly of the Victoria Pound Cake (8,900 KRW, 7 USD) is garnished with a halo of edible leaves. The Brick Cake is shaped exactly like you’d think and is an ice-cream cake with an Oreo encasing.
Pair the chewy croissant + cookie = Crookie (6,900 KRW, 5 USD) with the sweet Viennese coffee, Einspänner (6,500 KRW, 5 USD).
You might give a belly rub to the resident doggos Kelly and golden retriever Eden at this pet-friendly cafe, which has six-option strong pet cafe menu (how ’bout a Puppy Spanner and Pizza, floofy one?).
Address: 14 Seongsui-ro 14-gil, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Top floor of Seongsu Yeonbang)
17. Center Coffee (센터커피 서울숲점)
I love hidden gems that make you feel like you’re traveling in place. Take a step away from the hustle and bustle of the city in this three-storey cafe overlooking Seoul Forest.
It’s just the best journaling, savoring their fantastic coffee and taking in the fresh air from the awning windows that are creaked open. Reminds me of springtime in New England!
Address: 28-11 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
18. Daelim Changgo (대림창고)
You know, I think what unites us yuppies around the world is a good warehouse-turned cafe.
Daerim Warehouse was originally built as a rice mill in the 1970s and then served as a warehouse starting from the 1990s. The founder, Hong Dong Hee, breathed a second life in this warehouse when he transformed it into a cafe and cultural space in 2011, just as Seongsu-dong started becoming trendy.
Ughhh, there’s just so many charming things about Daelim Changgo, whether it be the exposed brick, metal ceiling beams or the constantly updated art exhibitions.
The entrance is deceptively simple, but don’t sleep on Daelim Changgo like I initially was (my mom correctly informed me that it was super cool inside!).
Address: 78 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
19. Grandpa Factory (할아버지공장)
Nope: The last time I was in a treehouse I was watching a tackling match before it got broken up by the Vice Principal in elementary school.
Yes: The last time I was in a treehouse was at a factory-turned cafe in Seongsu-dong. I sipped an incredible coffee and healed my inner child.
If you’re into the Daelim Changgo vibe, then the same owner, Hong Dong Hee, also founded Grandpa Factory. They both have the same high ceilings and expansive warehouse setup, except Grandpa Factory gets a ton of natural light because it’s all windows on one side and has a more modern feel.
Address: 9 Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
20. Cafe Onion (어니언 성수)

In line with the warehouse vibe, Cafe Onion Seongsu is located in a former metal factory that’s lowkey grungy with tons of exposed concrete and raggedy brick.
This location has the same delicious, Instagrammable pastries as the viral Cafe Onion in Anguk Station.
In good weather, their patio seating is a great place to kickback and relax, with huge parasols overhead.
Address: 8 Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
21. Dior Seongsu (카페 디올 성수)

Dior Seongsu has become a Seongsu-dong landmark.
Koreans are about the glitz and glamor. Unlike the US, where in-person shopping has been hit so hard, Seoul is rife with highly trafficked lavish department stores and elegant, punchy flagship stores that are propped up by fashionable and appearance-conscious Koreans.
This Dior Seongsu fits right into that bill.
Inside and outside the store, you’ll spot elaborate lamp posts and sculptures inspired by Parisian architecture. The modern, metallic facade is actually supposed to resemble Dior’s Paris headquarters.
Well, the coffee is quite pricey at 19,000 KRW (14.50 USD), but people go for the experience. All the drinks and desserts are presented in high-tea fashion.
Address: 7 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
22. Puff Out (퍼프아웃)
Puff Out has interesting, social media-worthy decor but the real pull is the coffee.
The drip coffees are delicious, as are the creamy almond milk Puff Nut Latte topped with granola (6,500 KRW, 5 USD) and the Honey Marron latte with acacia honey and chestnut cream (6,500 KRW, 5 USD).
While the interior lacks a real view, you can get a panoramic nature view from the huge TV.
Plus, the staff are super friendly!
Address: 84 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
23. All the Ugly Cookie (올더어글리쿠키&사부아페어)
Koreans (like some other Asians) like to compliment desserts by saying, “Oh, it’s not too sweet!”
It’s funny because All the Ugly Cookie upfront tells its customers that if you don’t like sweet, heavy and oily cookies, their cookies won’t be a good match.
Yup! If you’re in search for a rich, heavy cookie that satisfies your sweet tooth, this is the place to go. Their cookies remind me of the addicting indulgence of Levain chocolate chip cookies in NYC.
They’re best known for their Dubai Pistachio Kadayif cookie (5,700 KRW, 4.30 USD), which is super buttery, with a pleasantly overpowering nutty scent and crispy kadayif strands.
Address: 13 Seongsui-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Coffee Shops in Seongsu-dong (Conclusion)
In this guide, we went over the 23 most popular cafes in Seongsu-dong.
- 5to7
- THOUSAND (따우전드 성수점)
- Myosa (묘사서울)
- new at dawn (뉴앳던 성수)
- Bontemps (봉땅 서울숲)
- Scène (쎈느)
- BREWC (브루크)
- Seongsu Baking Studio (성수 베이킹 스튜디오)
- Beton (베통 성수 플래그십)
- ddd
- Permanent Habitat (퍼머넌트해비탯)
- LOOOP (루프 베이커리 카페)
- B DAY
- Tongue Seongsu (텅 성수 스페이스)
- Lowkey (로우키)
- Cheongsang Gaok (천상가옥)
- Center Coffee (센터커피 서울숲점)
- Daelim Changgo (대림창고)
- Grandpa Factory (할아버지공장)
- Cafe Onion (어니언 성수)
- Dior Seongsu (카페 디올 성수)
- Puff Out (퍼프아웃)
- All the Ugly Cookie (올더어글리쿠키&사부아페어)
Thanks for checking out my guide to the best coffee shops in Seongsu-dong!
Leave a Reply