Updated March 1, 2024
As a local Korean who grew up in Seoul, I’m excited to share the 20 Best Coffee Shops in Seoul you’ll for sure remember!
There are so many coffee shops to pick from, so I’ve ventured through the city to pick out the best cafes in Seoul. Cafe culture is major in Seoul, with tons of cafes opening till late in this city that truly never sleeps. Get your morning java, tasty afternoon snacks, and quality pics at these amazing coffee shops!
Here is my honest take on the 20 Best Coffee Shops in Seoul!
Looking for more to do in Seoul? Here are the 5 Best Seoul Neighborhoods You Need to Visit!
Best Cafes in Seoul
Korean Coffee Shops
1. Cheongsudang Bakery: Hanok cafe with a stepping stone bridge
Cheongsudang Bakery opens up with a picturesque stepping stone bridge with jute lanterns guiding the way. The Korean traditional hanok style architecture and window views of the narrow historic streets make you feel like you’re entering a little historic haven. There’s plenty of seating, both on chairs and on the heated floor, in line with Korean tradition. The desserts are beautiful and inspired by traditional Korean flavors and dishes.
Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Check out my TikTok video from Cheongsudang Bakery.
2. Osulloc Tea House Bukchon: Classy 3-story hanok house tea shop
Osulloc Tea House is the three-story flagship hanok cafe of the tea brand Osulloc.
You might’ve heard of its sister brand Sulhwasoo, whose cosmetics are stocked at Sephora.
This multistory flagship used to be a hanok style house, and while it has retained its beautiful traditional exterior, it has been repurposed into a classy tea shop with thoughtful Korean decor and an impressive interior with views and plenty of outdoor seating.
Check out the beautiful Sulhwasoo shop at the hanok area downstairs!
Address: 45 Bukchon-ro, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
3. Onground Gallery: Deconstructed Korean hanok cafe
Onground has the architecture of a deconstructed hanok house, with exposed wooden beams for the roof and layers of wall showing wooden structures underneath walls of concrete and paint.
There’s paintings and vintage pottery for your viewing.
The vin chaud (mulled wine) is amazingly fragrant and will warm your heart.
While the front section of the cafe is magnificent, be sure to check out the whole back area, which is more expansive and has a modern vibe.
There’s even a transparent glass floor where you can gaze down onto the basement floor (which becomes a bar with live music in the evening)!
Address: Seoul, Jongno-gu, 23 Jahamun-ro 10-gil, 1/F (122-12 Changseong-dong)
4. Cafe Onion: Classic Hanok Cafe
Cafe Onion is a huge hanok cafe with super tasty baked goods! Come here for a classic traditional hanok cafe experience.
A lot of hanok cafes and eateries have modern interior design, but I love that Cafe Onion honors its Korean-inspired design through and through.
There’s wooden beams forming the walls and ceiling of the cafe. It’s complete with tons of floor seating with cushions, in line with traditional Korean culture (make sure to take your shoes off first!).
During the summer, the windows of Cafe Onion open up to the courtyard. You can sit on the ledge and imagine yourself back in the Joseon Dynasty days!
The baked goods are seriously good. If you’re a sweet and salty kinda gal like me, try the squid ink cheese bread, which has the savoriness of squid ink with five different types of cheeses, tons of little nuts, glazed with sweet condensed milk!
If you’re ready for some good food, try the avocado pollack roe baguette; the savory roe paste pairs so well with the avocado!
There’s a whole section of the cafe dedicated to their wide range of desserts and breads.
Expect long lines at Cafe Onion, which is very popular among tourists. To avoid lines, come on at opening hour on a weekday (that’s 7am for all you jet-lagged folks)!
Address: 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. CAFE NaGwonJANG: Hanok house cafe with picturesque train tracks
Cafe Nagwonjang is a charming, rustic cafe with Korean traditional hanok architecture.
The curved train track in the interior garden of the cafe adds to the historic storybook-like charm of the cafe.
Try the delicious cakes while you’re here!
Address: 33-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
6. Green Mile Coffee: Hanok Cafe with Rooftop Views
Green Mile Coffee is a quiet and cozy hanok cafe with stunning rooftop views and excellent coffee. It’s the perfect stop at Bukchon Hanok Village to read a good book as a solo traveler and snap amazing photos of the rows of hanoks!
All the walls and ceilings on the ground floor of the cafe are built with the same light-colored wood, giving major spa vibes. The wooden seats and tables have a very rustic look to them, the kind I imagine my grandparents used to sit in to write letters to their loved ones. Beautiful hanoks are visible through the windows.
On warmer days, I would totally recommend sitting on the rooftop (which forms the second floor of the cafe). You’ll get amazing views of Bukchon Hanok Village and the rows of traditional curved tile roofs.
Did I mention that the coffee is fantastic? Try the Green Mile Latte (6,000 won / ~4.50 USD) and refuel with the classic Tiramisu!
Address: 64 Bukchon-ro, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Trendy Cafes
Cute Cafes
7. Tartine Bakery Seoul Hannam: Amazing Tarts & Coffee
Tartine has amazing desserts — their signature banana cream tart is sooo good.
Along with its locations in California, there’s a few branches in Korea.
My favorite is Tartine in Hannam. I love that it’s two stories and I dig the large round paper lanterns hung up on the ceiling. Their coffee is delicious, too.
Address: 28 Hannam-daero 18-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
8. Grandpa Factory Cafe: Expansive cafe with warehouse vibes
Check out this huge cafe in an industrial warehouse setting. It’s even got a whole treehouse that you can sit in!
I love the rustic wooden beams holding up the ceiling of Grandpa Factory Cafe. The natural wooden tables and huge wire-rimmed windows complete the warehouse look.
Grandpa Factory Cafe is a great option for the warmer days, because there’s plenty of outdoor seating.
Address: 9 Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongsu 2-gaje 1-dong Seongdong-gu, Seoul
9. Coffee Nap Roasters: Hidden Gem with Red Bricks
Check out this hidden gem tucked away on a little street in Yeonnam-dong!
The first thing you’ll notice are the huge windows that flank each side of the cafe.
Enter and be stunned by the red brick walls that form an elevated platform.
I love the cozy and clean atmosphere of Coffee Nap Roasters. The bamboo tree inside the cafe creates a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere.
Did I mention that Coffee Nap Roasters has amazing coffee? If you’re a fan of coffee with citrus notes, you’ll love their flat white (5,000 won / ~3.80 USD)! There’s also a great selection of filter coffees from places including Guatemala, Colombia and Honduras!
I’ve always had a pleasant and kind experience with the baristas and servers at Coffee Nap Roasters.
Come during the summer, and enjoy the open windows and outdoor bar seating!
Address: 70 Seongmisan-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
10. Dorrell Coffee: Signature Nutty Cloud Drink
Stop by Dorrell Coffee to try the amazing Nutty Cloud drink! Dorrell is a trendy cafe with industrial warehouse vibes complete with great coffee and desserts.
The Nutty Cloud is a cold espresso drink with a thick nutty cream and plenty of milk. It’s super creamy and decadent with deep coffee flavors shining through. I haven’t tried anything like it elsewhere! For the best experience, don’t mix the Nutty Cloud and drink it as served. It’s 6,500 won, or ~4.90 USD.
Dorrell has grey concrete floors and walls, and a high ceiling with black exposed pipes. The venue is on the smaller side, but there’s plenty of seating.
While you’re there, try the canelé, which is a small French pastry with a rum base and a custard center (2,900 won / ~2.20 USD).
Pro Tip: Come between 8 and 9am to get a 30% discount on all coffees!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, 314 12 Dorel Yookji 3rd Branch, 1/F
Unique Cafes
11. Tongue Planet: Colorful, funky cafe with art
Tongue Planet makes you feel like you’re in Alice in Wonderland gone slightly awry. Look around this quirky cafe and you’ll spot furniture of every curvature in every blocky color.
This is definitely one of the most unique cafes in Seoul.
There’s a small exhibition at the entrance of the cafe, too!
Address: Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsui-ro, 82 2/F
12. Deus Cafe Samcheong: Mix of traditional hanok and futuristic design
Deus Cafe is a traditional hanok house on the outside, with a quirky futuristic set up on the inside!
The mix of steel and aluminum textures against the wooden hanok pillars makes for an interesting, futuristic mismatch. This unique cafe in Seoul at times makes you feel like you’re in a spaceship, and other times brings you back to the Joseon dynasty. Check out the outdoor seating in the hanok courtyard pinning the center of the cafe.
Address: 134 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
For more amazing things to do while you’re in this neighborhood, check out my guide to the 15 Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong!
13. Gwehdo: Moon orbit themed cafe with amazing drinks
This minimalist cafe is inspired by the orbit of the moon, as you can see from the curved table and the gigantic moon display serving as a centerpiece.
Definitely give their mangjong coffee drink a try; it’s a total multilayered java experience, and it starts with a hot espresso layer that’s tangy, almost salty, and develops into a cooler, honey-sweet creamy coffee layer, which tastes like melted ice cream in the best way.
The big rectangular windows bring in lots of light at this trendy cafe in Seoul!
Address: 3/F, 9-2 Piundaero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
14. Cong Caphe: Rustic Vietnamese Cafe with Sweet Drinks
Take a culture trips to Vietnam by visiting Cong Caphe!
This Vietnamese-themed coffee shop has a rustic interior with a matcha green ceiling, wooden cabinets, and old-school floral upholstery.
Don’t miss their coconut smoothie coffee, which is topped with a delicious hunk of coconut slushie that’s sure to cool you down during the hot summer months (it’s 6,300 won / ~4.70 USD).
There’s plenty of seating on the roof as well!
Address: 161-14 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Themed Cafes
15. Dotori Garden: Charming cafe reminiscent of Studio Ghibli
Dotori Garden is a cozy and quaint cafe that gives major cottage vibes.
Each room is uniquely designed, and they have a nice garden space too. There’s storybook-like music everywhere, and nice scents placed around the cafe.
The cafe is filled with their little blue character, making the space reminiscent of Studio Ghibli.
If you’re looking for a unique themed cafe in Seoul, this is it!
Try their signature greek yogurt bowl — the granola is delicious!
Address: 19-8 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
16. Thanks Nature Cafe: Sheep Cafe with Amazing Waffles
Where else can you find a cafe with sheeps? Check out Thanks Nature Cafe for a super unique coffee experience!
You’ll be greeted by four very friendly and well-trained sheep. You’re welcome to pet the sheep as well!
Every year, new sheep arrive at the cafe and then return back to the farm after they grow older.
It’s super cool that this sheep cafe is located in the heart of Seoul. Thanks Nature Cafe is located in the trendy neighborhood Hongdae, which is a college town known for its local nightlife.
This sheep cafe also has amazing waffles (try the banana waffle, which is 11,900 won / 9 USD) and delicious drinks.
Address: 10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
17. Poop Cafe: Coffee in Toilet Cups
If you’re searching for quirky cafes, why not go to Poop Cafe and drink your coffee in a toilet bowl cup?
Yup! At Poop Cafe, everything is poop-themed. There’s colorful plush poops everywhere, and a rainbow-assortment of toilet bowl cups on display.
Try their signature Rose Latte, which is garnished with rose leaves and served in a toilet-bowl cup (7,000 won / 5.30 USD)
While you’re there, why not order the Ddo-ong (which means poop in Korean!) Waffle, which comes in a urinal-shaped dish? Yuuum. The waffle is 20,000 won, or ~15 USD.
Address: 44 Insadong-gil, 4/F, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Located inside Ssamzigil Mall)
18. D Cat: Ragdoll Cat Cafe
If you’re searching for a well-maintained, humane cat cafe, D Cat is the right place for you!
D Cat is full of beautiful ragdoll cats with piercing blue eyes and plush white and brown coats. D Cat is very clean, and void of any stinky smells.
The owner is very nice and provides proper instructions on how to interact with the cats without stressing them out.
You can enter for 12,000 won (~9 USD), or get a couple package (for 2 people) that includes two cat treats for 29,000 won (~22 USD).
The ragdoll kitties seemed content and relaxed. D Cat is definitely one of the best cat cafes in Seoul!
Address: 5/F, 10 Yonsei-ro 5na-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
19. Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe: Most Instagrammable Cafe
The Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe is the most instagrammable cafe in Seoul, complete with an indoor pool! Everything is pastel pink in this cafe; you’ll feel like Barbie in her perfect dream house.
Come for the happy, pinky princess vibes and plop a seat on the comfy, plush sofa chairs.
Do note that the pool is for the vibes only, you’re not able to swim in it (as a matter of fact, it’s pretty shallow but perfect for those social media pics).
You’ll really get to experience first hand how developed and varied café culture is in modern Korean culture.
The vanilla latte (5,500 won / ~4.10 USD) is a delight!
The Pink Pool Cafe was founded by the trendy Korean makeup brand, Stylenanda (I love their lip products!).
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro 29da-gil, 23 4/F
Specialty Coffee Shops
20. Namusairo Coffee: Hanok Cafe for Coffee Lovers
Calling all coffee lovers to this cafe situated in a traditional Korean house! Enjoy your amazing coffee while looking out onto the central courtyard of this hanok cafe.
Try the White Cream Amaretto Latte, which has a heavenly, thick layer of cream infused with white chocolate and the sweet namesake liquor (it’s 7,000 won / ~5.30 USD).
The baked goods and cakes at Namusairo are delicious, too.
In addition, Namusairo is one of the best places to buy instant drip coffee.
There tends to be a lot of people at Namusairo during the weekends, and the seating at this hanok cafe is pretty limited, so I would recommend visiting during the week if possible.
Address: 21 Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Summary
In this article, I shared my honest take on the 20 Best Coffee Shops in Seoul! Cafe culture is HUGE in Korea and these spots are ones you’ll definitely remember.
Thanks for checking out my guide to the 20 Best Coffee Shops in Seoul!
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