From the moment you land in Korea, one thing is clear, Koreans love their coffee, it seems everybody you pass is carrying a coffee cup. No surprise then, that 36% of Koreans drink two caffeinated drinks per day and 35% drink one, this is more than two times the global average. While not recognised for its coffee culture like Italy, Brazil and Vietnam (to name a few), Korea has a strong coffee scene.
Along with Starbucks, local franchise shops such as MegaCoffee, Paiks, A Twosome Place and Compose Coffee are a big hit, with large and affordable drinks. However, where Korea’s coffee culture really shines through is in the many independent cafes. With interiors that look like they are straight out of an architectural magazine, photographic cosy nooks, cute pastries and of course, the smooth coffee.
There is no better place to get to know Korea’s coffee scene than the many cafes in Seoul. This list contains not only some of the most aesthetic cafes in Seoul but also the places that make great coffee!
What To Expect From Cafes In Korea
Unless you order an Americano or espresso the drinks tend to be very sweet, you can add extra syrup flavours like vanilla and caramel to most coffees. Make sure you try the Dutch einspanner, it’s a famous coffee in Korea featured on the menus of most cafes.
The independent coffee shops are very Instagrammable, they tend to have a large self-serve pastry selection at the front where you pick up tongs and a tray for your pastry and then go to a counter where you will order your coffee.
32 Aesthetic Cafes In Seoul
1. Pie In The Shop (파이인더샵)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
I am not exaggerating when I say I still think of the pie and coffee I had at Pie In The Shop (I even included it in my 33 things to do in Seoul post). Serving up the most decadent pies in about 10 flavours, the pies resemble artwork. Flavours include strawberry cheesecake, tiramisu, cookie, milk tea and the savoury potato and bacon. Not only are pies delicious but the coffee menu is creative with signature drinks peanut butter, pie and creme brulee latte.
The cafe is spacious with plenty of cosy corners to relax in and has a large outdoor terrace.
Pies can sell out so try to get there before the afternoon.
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2. Rain Report (레인리포트)
Where: Itaewon (Naver link)
This Seoul cafe has a unique theme, they have capsulated the essence of a rainy day and created this fun aesthetic cafe in Seoul. Inside everything is dark, as though a big storm cloud has just rolled in, the sound of falling rain created from two indoor water features creates a calming ambience. There is just something so cosy about relaxing with a warm drink to the sound of rain. Spread across two floors there are a few different areas to sit in. Outside, water trickles off the roof and into the pond, if you want a picture the staff will provide you with umbrellas.
The cafe’s signature drink is the delicious black pepper latte.
3. Perception (퍼셉션 합정)
Where: Hongdae (Naver link)
Perception Cafe is famous for its ceiling artwork, an intricate wooden wave design, it is stunning and looks like it should be part of an art exhibition. The vibe here is peaceful with many people working or studying, aside from the ceiling the space is minimalistic. The coffee game is also on point with hand drip, espressos and einspanners.
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4. Coconutbox Cafe & Gallery (코코넛박스)
Where: Mapo-gu (Naver link)
Looking for a fun cafe in Seoul, this un3nutbox cafe has created a beach paradise in the middle of the city with tiki huts, tents, sand and tropical plants. Although there is no pool there is a ball pit that is so much fun to jump into. The beach bungalows are kitted with retro video games, music players and headphones. There is a large selection of drinks and the cakes are so cute.
5. Urban Plant (어반플랜트)
Where: Mapo-gu (Naver link)
Urban Planet is the perfect place to go when you need to escape the city for a while. This green oasis is full of plants, the second floor even resembles a greenhouse. The furniture is made out of wooden pallets for that outdoor rustic feel. The brunch menu is delicious with sandwiches, pasta and salad along with many sweet treats.
6. Ouvrir (오뷔르 베이커리)
Where: Euljiro (Naver link)
In the heart of Euljiro’s historic district, Ouvrir stands out with its sophisticated exterior. Step inside and discover a chic yet zen environment spread across two floors. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate their selection of three distinct blends, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in their signature caramel latte, with a balanced flavour. Models of pastries are showcased artfully across the shelves on the first floor.
7. Silhouette Coffee (실루엣커피)
Where: Hapjeong-dong (Naver link)
Located down a quiet street, the beautiful lilac tree that stands outside will be sure to catch your attention. Inside, the space is calm with white walls, furniture and an upstairs tatami section to kick back in. The best part of this cafe is the cute resident poodle called ‘dark cloud’.
There are lots of different options on the menu including a truffle coffee and an Irish coffee.
8. Olangji (오랑지)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
A small cafe located on the second floor, to get here you need to climb up a small staircase where you will be greeted by the warm owners. The pretty interior is decorated with colourful toys. Olangji is best known for its fruit cream sando that is served in the shape of a bunny. The drinks are served in an adorable teddy-shaped bottle that you can take home. Certainly one of the cutest cafes to visit in Seoul
9. Soha Salt Pond (소하염전 연남)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
I was introduced to salted bread for the first time ever in Seoul. It doesn’t look that exciting from the outside but it has a fluffy texture with a buttery salt flavour, it’s so good! Soho salt pond has brought the salt farm to Seoul, everything here is salted, it’s heavenly! The cafe is rustic to match the salt farm concept with rushes and an attic to relax in.
10. Coffee Nap Roasters Yeonnam (커피냅로스터스 연남동)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
Who would have thought some red brick could create one of the trendiest cafes in Seoul? An elevated red brick floor that looks like a wave is not only a beautiful minimalistic design feature it doubles as a fun place to sit and drink a delicious cup of coffee. Sometimes the brickwork is covered in a blanket of flowers that elevates the space even more. The guys here take their coffee seriously with four blends to choose from.
11. Grandpa Factory Cafe (카페 할아버지 공장)
Where: Seong-su (Naver link)
This Seoul cafe lives up to its industrial name. This spacious spot features a high-ceilinged interior with a vibe that blends an art gallery with a warehouse. A charming treehouse nestled in the garden adds a touch of rustic charm. Spread out over two floors with a rooftop, exposed wooden beams give it a rustic touch. This is the kind of place where you can easily while away the hours, indulging in beers, pizzas, and pasta.
The coffee is excellent, especially the einspanner.
12. Cheongsudang Bakery (청수당 베이커리)
Where: Insa-dong (Naver link)
Despite its popularity, Cheongsudang Cafe lives up to the hype. The entrance itself is magical, a dreamlike path of large round stones crossing a pond with fish, nestled between a calming bamboo grove decorated with lanterns. The serene sound of trickling water adds to the magical ambience. To top it off, the cakes are not only delicious but inspired by the garden so look incredible.
The coffee menu is small, offering three types of stone drip, they also make an incredible egg coffee.
13. E-Chae Cafe (이채 카페)
Where: Bukchon (Naver link)
E-Chae is an intimate hanok-style cafe with cosy seating areas, although in a traditional hanok it has a modern flare with its tranquil garden and stylish decor. The drinks are served in cute animal cups which are super Instagrammable. There is a good selection of coffee, the Caramel Macchiato is a must-try!
14. Nudake Haus Dosan (누데이크 하우스도산)
Where: Gangnam (Naver link)
Art so good you could eat it, this cafe is more like an art gallery. There is nowhere else like this quirky concept cafe, the pastries come in unique shapes such as a face, sheep, cauliflower and tomato, to dark sci-fi-like croissants and cakes. Their most famous pastry is called the peak cake, it has a bright green match centre that oozes out when sliced.
Although famous for their cakes, the coffee menu is as creative as the pastries, for example, the Dutch latte uses a large block of ice shaped as a face.
15. KOTTON.SEOUL (코튼서울)
Where: Insadong (Naver link)
Old meets new in this Hanok-style cafe with a modern minimalistic interior. A simplistic and clean design there are lots of seats and outlets. The menu includes some unique signature drinks such as the velvety Peanut Sandy.
16. Hidden Gem (히든젬)
Where: (Naver link)
Hidden Gem is not like the other cafes. on the list, it’s a chocleterie but it does sell an Americano and latte, so technically it belongs here. Although a clever play on the overused term “hidden gem”, it actually is relatively unknown. Aesthetically the exterior is made to be photographed, but go beyond the exterior because what Hidden Gem are making needs to be discovered. Along with chocolates cookies and brownies are on the menu, for anyone with intolerance everything is gluten-free and vegan.
17. Cafe Delcamino (카페 델카미노)
Where: Hongdae (Naver link)
When somewhere looks this good, you can’t help but pop your head in. The bright green entrance is hard to ignore, past the green doors is a welcoming cafe that feels like a vintage farmhouse kitchen.
The menu is fun with a large serving of mango shaved ice in a Pyrex dish, you know it’s good when they manage to make a Pyrex dish look aesthetic.
18. their coffee (데얼커피)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
This relaxed cafe is all about cuteness, known for its delicious desserts such as bear-shaped Madeline, tiramisu and smores cookies with adorable faces. Located on the second floor their coffee is a quiet place to bring your laptop. Most importantly, the coffee is tasty with a fruity base.
19. Morning Calm Coffee (모닝캄커피랩)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
Head down to the basement level to be wowed by the water feature in the centre of the shared counter. As far as cafes in Seoul go, Morning Calm Coffee is as fancy as it gets, yet it remains inviting, not pretentious. Their signature coffees are creative including lemon sherbet (a twist on an) and a luxurious fresh cream latte.
20. Astronomers Coffee (아스트로노머스커피)
Where: Hongdae (Naver link)
An intimate independent cafe located in the basement for the days you just want to chill out in a low-lit cosy corner. The coffee is excellent offering hand drip and special blends, I recommend Cosmic Dust.
21. Coffee Libre (커피 리브레 연남점)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
A simplistic, albeit very small interior with a fun masked wrestler mascot throughout the cafe. They sell their own beans and have a weekly bean list, they also offer 3 different blend options.
22. MintChoco World (민트초코월드)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
I have always said that not enough fuss is made about mint flavours, I love mint, and in Seoul I found my people at MintChoco World. From the interior to the food + drinks, everything here is mint! There is a small but tasty coffee menu with mint affogato, mint einspanner, americano and espresso. Don’t just stop there though, the mint chocolate deserts are delectable.
23. VER’s House (벌스가든)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
Stepping into VER’s transports you to a beautiful summer garden with greenery in every corner. There are multiple rooms including an upstairs balcony. The cafe is designed with small nooks that feel private. The coffee includes the classics and there are many options for non-coffee drinkers.
24. McCoy’s Coffee (맥코이 연남점)
Where: Yeonnam (Naver link)
This cafe reminds you of an American cabin in the woods with its rustic interior, brown leather chairs and barrels. It is the perfect cosy winter hideout with delicious coffee to add to the ambience. The menu includes a con panna (espresso with cream) option and their famous tiramisu dessert (the strawberry one is amazing).
25. Loiter – Coffee Shelter (로이터 커피 셸터)
Where: Beside Namsan Park (Naver link)
This cafe has one of the best views in Seoul, as the name implies you’re going to want to loiter here for a while. The cafe is huge with plenty of open space, each corner seems to have an aesthetic element. The rooftop has incredible views of Namsan Tower, it is covered in artificial grass and has a swing and camping chairs. You can get some really nice photos here.
The menu is simple with cold brews, filter coffee and lattes.
26. 943 King’s Cross (킹스크로스)
Where: Mapo-gu (Naver link)
I cannot resist visiting a Harry Potter Cafe, call it being a millennial or my innate nerdiness, I just have to visit. So of course, Seoul 943 King’s Cross was on my must-visit cafe list! This is one of the most fun cafes in Seoul.
Greeted by a large broomstick outside, I just knew it was gonna be a fun experience. Each of the 7 floors has a different concept, like the Department Of Magic, Banquet Hall and Death Wizard Infested Area. The 4th floor has cloaks where you can take photos. The decor is so on point, you really feel as though you are in Hogwarts.
The menu is fun with classic coffees and very sweet alternatives such as the Wizard Chocolate and Wizard Berr (butter beer). The cakes are themed with little wizard hats and the Hagrid birthday cake. There are also savoury options like dragon leg (it’s turkey) and sausages.
27. MIRROROOM (거울한옥 미러룸)
Where: Bukchon Village (Naver link)
This pretty Hanok cafe is a stone’s throw from Gyeongbokgung Palace. The addition of a mirror makes this small cafe feel much more spacious, it also helps it to be very Instagrammable.
Along with coffee, there is a nice selection of fruit tea. Due to the location, this cafe is one of the more expensive places to visit in Seoul.
28. tonti (톤티)
Where: Bukchon (Naver link)
Nestled in a quiet corner of the touristy Bukchon Village, Tonti manages to remain a hidden gem amongst the other cafes in Bukchon. The ambient interior is clean and cosy with an option to outside on their small terrace. The menu includes the classics and their own creative lattes like “TONTI baby” which has the most delicious creamy foam. Tonti roasts their own beans resulting in a smooth rich flavour that sets them apart from the other cafes in the area. Along with a strong coffee menu, the sweet treats are also delicious.
Honestly, the viral Onion Anguk is nearby, and the quality of their coffee pales in comparison to Tonti.
29. Upstanding Coffee (업스탠딩)
Where: Haebangchon (Naver link)
Unassuming from the outside, Upstanding Coffee looks like any other grab-and-go coffee stand, trust me, this is one cafe you will want to spend some time in. Situated in the middle of the cafe is a stunning spiral staircase with a beautiful wooden bannister that travels through the 3 floors of cosy and intimate seating areas, the 3rd floor is a rooftop.
For any Melbies in Seoul, Upstanding Coffee has magic on its menu. For those that are not from Melbourne, a magic coffee is a double ristretto with steamed milk, it is strong and smaller than a flat white.
30. Coffee Of Course (커피오브콜스)
Where: Itaewon (Naver link)
Located on Antique Street is this calming almost meditative cafe. The table, chair and floor are all made out of the same material for a seamless design flow. This Seoul cafe is perfect for remote working (they have outlets) when concentration is needed. The menu has two types of coffee bean and filter coffee, along with a signature coffee containing lemon in the foam for a refreshing kick.
31. Sayless Coffee (세이레스커피)
Where: Ganagnam (Naver link)
Dark and stormy minimalistic interior with a large window giving the space some natural light. Sayless Coffee is one of the best places to go in Gangnam if you’re looking for strong coffee in a chilled Instagrammable place.
32. Cafe Pokpo (카페 폭포)
Where: Seodaemun (Naver link)
The cafe takes a bit of effort to get to but it is so worth it! Located on the food of Ansan Mountain Pokpa cafe overlooks the dramatic Seodaemun Hongje waterfall. If you want to sit back and relax for a few hours, this is the place to visit.
Let me know if the comments below if you would add a cafe in Seoul to this list.
Map Of 32 Aesthetic Cafes In Seoul
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