If you’re visiting Seoul, you’d be remiss to skip checking out the world-class cafe scene. The cafe culture in Korea is no joke, with Seoul being a hotspot of trendy cafes. From amazing aesthetics to delicious drinks and pretty pastries, you can dedicate an entire day to exploring Seoul’s charming cafes. Whether you’re a coffee lover looking for the perfect cup, a pastry enthusiast craving pretty yet tasty treats, or seeking a spot with breathtaking aesthetics and views, Seoul’s first-rate cafe scene has something for every taste. After 3 years and countless cafe visits, I’ve compiled the 24 best cafes in Seoul that will blow your mind (and your taste buds).
Best Cafes in Seoul
Cheongsudang (청수당) – aesthetic Hanok-style cafe, Ikseon
As you approach Cheongsudang, you’ll cross stepping stones surrounded by bamboo and wooden lanterns. While the exterior is a traditional Korean hanok, the interior is more modern and nature-themed. You can choose traditional floor seating (shoes off) or regular seating. Make sure to try one of their warm, made-to-order soufflés. This is one of the most popular cafes in Seoul, so try to come early on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Nakwon Station (낙원역) – train tracks & cake conveyor belt, Ikseon
This hanok-style cafe is designed to look like a train station with real train tracks at the entrance. Inside, you’ll find a wood-filled interior and a conveyor belt full of delicious cakes. Their signature drinks are the maple cream coffee and peanut cream latte.
Cafe Highwaist (카페 하이웨스트) – delicious scone & cake selection, Ikseon
Known for its amazing pastry selection, especially scones and cakes, Cafe Highwaist is a bakery specializing in cakes designed like animals. The bakehouse vibes are simple, cozy, and cute. BTS’s Jimin even ordered a cake from here for BTS’s Suga’s birthday in 2023.
Cheese Industry (치즈인더스트리) – homemade cheese desserts, Ikseon & Seongsu
If you love cheesecake or any other cheese-based desserts, Cheese Industry was made for you. They make their cheese in-house and use it in a variety of sweet and savory desserts, plus in some of their drinks. The cafe has a farmhouse aesthetic, making it feel very cozy and warm.
Seoul Angmusae (서울앵무새) – cinnamon rolls in a colorful space, Yongsan & Seongsu
You can spot Seoul Angmusae from a mile away with its colorful exterior. “Angmusae” (앵무새) is Korean for parrot, and you’ll see the cute parrot theme everywhere inside. It’s known for its cinnamon rolls and kouign amanns that come in lots of exciting flavors.
Rain Report (레인리포트) – weather-themed, Seongsu & Itaewon
If you love rainy days, you’re sure to love Rain Report. With its artificial lake, glass waterfalls, and artificial rain, it’s a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind. They’re known for their croissants, with 6 flavors inspired by weather and nature.
Savage Garden (새비지가든) – vegan botanical garden cafe, Itaewon
In the middle of the bustling cities lies a secret botanical garden cafe serving delicious vegan drinks and desserts. On the first floor, you can enjoy your coffee break among indoor ponds and hanging vines. On the second floor, there’s a plant biology theme. If you’re looking for something more filling, try one of their vegan yogurt bowls.
Cafe Onion (카페 어니언) – Hanok-style cafe famous for pandoros, Anguk & Seongsu
Cafe Onion is one of the most popular cafes in Seoul, and you’ll quickly understand why. Both of their locations are set in charming hanok buildings where traditional architecture meets modern cafe culture. There’s a large selection of breads and pastries to choose from, with the pandoros covered in a mountain of powdered sugar being the star of the show.
Ginger Bear Pie Shop (진저베어) – star-studded pie bakery, Jamsil
This pie shop is so good that famous K-pop stars like BTS’ Suga and Mino have visited! It’s famous for both savory and sweet pies such as the mac and cheese ragout, creamy chicken and mushroom, peach yogurt, and banana cream. If you want to turn your pie into a meal, you can get the classic mash set with a meat pie, mashed potatoes, and gravy. I highly recommend ordering the apple mango kale juice and the chocolate mousse pie (if you like rich, dark chocolate!).
Coorownie (쿠라우니) – delicious cookie-brownie bars, Sinsa
This British-themed bakery has some of the best-tasting desserts in Korea. It can be hard to find buttery, rich desserts, but there’s no lack of them at Coorownie. Their cookie-brownie bars (AKA “coorownies”, or you might know them better as “brookies), are the star of the show.
Nudake (누데이크) – aesthetic croissant cafe, Sinsa
This trendy cafe is dedicated entirely to croissants, with croissant-themed furniture and a wide variety of croissant creations. Their most famous croissants are the ones shaped like onigiri, Japanese rice balls. They come in both sweet and savory flavors.
Front Seoul – (프론트서울) – European-style architecture, Sinsa
While walking through Sinsa, you can’t help but notice Front Seoul. Its European-style architecture stands out from everything around it. You’ll often see people outside lining up to get their next Instagram picture. Inside, the European ambiance continues in their large, multi-story space. Their signature item is the banana pudding cake, and you can even order larger dishes like pasta.
Mooni (무니) – pastel dollhouse bakery, Apgujeong
Mooni is a dreamy, pink, whimsical, dollhouse-like cafe that stuns with its aesthetics. It’s visually stunning both on the outside and inside, with each seating area having different designs. The bakery selection is also impressive, and their massive milkshakes cannot be missed. If the weather is nice, make sure to check out the stunning terrace and rooftop.
Mamma Mia (도산맘마) – vibrant pink and floral aesthetic, Apgujeong
Inspired by ABBA and the movie of the same name, Mamma Mia is set in a hot pink building with flowers everywhere. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean for a few hours. The cafe also has a large selection of visually appealing and delicious bakery items.
Something About Coffee (썸띵어바웃커피) – extensive bakery & homey interior, Gangnam
Something About Coffee is large, with 3 stories, but still maintains a cozy and homey atmosphere. It has an impressive bakery and coffee selection. The cheesecakes are their signature dessert item. On the 3rd floor, you can sit outside with a nice view of the street.
Perception (퍼셉션) – award-winning interior & good coffee, Hapjeong
Perception is known for its wooden ceiling that won an architecture award. Besides the unique and stunning interior, there’s good quality coffee. Most cafes in Seoul have lots of non-coffee drinks on the menu, meaning their coffees aren’t the best. But Perception focuses on coffee only, with 15 options brewed in-house.
Brady’s Coffee (브래디스커피) – floral, beige aesthetic, Yeonnam
Yeonnam is a trendy neighborhood next to Hongdae known for its cafe-hopping scene. Brady’s Coffee not only has delicious drinks and snacks (I loved the pink passion ade and the salt butter bread), but it has one of the most satisfying aesthetics of any cafe in Seoul. The cafe plays with fresh fruit, flowers, and pools of water to create a calming ambiance and provide plenty of photo ops.
Manhole Coffee (맨홀커피) – British library-inspired interior, Dangsan
When you descend the stairs into Manhole Coffee, you’re transported into a cozy library reminiscent of Hogwarts. 18th-century British books, portraits, globes, trunks, and gadgets contribute to the eclectic atmosphere. Their coffee gets rave reviews, especially the signature Manhole cream coffee.
Jeonggeurida (카페 정그리다) – tropical theme with fortress wall views, Dongdaemun
In the middle of Dongdaemun is a tropical escape, complete with palm trees, birds, and fruity menu items. Their signature drink is the coconut and mango ade and shake (pictured on the right below). Jeonggeurida boasts views of Heunginjimun Gate on one side and views of the Seoul City Wall on another.
Dotori (도토리) – charming rustic cabin vibe, Yongsan
In the middle of bustling Yongsan is a rustic blue cabin serving up acorn-themed baked goods. “Dotori” (도토리) means acorn in Korean, and the cafe stays true to its name. Their signature dessert is the madeleines designed to look like acorns. Their blueberry yogurt bowl is also delicious, featuring housemade blueberry muffins. If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you’ll especially appreciate its Ghibli-inspired ambiance.
Scoff (스코프) – UK-style bakery, Buam, Seochon, & Yongsan
If you’re looking for the best Western-style bakery in Seoul, Scoff is it. It was opened by a British native to serve up British favorites like Victoria sponge cake, lemon drizzle cake, and brownies. Their mouthwatering desserts are buttery, rich, and sweet in a way that Korean pastries are often lacking.
Green Mile Coffee (그린마일커피)- Hanok village views, Bukchon
Green Mile Coffee is best known for its rooftop that has a stunning view of Bukchon Hanok Village. The cafe is small, charming, and modern with lots of wood and natural lighting. They boast that their coffee is made with the best ingredients. Make sure to visit on a day with nice weather so you can experience the rooftop views.
Cafe Pokpo (카페 폭포) – waterfall views, Seodaemun
This waterfall cafe took TikTok by storm, and for good reason. It’s more like a waterfall with a cafe than a cafe with a waterfall – the waterfall is spectacular on its own, and the cafe has front-row seating. The cafe isn’t the star of the show here, but rather an excuse to enjoy the waterfall. If you walk around a little bit, there are nice trails with river and mountain views. I recommend getting your drink to go and exploring the area!
1in1jan (1인1잔) – Hanok village & mountain views, Eunpyeong
Chances are, you haven’t heard of Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Located at the base of Bukhansan Mountain, it’s technically in Seoul but on the very outskirts. It’s a peaceful, quaint, less touristy area that’s worth a half-day trip. You can’t go to Eunpyeong without stopping by 1in1jan. It might look like a standard cafe when you walk in, but proceed upstairs and you’ll be greeted by panoramic hanok village views and traditional seating.
Checking out a few of the best cafes in Seoul during your visit is a worthwhile way to relax and recharge when the sightseeing gets exhausting. Whether you found solace in a cozy corner or marveled at hanok views, we hope this guide has shown you why the cafe culture in Seoul is one of the best in the world.
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OMG…Litrally the best place for cafe hopping ideas!!!
So glad I can help narrow it down for you… there’s too many great options!