23 of the Most Brewtiful Cafes in Seoul & Nearby

Want to dip your toe into the wonderful world of trendy and unique cafes in Seoul? Considering I both live for cafe culture and Seoul is one of my favorite major cities in the world, I like to think I’ve compiled a pretty good list of recommendations!

In the original version of this post, I said I’d never encountered a country with such an incredible cafe scene. I do have to say Vietnam gives Korea a run for its money, but both countries take their coffee shops very, very seriously.

When it comes to Seoul, Portland hipsters wish. I mean, even Korea’s budget, franchise options are fun! You can find a Paris Baguette in even the most rural of destinations, not to mention Tous le Jours, the “fancier” Paris Croissant, Cafe Benne, Ediya… I really should do a whole separate post on Korean franchise coffee shops because they are extensive.

Of course, Seoul, which sits at the very center of Korean culture, is the ultimate mecca for coffee addicts and Instagrammers alike. I’ve visited this city more times than I can count, and on every trip I’ve visited at least one cafe. Below are some of my absolute favorite cafes in Seoul!

Some Updates on Cafes in Seoul

So if you’ve found this post before April 2022, boy, do I have some big updates for you! Seoul is always changing even in normal times, so there’s a lot of new things to be aware of.

1. Many cafes offer milk alternatives now

Not all but now when I go to a cafe, I can ask for soy, oat, or sometimes almond milk and… they might actually say yes. You have no idea what a revelation this is! It used to only be Starbucks that didn’t look at you like you were crazy, and even then they only offered soy milk.

2. A lot of cafes did not survive the big C

Going through this list, I discovered a lot of cafes that simply no longer exist anymore. When I clicked through to KakaoMap, I kept getting an error. If you’re wondering about specific ones you’ve seen here, I have a little RIP Cafe list down below.

3. I took out the quirky cafes

Again, editing this list I realized how many cafes I put in that weren’t particularly trendy. I’d say they’re more on the quirky side (i.e. the poop cafe), but they’re more something a tourist would visit for fun, not really a cafe you’d find local Seoulites frequenting or starring on their KakaoMap app. I’ll also note them below just so you know you were hallucinating when you originally saw them on this list.

Trendy Cafes in Seoul

Now for my favorite trendy cafes in Seoul! I’ve listed them alphabetically so they’re easy to find. Below each description is also a link to KakaoMap (which is what you should use instead of Google Maps for accurate navigation) and a link to their Instagram if it exists. If you’re like me and my friends, we save things in Instagram and star spots on KakaoMaps to remember them for later.

1. Boulanger Maison Bukak (블랑졔메종북악)

Area: Seongbuk-dong (성북동)

My friend, Hallie, and I stopped here after we went up to the Bugak Skyway. It’s such a charming spot that’s quite tucked away. I mean the rustic bread decor alone… Instead of a typical tray to put all your desserts on, you can use cute baskets! This is also one of the few cafes on this list that has normal food instead of just sweets.

How to Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Closest subway stop is Hansung University Station (한성대입구역) on Line 4. From Exit 5, it’s a 1.6km or 25 minute walk. You can also take Bus 1111 or 2112 to the Oriental University of Culture Stop (동방문화대학원대학교)

2. Cafe Layered (레이어드)

Area: Yeonnam-dong || Instagram: @cafe_layered

Located in a pretty brick building in the every trendy Yeonnam-dong (연남동), Cafe Layered is pretty much everything sweet and girly! I stopped in quickly with my friend, Angie, on my way to the metro and was delighted by all the wonderfully fancy desserts! I picked up a salted caramel scone, which was delicious.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: The closest subway station is Hongdae Station (홍대입구역). Exit 3 is the closest exit, and then you have about a 15 minute walk along the park. (The park is called Gyeongui Line Forest Park, but its nickname is Yeontral Park, like Central Park lol).

3. Cheongsudang Gallery (청수당 – 갤러리)

Area: Garuso-gil in Sinsa-dong || Instagram: @cheongsudang_gallery

My friend, Raquel, introduced me to this cafe! We went here after getting cheesesteaks in Garosu-gil. They have some really cool drinks, including this matcha cream drink we both got. The best thing about this cafe, though, is the very cool design. I don’t really know how to describe it! It feels like it’s got a bit of Japanese nature inspiration with some cool, earthy interior decor that incorporates elements like sand and rock.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: You can get to Cheongsudang from either Apgujeong Station (압구정역) or Sinsa Station (신사역), and I’d say they’re about equidistant.

4. Coffee Nap Roasters (커피냅로스터스)

Area: Yeonnam-dong // Instagram: @coffeenap_roasters

Fun fact, I think this is actually where I first met Hallie! She sent me this spot to meet because the design was pretty intriguing. Basically it’s a cafe built around a mound that as then covered with brick. Very random but very funky.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: The closest subway stop for Coffee Nap Roasters is Gajwa Station (가좌역). You’ll want to leave from Exit 1 and walk for about 10 minutes. Bus-wise, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park Entrance (경의선숲길공원입구) stop is even closer.

5. Cong Caphe (콩카페)

Area: Yeonnam-dong // Instagram: @congcaphe_kr

I had add Cong Caphe! If you traveled or lived in Vietnam, you know Cong Caphe is a mini-franchise there, so this isn’t anything particularly special. However, if you’ve never been or have experienced a long absence from the country, you’ll be as delighted as I was when I saw those familiar army green colors. This is where I was introduced to the beautifully delicious cà phê cốt dừa, a frozen coconut coffee drink that is more dessert than coffee!

Plus, all Cong Caphes have a cool design, and the one in Seoul is no exception. They basically have all these Vietnamese-inspired military decor and each cafe is different from the other. Definitely grab a table outside for the full effect.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Cong Caphe is quite buried in Yeonnam-dong, so either Hongdae Station (홍대입구역) or Gajwa Station (가좌역) will still put you almost 20 minutes away on foot. If you can, try to get a bus to Eden Jiwoo Apartment (에덴지우아파트) stop to be only a few minutes away.

6. Dore Dore (도레도레)

Area: Sinsa-dong // Instagram: @doredoreofficial

Home to the rainbow cake! It has a few locations, including the airport now, but my favorite is the one in Sinsa-dong that looks like it belongs in an episode of “Saved by the Bell.” At various points I’ve been able to share a slice between four people happily and gobble up one on my own…

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Either Apgujeong Station (압구정역) or Sinsa Station (신사역) should work and be about a 10-12 minute walk. And if you do miss going to this one, you can literally go to the bottom level of the airport and try it before you check in!

7. Grain (그레인)

Area: Yeonnam-dong // Instagram: @grain_seoul

Angie and I met here for brunch. Definitely recommend if you want a cafe with some actual food options. It’s on the healthier side too, though we got their pancakes for balance ;)!

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: If you use Hongdae Station (홍대입구역) and come out Exit 2 or 4, it should be about a 15-minute walk over.

8. Greem Cafe (그림카페)

Area: Yeonnam-dong (연남동) / Instagram: @greem_cafe

I swear photos of this cafe were everywhere in 2019! The design is meant to look 2D, which gives it quite a quirky vibe, and I really liked how creative they got with our drinks. If you’re confused – this cafe took a few years to figure out its permanent name and location (and it looks like it’s expanded to other places around Korea). The current iteration is Greem Cafe (which is a weird Anglicization of “그림”, the Korean for picture. Really should’ve just gone with the 2D Cafe or Picture Cafe, because “Greem” sounds funky!). It’s still in Yeonnam-dong and from Instagram has similar interiors as when I went.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: It’s quite close to Cong Caphe from earlier on this list, so you’ll want to take either Hongdae Station (홍대입구역) or Gajwa Station (가좌역). This will still put you almost 20 minutes away on foot. If you can, try to get a bus to Eden Jiwoo Apartment (에덴지우아파트) which only be a few minutes on foot.

9. Green Mile Coffee (그린마일커피 북촌점)

Area: Bukchon Hanok Village // Instagram: @green_mile_coffee

Green Mile Coffee is very pretty looking cafe in one of the loveliest areas of Seoul – Bukchon Hanok Village. The real selling point is its rooftop which gives you a nice view of the tiled hanok roofs and even out to Namsan Tower on a clear day. I also really liked the drink, and the interior has some warm, traditional elements that make it a pretty cafe to visit even if you don’t make it up to the roof.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: If you take Anguk Station (안국역) and leave through Exit 3, it should be a straight shot up Bukchon-ro for about 10 minutes.

10. Midlevel (미드레벨)

Area: near Seoul National University // Instagram: @cafe_midlevel

Only go here if you’ve got a giant sweet tooth! It’s supposed to be a Hong Kong dessert cafe, so we got these cream-filled waffles to share as well as some milk tea.  Not my first pick for dessert in Seoul but I enjoyed the sugary treats I got. There are some cool neon signs on the outside which is a fun photo op!

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Your best bet is to use Seoul National University Station (서울대입구역), leave through Exit 1 or 2 and walk about 8-10 minutes.

11. Nakrangpara (낙랑파라)

Area: Near Hongdae Station (홍대입구역) // Instagram: @nrparlour

Angie took me here after we ate at Grain to do a little work. It’s so nice and cozy, and she said she used to come here often to study for her exams. They also have some vintage things for sale while you wait for your coffee!

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: If you leave Hongdae Station (홍대입구역) from Exit 2 or Exit 4, it should be less than a 10 minute walk.

12. Ongozisin (온고지신)

Area: Near Seoul National University // Instagram: @ongozisin

So Papago tells me the name of this cafe comes from a verb, “온고신하다” which basically means looking to the past as a guide for the future. I’m pretty sure there’s some sort of Japanese influence as well.

The cafe has a more rustic feel and when we went one of the baristas spokke English! Of course, the main feature is this big, circular window. We got some milk teas here if memory serves and is just a nice vibe all around. It does fill up on the weekend, just a warning.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: It’s along the same street as Midlevel Cafe, so you’ll want to use Seoul National University Station (서울대입구역), leave through Exit 1 or 2. Then it’s a 8-10 minute walk.

13. Perception (퍼셉션)

Neighborhood: Hapjeong-dong (합정동) // Instagram: @perception.coffee

Hallie sent me this fun cafe to meet her at when I landed in Seoul one visit. I literally got off my plane, soaked in a sauna, and ditched my suitcase in a subway locker before headed over! This cafe is just a super, quiet space tucked away in Hapjeong where we got to catch up. The ceiling is the main focal point of design!

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: The closest subway stop is Sangsu Station (상수역). Use Exit 4, and it should be less than a 10-minute walk.

On KakaoMap // Instagram

14. Project Seoul ( 프로젝트서울)

Area: right near Seoul National University // Instagram: @projectseoul

What a funky a little cafe! Hallie took my friend and I here, and when we first walked in, it was like stepping into an Instagram Twilight Zone. There was a rose wall, a bed, trendy seating, a giant pink unicorn… I could have easily shared like ten more photos from the different angles! I recommend the rose lemonade.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Get off at Seoul National University Station (서울대입구역) and leave through Exits 1 or 2, and it should only be bout a 5 minute walk and on the 4th floor of the building.

15. Seoulism (서울리즘)

Area: Near Seokchon Lake // Instagram: @seoulism_official

Seoulism is such a fun cafe! The rooftop is such Instagram bait, I kind of love it. With the fun SEOUL sign and the view straight to Lotte Tower (with the Seoul Sky Observatory), it’s such a cool photo. Of course, try to avoid when it’s raining for a prettier sky. My friend, Marie, and I were unlucky in that sense, but we didn’t have to wait in line which was nice!

The inside of the cafe is quite fun too, so definitely stick around and enjoy. I’d say it’s also a nice place to work or study since most people probably come for the photo, buy their drink, and move on. In rainy weather, it’s more or less empty. You have to buy a drink, and the coconut one I got was like 11,000 KRW, so might as well get the most bang for your buck.

You could also tie it in with a date at Lotte World and Seokchon Lake since they’re nearby, especially if you come for cherry blossom season!

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Use Songpanaru Station (송파나루역) and leave through Exit 1. It should be maybe a 2-minute walk, and you want to go up to the 6th floor of the building.

16. Space Shinseon (스페이스신선)

Area: Hannam-dong near Itaewon (한남동) // Instagram: @spaceshinseon

So Space Shinseon is also kind of a mini museum or art gallery with a cafe on the first floor. It has such a nice, clean design with interesting sculptures, including the spiral staircase with doves. Hallie, Angie, and I relaxed here after we walked around the museum.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Use Hangangjin Station (한강진역), Exit 3 and it’ll be about 6 minutes. You can’t miss the exterior!

17. Stylenanda Pink Hotel Cafe (핑크호텔) & Pink Pool Cafe (홍대플래그쉽스토어)

Areas: Hongdae and Myeongdong // Instagram: @pinkpoolcafe

I wrote about both cafes here, but I’ll say it again — there are two locations and when I was researching them they just kept coming up as one place. However, one is more of a hotel theme and the other is a restaurant/pool theme! The hotel one is in Myeongdong, and it’s also the one with the rooftop area. The Hongdae one is the one with the mini pool (that you don’t swim in) and the pink restaurant vibe that looks like that famous London cafe. I would say if you could only choose one, the Hongdae location is better!

Get There:

• Myeongdong KakaoMap Location
• Hongdae KakaoMap Location

18. Thanks, Oat (땡스오트)

Area: Yeonnam-dong (연남동) // Instagram: @thanksoat

What a cute little place in Yeonnam-dong! Hallie wanted to go here, and I can see why. It has delicious yogurt bowls and just has this countryside feel once you step inside. It even smells delicious in there. Great cafe if you want some healthier food options.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Thanks, Oat is in the same area as Coffee Nap Roasters, so the closest subway is Gajwa Station (가좌역). You’ll want to leave from Exit 1 and walk for about 10 minutes. Bus-wise, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park Entrance (경의선숲길공원입구) stop is even closer.

19. Ver’s Garden (벌스 가든)

Area: Yeonnam-dong (연남동) // Instagram: @vers_garden

Ver’s Garden has to be one of the prettiest cafes in Seoul! It’s decorated with tons of dried flowers and plants and overall just a nice, relaxed vibe. Actually, if you live here, this is a great spot to buy your houseplants! My friend, Angie, told me about this cafe years ago since she used to live nearby, and I’ve been wanting to go ever since. I managed a few hours working with her here. The coffee is delicious and the vibe is very relaxing – hard to believe just a kilometer way is the busier part of Hongdae!

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Ver’s Garden is also in the same area as Thanks, Oat and Coffee Nap Roasters. You can use Gajwa Station (가좌역) and leave via Exit 1 if you want walk for about 10 minutes. Bus-wise, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park Entrance (경의선숲길공원입구) stop is even closer.

Cool Cafes Near Seoul

20. Akira Coffee (카페아키라) in Incheon

Area: Incheon, close to Chinatown & Incheon Station // Instagram: @akira__coffee

Akira has a few locations but the one we went to is right near Incheon Station and Chinatown. It’s a Japanese-inspired cafe with very relaxing vibes, a nice rooftop, and the CUTEST dog. Just a warning – kids are not allowed inside but they’re okay outside and on the roof.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: Once you exit Incheon Station (인천역), it’ll be about a 7-minute walk.

21. Gardenus Cafe (가드너스) in Paju

As part of Paju’s Hyeri Art Village, Gardenus is a super cool, spacious cafe! My friend, Jamie, drove us here to meet Hallie and Angie, and we parked nearby, but I added public transport options below. The cafe has a cool, concrete design and really feels like it goes on and on! I remember getting one of their macarons with a coffee, and then we all just hung out on one of the blue or yellow seats.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: So, the easiest way to get to Hyeri Art Village besides driving is get a bus from near Hapjeong Station. Right outside Exit 1 is the Hapjeong Station Bus Stop (합정역 정류장). Look for Bus #2200 and ride it to Hyeri Gate 4 Bus Stop (헤이리4번게이트 정류장). From there it’s about a 4-minute walk to Gardenus.

22. Real Factory 1998 (실공장1998) in Paju

This is such a random cafe in such a random spot in Paju! The entire theme is yarn (so much so that I honestly just figured out its real name as I was writing this post). You’ll see SO much in the way of yarn decor, it’s really a fun way to hang out for an afternoon.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: This one’s a bit trickier as it’s not really with anything else and is outside of Hyeri Art Village. Super easy if you have a car, but if not your best bet is to find a bus to take you the Church Apartment Bus Stop (교회앞). That or just grab a taxi over.

23. Dreamy Camera Cafe (꿈꾸는사진기) in Yongmun-myeon

Area: Yongmun-myeon (용문면) // Instagram: @dreay_camera_cafe

Ok, so this isn’t in Seoul, but you can visit easily through the subway and a taxi ride. And it’s just so lovely and charming, I highly recommend visiting! I wrote a post about the cafe here if you want more information.

Get There:

• KakaoMap Location
• Quick Directions: The closest station is Yongmun Station (용문역); from there you can get a taxi! If you click that KakaoMap link, you can see just how remote the cafe is.

Cafes in Seoul I Still Want to Visit

ShikmulgwanPH (식물관PH)

Another one I saw on Hallie’s IG, and another IG I started following, @wi_cloud. I tried translating the Korean and it came out as either “Botanical Tube PH” or “Botanical Coffin PH,” so…. I might need to work on my Korean skills more. But it looks like a pretty botanical-themed cafe!

There’s honestly SO much more; I have a saved folder on Instagram solely dedicated to cafes in Seoul! I’ll have to update this section more when I sit down and go through them.

Cafes No Longer On this List

No Longer Open:

• Banana Tree
• Kyul by Bean Brothers
• Remicone
• Understated Coffee
• Zapangi
• Orbit

Random Ones I Took Off:

• 943 Kings Cross
• Poop Cafe
• CaFace
• Osulloc

And there’s my list of trendy cafes in Seoul… for now! I know this is a small, small number in the grand scheme of cafes, so please let me know if you know of any cool places I need to add for my next visit!

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