There is much to do in Seoul – you could stock up on high-tier Korean beauty products, indulge yourself with Korean barbecues and street food, or go sightseeing around the city.
But no matter what you’re doing, you need to make time to check out Seoul’s cafe scene. Nearly every cafe is impeccably designed, and the interiors are a visual treat that are to be enjoyed just as much as the food. Coffee is taken seriously by the local purveyors and the desserts such as cakes and donuts are often given a unique twist.
If you’re heading to Seoul soon, check out our list and make sure to bookmark and add them into your itinerary.
Cafe Knotted is one of the most popular donut cafe chains in Seoul, and it’s hard not to see why; apart from offering a delectable assortment of donuts in a variety of unique flavours such as mugwort cream, fig and pistachio, the cafe chain also exudes charm with its delightful colour schemes and captivating designs across all its branches.
It initially created quite a buzz when it first opened in 2017, by embracing a concept inspired by vintage American cartoon characters, a move that attracted not only idols but also influencers who flocked to experience its unique offerings.
Knotted has now established numerous locations throughout the city. One of its most popular branches include the one at Jamsil Lotte World Tower, which is its largest outlet yet with two floors and a stunning, unobstructed bird’s-eye view of Seokchon Lake.
Address: 5F Lotte World Mall, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Indulge in authentic Turkish-style coffee at Sand Coffee Nontanto, nestled in the vibrant Garosu-gil district. Nontanto is renowned for its use of the oldest coffee brewing method in human history – heating sand up to a scorching 300 degrees to meticulously brew coffee grounds with water. This unique process results in a robust and rich coffee with a depth and complexity of flavor unparalleled by any other brewing method.
As you savour your coffee, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the cafe’s popular Kaymak Bread, a delectable treat featuring honey-slathered bread and kaymak, a luscious clotted cream crafted by simmering milk on low heat.
Address: 35 Dosan-daero 17-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Gabaedo (가배도, also known as 咖啡島) can be translated to “coffee island” in Korean, so you can expect that the coffee here boasts exceptional taste and quality.
Treats-wise, the tiramisu here is a must-have – created with a special in-house recipe, the dessert has a luscious, creamy texture that instantly melts in your mouth. The tiramisu is available in three delightful variations: Regular, Matcha, and Earl Grey.
Matcha lovers, don’t worry – the matcha here is exceptional as well. While the cafe has multiple locations, the one situated in Bukchon Hanok Village stands out as a popular choice with the interior exuding a warm and traditional ambiance that provides a comfortable setting to savor your coffeee
Clarte is a pretty two-floor cafe with plenty of natural light flowing in. The prices are relatively affordable, likely thanks to the student crowd from the nearby Hongik University.
In addition to the usual espresso-based coffees, you can get cold-brew coffees and sparkling drinks with fresh fruit in them.
There are various cakes too, but we recommend you try the highly popular strawberry tiramisu. It’s made of fluffy layers of cake that are heaped with vividly red strawberries and topped with sprigs of fresh herbs.
Address: 59, Yeonhui-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu | 2nd, 3rd Floors, Seoul 03982
Here’s a coffee house that has the essence of old Seoul. It’s located inside a traditional Korean mansion in the neighbourhood of Saechang.
The interior is reminiscent of old-world Korea, with quaint furniture, elegantly curved lamps and wooden panelled floors and ceilings.
It’s got a picturesque courtyard too. We think you’d love the atmosphere, and the coffee even more so. The beans are sourced from countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador and Ethiopia, before being roasted on-site in Korea.
There is no cake here sadly, but there are a lot of bread and buns to choose from. Try a few slices of freshly baked sourdough bread or one of the flaky croissants.
Address: 17, Saechang-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04168,
C.Through Cafe’s best feature is its innovative latte art, crafted by Korean barista Lee Kang Bin. These lattes have cream poured on top and are hand-painted with edible paints.
Lee Kang Bin does many different types of designs, from imitations of Van Gogh’s work, to his own original paintings of nature, or even mainstream art like Disney cartoons.
Pro-tip: Make sure you head there on the weekends when he’s on the shift. Also, take note that due to the huge demand, you won’t be able to request a new design, though you can choose from the designs on rotation that day.
If you’re not up for a painted latte, you could try a Scotchno instead, a coffee that’s infused with butterscotch, drizzled with cream, and topped with coffee and cocoa powder.
It is as delicious and indulgent as it looks. Tap right on the Insta post above to see how this decadent drink is made.
Address: 403-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Anthracite Coffee Roasters is a home-grown Korean roastery and cafe chain with four outlets. We recommend visiting the outlet in Seogyo as it is a real hidden gem.
The Seogyo outlet was converted from a modern three-floor mansion that looks out into an idyllic garden. Though you’re smack in the middle of the city, you feel like you’re in a far-away resort.
The coffee is exceptional according to many reviews, and it is really the main focus here. If you want a bite, don’t expect fancy cakes, but baked goods such as madeleines, financiers and pound cakes.
Address: 11 World Cup-ro 12-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu