8 aesthetic cafes in Seoul you have to visit on your next Korea trip

Seoul in April offers an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate vibrant culture and stunning design. Beyond the electrifying Wonder Show (the rebranded K-pop concert that annually kicks off the Seoul Spring Festa with top idols), the city reveals another captivating side: its breathtaking aesthetic cafe scene. Seoul has truly mastered the art of seamlessly blending exceptional coffee with stunning interior design, creating havens that are a feast for both the palate and the discerning eye. Design lovers will find paradise exploring hidden gems tucked away in unexpected industrial pockets, as well as sleek, modern spaces boasting sculptural lighting and picturesque river views – a testament to Seoul’s cutting-edge style where every corner is a visual delight, and yes, the treats are just as exquisite as the ambiance.

Perception

From the outside, Perception Coffee appears to be your typical neighbourhood cafe – but step inside, and you’re immediately struck by a ceiling that commands attention. A flowing, sculptural installation made of layered plywood curves gracefully across the entire space, resembling a wooden canopy. Located between Hapjeong and Sangsu stations, the café first opened in 2019 and has since become a favourite among locals and design tourists alike. Despite its design credentials, it’s surprisingly cosy – expect mellow jazz in the background, thoughtfully spaced seating, and baristas who don’t rush you out the door.

16 Eoulmadang-ro 1-gil, Hapdžong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Upstanding Coffee  

Upstanding Coffee is a hidden gem in Haebangchon that blends minimalist aesthetics with a genuine passion for coffee. Founded by Lee Sang Min – also known as Hyde – the cafe is the result of his barista experience in New Zealand and Melbourne, where coffee is almost a religion. While the shopfront is unassuming, step inside and you’ll be greeted by a striking spiral staircase that coils through the space like a sculptural centrepiece. Each floor offers a distinct atmosphere: compact and buzzy on the first, calm and meditative upstairs. It’s like hopping between cafés without ever leaving the building. The star of the menu is the “Magic,” a silky flat white-style drink beloved in Melbourne. Here, it’s prepared with precision – the steamed milk is poured into the espresso at your table rather than behind the counter, ensuring you experience that perfect, velvety mouthfeel just before the milk and crema start to separate. It’s a quick ritual, but one that elevates your daily coffee run into something far more mindful. 

99-11 Sinheung-ro, 용산2가동 Yongsan District, Seoul

Vonzrr Yeonhui

Vonzrr blends clean, minimalist design with a cosy, home-like atmosphere, housed in a standalone building nestled in the residential tranquillity of Yeonhui-dong. The interiors, designed by Studio Sherpa, embrace raw textures – exposed red brick, polished concrete, and warm wood accents – while large windows flood the space with natural light throughout the day. What makes Vonzrr particularly appealing isn’t just its aesthetic, but the sense of usability it offers. Small nooks are scattered across both floors, providing quiet corners to work or read, all equipped with readily available power sockets. It’s easy to spend an afternoon here – laptop open, coffee in hand. 

189-16 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 

PONT MULLAE

Nestled in the heart of Mullae-dong – a district renowned for its blend of old-world factories and burgeoning art spaces – Pont Cafe Mullae stands as a testament to Seoul’s adaptive reuse movement. Once a cluster of five abandoned ironworks, this space has been meticulously transformed by Studio Stof into a harmonious blend of past and present. The cafe’s red brick façade pays homage to its industrial roots, seamlessly integrating with the neighbourhood’s aesthetic. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a sweeping, curved coffee bar that guides them through the space, fostering a natural flow and connection. The design thoughtfully incorporates materials like terracotta tiles, plywood, and plaster walls in warm orange tones. Beyond its striking design, Pont Mullae is celebrated for its in-house roasted coffees. The menu features a selection of single-origin filter coffees, each accompanied by detailed tasting notes. 

Yeongdeungpo District, Gyeongin-ro 77ga-gil, 6 1층, Seoul

Baeg-Ya

Finding Baeg-ya feels like discovering a well-kept secret. Tucked away on the second floor of a building in Mullae’s industrial maze, this understated café doesn’t shout for attention. The signage is minimal, and you’ll need to climb an open, external staircase along a narrow alley lined with metal workshops and warehouses. The space is intimate and pared-back, featuring a mix of natural textures, calming tones, and carefully chosen decor. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the space, brightening the concrete and wood interior.

7 Dorim-ro 129-gil, Mullae-dong 2(i)-ga, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul  

TYPE HANGANG 

Perched on the fifth floor of a quiet building in Mapo, Type Hangang is all about serenity – with a side of stunning Han River views. The café’s floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, turning even the simplest cup of coffee into a moment. Come at sunset, and the entire room glows. Inside, it’s clean, quiet, and designed to let the view take centre stage. Muted greys, streamlined tables, and soft acoustics create an atmosphere more akin to a design gallery than your typical hangout. There’s even a tucked-away window nook for those seeking a bit more solitude. Drinks are serious business here – coffees, seasonal offerings like plum ade and plum espresso – but what keeps people coming back might just be the banana pudding: light, layered, and not overly sweet. 

5F, Seogang Palkyung bld., 128 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul  

Protokoll Roasters

Protokoll Roasters has transformed a three-storey building into a haven for coffee enthusiasts and desig – exposed ceilings, bare concrete floors, and metal accents – with the warmth of wooden furnishings, creating an ambience that’s both edgy and inviting. The seating arrangements, reminiscent of a classroom setting complete with stationery and notepads, cater to patrons seeking a conducive environment for focused work or study. Notably, every seat is equipped with a power socket, underscoring the cafe’s commitment to functionality. Guests can choose between the signature “Super Normal” blend, characterised by dark chocolate notes with subtle tartness, and the single-origin “Pureut” (푸릇).

13-4 Eoulmadang-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 

Ongosizin

Ongozisin feels like a quiet tribute to Korean tea culture. Inside, industrial textures meet warm timber accents, softened by natural light streaming through a large circular window. The mood is serene, almost meditative – especially if you’re seated upstairs on the tatami-style mats. Ongozisin’s house-made teas are the main draw, with thoughtful blends like Ongo No. 1 (fresh and minty) and Ongo No. 2 (ginger and peppermint) served with quiet precision. There’s coffee too, but tea takes the spotlight – particularly in signature drinks like the Nurungji Jocheong Latte, which combines scorched rice syrup with milk for a comforting, toasty finish.

2F, 101, 14-gil Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 

This article first appeared in FEMALE Magazine.