South Korea’s vibrant capital, Seoul, has embraced the worldwide café culture with a fervor that is truly remarkable. The coffee industry’s growth in Seoul, which began in the late 19th century during the Korean Empire, has seen a staggering explosion in the number of coffee shops. Nowadays, the coffee culture in Seoul is more than just about drinking coffee; it’s a lifestyle where coffee shops have become spaces for socializing, working, and even art exhibitions. Among these numerous cafes, some truly stand out for their unique atmosphere, exceptional coffee, and customer service. A couple of those that have made it to our top 30 list include HIT COFFEE ROASTERS, renowned for its consistently delicious coffee and standout cold glacier and flat white options, and Quench Coffee, with its vintage atmosphere and delectable medium roast coffee.
How We Selected These Coffee Shops
The following criteria guided our selection of the top 30 coffee shops in Seoul:
- The quality of their coffee
- Positive online customer reviews
- High online customer ratings
- The environment of the space, whether it’s suitable for work or socializing
Featured Coffee Shops
Quench Coffee
⭐ 4.6 out of 169 Reviews
📍 9 Donggyo-ro 12an-gil, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Welcome to Quench Coffee, a hidden gem nestled within the heart of Seoul’s charming alleyways. This unexpected discovery, neither too small nor too large, sports a long wooden table at its center and a coffee bar seating area, both of which contribute to the cafe’s sense of space and openness. The vintage wooden furniture lends a nostalgic atmosphere to the cafe, making it the perfect place to lose yourself in the pages of a good book. As you enjoy a warm matcha latte, the soft strains of classical music play in the background, making for a serene and tranquil afternoon. Come, experience the sense of peace and quiet at our lovely cafe, Quench Coffee.
히트커피 로스터스 서교
⭐ 4.7 out of 55 Reviews
📍 146 Donggyo-ro, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Hit Coffee Roasters, where we believe in “coffee and beyond.” Since we started in 2016 in a quiet neighborhood in Cheonan, we’ve been about more than just brewing coffee. We truly value the connection and interaction with our customers, looking beyond the typical barista-customer relationship. We’ve fostered connections with a diverse range of customers over the years, finding joy in our coffee every day. Looking forward, we hope to continue sharing moments of joy, sorrow, anger, and pleasure through our medium of choice—coffee. To bring you the best coffee, we use only the finest raw materials and beans. And the proof is in our roasting. Years of honed expertise enable us to offer consistently perfect coffee, with thoroughly documented bean origins and roasting profiles. We’re committed to providing you with beans of uniform quality. If you want to catch us in person, we’re open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. Or drop by our store at 67, Tongjeong 4-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, South Korea.
클렌치 커피 (Clench Coffee)
⭐ 4.7 out of 89 Reviews
📍 653-34 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Clench Coffee, your new favorite coffee shop located in Seoul, South Korea! We’re thrilled to have 76 enthusiastic coffee lovers following us already. Guess what, we even have a perfect 5.0 rating based on 9 wonderful reviews from our customers. Our quaint and cozy coffee shop is nestled at 653-34, Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and we’d love to serve you a steaming cup of our finest brew from Monday to Friday. You can also catch up with us on Instagram or even call us at +82 2-447-3332 if you want to know more. And did you know we last updated our website address on April 10, 2017? Well, now you do! Make your way to Clench Coffee, because we can’t wait to serve you!
Lull Coffee
⭐ 4.7 out of 72 Reviews
📍 16 Banpo-daero 7-gil, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Discover the delicate flavours of our newest product, LULL Decaffein coffee, sourced directly from the unique regions of ChaChaPoyas and Amazonas in Peru. Grown by the APAS VAHU farming group at heights of 1900 - 2200m, these special beans are carefully processed and roasted to medium-dark for a sweet and slightly bitter taste profile. Cacao nibs and Honey notes enrich your taste buds with each sip. If you thought decaf coffee was bland, be prepared to revise your opinion with our LULL Decaffein coffee! On sale for just 14,000원 for a 200g pack, it’s a firm favourite among our valued customers, scoring an impressive rating of 4.9 in customer reviews. So, why wait? Find us at 서울특별시 서초구 반포대로7길 16 1층 LULL COFFEE and let us add value to your coffee cup.
Brilliant Coffee Roasters
⭐ 4.7 out of 56 Reviews
📍 67 Gangnam-daero 95-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Step into the world of Brilliant Coffee Roasters, your go-to spot for all things coffee. We’re located in Seoul’s Seocho district and have been sharing our love for coffee via our online store since we got our e-commerce license in 2014. We’re more than just your coffee vendor; we also offer coffee roasting and barista training, as well as wholesale coffee bean supply. Members of our site enjoy numerous benefits and exclusive coffee-related information. Check out our wide range of coffee blends such as Modern Blend, Papua New Guinea, or our Casual and Classic blends. We also source quality coffee beans from the corners of the globe featuring flavors of Ethiopia Koke, Kenya AA, Guatemala, as well as Costa Rica. Every coffee craving you have, we’ve got you covered. Come on, and experience the brilliant world of coffee with us! Email us at mick21c@gmail.com or call us at 02-518-6452 for more information.
BLOT COFFEE
⭐ 4.7 out of 76 Reviews
📍 6-5 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Looking for a great coffee spot conveniently located near the Trickeye Museum? Stop by Blot Coffee and treat yourself to our fantastic lattes. Our guests love not just our coffee, but also our friendly staff and the cool, comfortable atmosphere that we’ve created in our cafe. Don’t just take our word for it, our Google rating score of 4.7 out of 5 speaks volumes. Priced reasonably, we’re certain you’ll get value along with your latte. Please note, our doors are open from 12pm-8pm every day, except on Mondays. You can also opt to take your order away. We’re situated at 6-5 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Seoul, South Korea. Looking forward to giving you a memorable coffee experience!
Cafe Honor
⭐ 4.8 out of 58 Reviews
📍 9 Dongil-ro 192da-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Honors Cafe Dining Facility, the consolidated dining facility proudly serving all soldiers in USAG Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea. We are more than just a coffee shop; we pride ourselves in creating a warm and welcoming environment for our patrons. We have it all - superb service, a huge variety of treats, and regular special events like our Halloween lunch. We cater to all tastes with options guaranteed to satisfy everyone. Make sure to follow us on Facebook to stay updated on all our latest news and special offers. Currently, we have 34 loyal supporters and can’t wait to welcome more into our community. But don’t take our word for it, drop by and experience the superior service of the Honors Cafe Dining Facility. We’re sure you’ll love it!
Thanks Nature Cafe
⭐ 4.5 out of 785 Reviews
📍 10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Welcome to Thanks Nature Cafe, where your coffee comes served with a side of fluffy sheep! We’re one of the most interesting spots in Seoul, ranked among the top 315 out of 34,105 restaurants. Here it’s not just about the food and drinks, but the unique atmosphere punctuated by our adorable resident sheep. Reviewers speak fondly of our cosy environment, accented with plants, wood furniture, and of course, our charming lambs, Bebe and Shou-Shou. Our coffee, snacks, and honey bread have been complimented for their taste, though the variety of our food may not be extensive. The staff, including the owner, have been lauded as friendly and courteous. Take note that while some found it slightly tricky to find us, most say the warm vanilla latte paired with the experience of petting cute, well-loved sheep was worth the effort. Head over to Thanks Nature Cafe for more than just a bite or a brew- come for an enchanting encounter with our four-legged friends!
Baram Coffee
⭐ 4.7 out of 103 Reviews
📍 26-7 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Come and unwind at Baram Coffee after a stroll around Hongik University Street. Our well-trained staff is always ready to offer you the best service. Being a popular choice among Google users, we’re proud to flaunt our 4.7 stars rating. We offer outdoor seating for those who enjoy a breath of fresh air along with their cuppa. Unfortunately, we don’t provide delivery, but you’re welcome to take your order away. Please note we are not wheelchair accessible at the moment. You can enjoy our service for up to KRW 13,300 per person. We’re right near Hongik University at 26-7 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Seoul, South Korea. We’re open every day from 1PM to 11PM. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience Baram Coffee today.
cafe De KONNECT
⭐ 4.8 out of 66 Reviews
📍 7 Eonju-ro 159-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Come on over and treat yourself at Cafe De Konnect, a delightful little hideout right around the corner of the Coreana Art & Culture Complex in Seoul. Not only is the ambience here enjoyable, but we also pride ourselves on the superb service that keeps visitors coming back. We’ve even scored a tasty 4.8 on the Google rating system! Maybe it’s the delicious range of food and beverages on our menu that does the trick - or perhaps it’s our cool, no-nonsense hours from 9AM-7PM every day except Monday. With takeaway available and credit cards accepted, Cafe De Konnect makes it easy for you to enjoy our offerings on any budget (up to KRW 13,100 per person). Plan your visit today, and see what makes us a go-to spot in Apgujeong, Seoul!
CozyVilla Coffee Roasters
⭐ 4.6 out of 125 Reviews
📍 32 Itaewon-ro 20-gil, 이태원제1동 Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
CozyVilla Coffeeroasters is a highly rated cafe situated in the bustling Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea. It is a great place to unwind after wandering down the nearby Itaewon Antique Furniture Street or after a long work week. Our customers love the good coffee we serve, and praise the competency of our staff. We pride ourselves in offering fine service that consistently meets our clients’ expectations. Our café is open from 12PM-10PM, Sunday to Saturday, with the exception of Mondays. The average price range per person varies from KRW 13,200 - KRW33,000. While we don’t offer delivery, takeaway options are available - ideal if you’d like to enjoy your coffee in the comfort of your home. Please note that our premises may not be wheelchair accessible. Our determination to satisfy our customers is probably why Google users have granted us an admirable 4.6 rating!
Ediya Coffee Lab.
⭐ 4.5 out of 3111 Reviews
📍 South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyeon-ro, 636 이디야빌딩
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Welcome to Ediya Coffee, always by your side to fill your day with delightful flavors and enticing aroma. We’re proud of our eclectic range of menus that cater to all coffee lovers out there. Pay a visit to www.ediya.com to explore the myriad of options and embark on an unforgettable coffee adventure right from the comfort of your home. As one of the leading café franchises, we’re committed to delivering the finest coffee experiences that are just a click away. So, come join us, at Ediya, where coffee brewing is not just a process, it’s our passion.
Board Game Cafe Red Button Gangnam
⭐ 4.6 out of 186 Reviews
📍 South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Yeoksam-dong, 814-5 1층
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Looking for a cozy spot to sip on delicious coffee while indulging in your favorite board games? Well, RedButton Cafe at 경기도 안양시 동안구 동편로 13번길 65, 3rd floor Next Eye Building, is the place to be! Far from ordinary, RedButton is committed to more than just following fleeting trends. Instead, we invite you to create lifelong hobbies with your loved-ones from our carefully curated selection of over hundreds of board games from around the world. Our space is optimized for your enjoyment, accommodating various group sizes and preferences. And did you know we also offer an exclusive board game cafe app for your convenience? But that’s not all. Our menu doesn’t stop at games – our high-quality shakes, smoothies, and our wide range of mouthwatering elevated beverages also await you. At RedButton, we are dedicated to offering you a unique and delightful experience – the best of coffee, gaming, and relaxation, all in one place!
Coffee House Maisha
⭐ 4.9 out of 74 Reviews
📍 South Korea, KR 서울특별시 마포구 KR 서울특별시 마포구 합정동 433-61번지 1층 나호
At Coffee House Maisha in the vibrant district of Mapo-gu, Seoul, we assure you an experience that’s more than just your regular coffee run. The moment you walk through our doors, you are greeted with an intriguing antique ambiance, and a signboard that proudly shares our unique offerings – Suhwajeon Roasting, Nel Drip, and Carbonized Roasting. We believe it’s the delicate wait while your coffee brews that intensifies the anticipation and the eventual delight. Our menu boasts of the distinctive tastes from different parts of the world, like the Goji from Ethiopia. And guess what, even if you’re a first-timer, it’s hard not to come back for more. So why wait? Swing by our location at 1st floor, 52 Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. We remain open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm except for Fridays and Saturdays when you can enjoy your favorite cuppa till midnight. And not to forget, Sundays are for early closures at 9:00 pm and we take a break on Mondays. However, we recommend that you check with us beforehand considering the current restrictions due to the pandemic. Come, make memories over coffee at Maisha.
Cafe Gaeppul
⭐ 4.5 out of 433 Reviews
📍 26 Naksanseonggwakseo 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Welcome to Café Gaeppul, a cinematic haven nestled in the charming Ihwa Mural Village of Seoul’s Jongno district. Beyond serving up your favorite brews, our café has also seen its fair share of TV spotlight, featuring in notable Korean dramas like “Undercover”, “Encounter”, and “Cinderella and Four Knights”. We’re conveniently located near sites like Naksan Park, with fantastic views from our terrace that’s been the setting of many memorable drama moments. But wait, there’s more! Our café premises also house a delightful little museum that offers intriguing glimpses into the history of Naksan Castle and the architectural legacy of Ihwa-dong. So take a leisurely 14-minute walk from Hyehwa Station, and join us to sip on a piece of Korean pop culture right here in Café Gaeppul.
Maju Story (Organic vegan cafe)
⭐ 4.9 out of 49 Reviews
📍 10 Insubong-ro 55-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to 마을찻집 마주이야기, a warm and inviting little coffee shop tucked away in the foothills of Bukhansan in Seoul’s Gangbuk district. We are not your usual café – we’re also a Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant! Our quaint little spot prides itself on using organic plant-based ingredients, gaining us a solid rating and a steady stream of loyal customers, apparent by our 820 likes and 868 followers on Facebook. But we’re not just about the hot beverages. Pay us a visit and try our hearty ‘Maju Burger’ paired with our delicious Grain coffee or indulge in our delectable Tofu Patty made from tofu and various rich ingredients. Drop by our little cozy corner when our doors open, and let’s create delightful stories together, one sip at a time.
Kapegil
⭐ 4.7 out of 70 Reviews
📍 South Korea, Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-ro 67ga-gil, 9 1층
We welcome you to check out our blog at gilcafe02 on the popular Korean platform, Naver. We indulge you in the deep cultural tradition of coffee making and everything related to a cup of joe. Updated on August 15, 2023, our latest content unveils unique coffee experiences that await you at our coffee shop, ‘Café Gil.’ Come, take a deep dive into our online space, let us entertain you with insightful stories, and add another element to your everyday coffee routine. Visit us at https://blog.naver.com/gilcafe02. Your coffee journey starts here.
Coffee Montage
⭐ 4.5 out of 363 Reviews
📍 23-12 Olympic-ro 48-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Welcome to Coffee Montage Roasting Co., your go-to destination for a life-changing coffee experience! We are all about revolutionizing your coffee routine and enriching your life, every sip at a time. With offerings like our Espresso range and unique Single Origin coffee, there’s something for every palate. Love brewing? We’ve got you covered with our selection of brewing tools and guides to help you perfect your cup. If you’re passionate about experiencing different blends, why not sign up for our Weekly Montage or even an Open Event seminar? Get your favorite beans wholesale, shop from our store or simply fill out an inquiry form for personalized orders. We are proud to be delivering quality coffee to our customers in the 강동구 area and beyond. Don’t forget to check out our News section for the latest updates! Let’s embark on this coffee journey together with Coffee Montage!
Yongsan Coffee & Cafe Ayheya Seoul
⭐ 4.9 out of 34 Reviews
📍 South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hangang-daero 7-gil, 22-11 2층
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
At AYHEYASEOUL, we’re much more than just your average coffee shop. Located near the Incheon Lip Tattoo and Gwol-dong Lip Tattoo parlors, we make a fantastic stop for wind-ing down after a day of personal pampering. We also have a soft spot for the arts, located conveniently next-door to the Yesulhoe-gwan Station. Our establishment is a comfortable yet vibrant dining hangout, offering brunch, dinner, and drinks. Are you more of a sweets person? Then you’ll love our Changwon lettering cake! Our Instagram page @ayheyaseoul is full of photos and videos of our chill ambiance, delightful meals, and exciting drinks. Join our community of over 1,452 followers and let’s explore the beautiful facets of Seoul’s dining culture together.
Cafe the Blues
⭐ 4.9 out of 27 Reviews
📍 88-5 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Café The Blues! Your one-stop shop for expertly roasted coffee, soul-soothing blues, and lively jazz. If you fancy a little live music with your espresso, you’re in the right place. We’re not just a café – we’re a hotspot for caffeine aficionados and culture lovers alike. Come on over, we’ll prepare your coffee just the way you love it, while you sit back and enjoy our daily lineup of engaging live performances. Discover your perfect blend of coffee and music right here at Café The Blues. Don’t forget to visit our website at http://www.cafetheblues.com/ to stay updated with our latest offerings and events. See you there!
Hoi Polloi Coffee Roasters (fka. Groove Coffee)
⭐ 4.8 out of 77 Reviews
📍 64 Dongil-ro 186-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Hoi Polloi Coffee Roasters! Based in the vivid Gongneung-dong neighborhood of Seoul, we hope you’d stop by for our specialty coffee! Not to mention, we bake some unbelievably tasty treats too! With a cozy atmosphere, great coffee, and even better company, we’ve become quite the local favorite here in Seoul. But don’t just take our word for it; with a full 5-star rating from 6 delighted reviews, we’re more than confident in the quality of the experience we offer. Swing by our joint anytime from 10 AM to 10 PM and let your senses dive into the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You can find us at 노원구 공릉동 509-12, Seoul, Korea, or reach us at +82 10-8408-5525. Looking forward to pouring you a cup!
Cafe Bridge
⭐ 4.9 out of 67 Reviews
📍 10-3 Hyehwa-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Looking for a unique and unforgettable dining adventure in Seoul? Drop by The Bridge Cafe, located in the beating heart of Seoul. Our place is distinct for its eclectic combination of quirky decor, unique ornaments, and inventive presentation of food. For those who appreciated a good glass of wine, you’ll be stoked to know that we’ve got a selection worth exploring - a rarity in the city! But don’t just take our word for it, we’ve been rated 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and proudly rank in the top half of all restaurants in Seoul. We can’t wait to share our love for good food and wine with you at The Bridge Cafe.
헤르츠커피로스팅
⭐ 4.7 out of 178 Reviews
📍 South Korea, Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, 중곡제2동 161-27 헤르츠커피로스팅 1층
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Join us at Herz Coffee, the lovable, bustling coffee shop that is the talk of our 611 followers on Instagram at @herz_coffee. Together with our cherished customers, we celebrate the unique art of coffee roasting, shown in every post of our delightful photos and videos. We’re not just a coffee shop, we’re a community that follows the heartbeat of coffee itself. Add to our growing family of 667 coffee lovers and explore our daily offerings through captivating visual stories. Whoops, there seems to be a little hiccup with our Instagram reels at the moment, but don’t worry - a quick refresh and we’re back in action! After all, coffee lovers like you know that patience brews the best outcomes.
Cafe Vivant
⭐ 4.6 out of 137 Reviews
📍 16-38 회기동 Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
We’re CAFE VIVANT, a charming café nestled in the bylanes of Kyung Hee University. Our drinks may be on the pricier side but every sip ensures a worth-while experience. Besides our tempting beverages, our café boasts a stunning exterior that catches everyone’s eye. We know your coffee preferences can vary, so we present our Americano in two distinct varieties. Our place has a unique vibe with an exquisite yet non-overwhelming ambience. You may find our seating on the ground floor a bit cluttered, but we’ve got a perfect solution - a study room in the basement creating a perfect blend of leisure and work. Although our furniture could use an upgrade, our wide variety of teas won’t disappoint. If not for the coffee, drop by to simply unwind or take a break. But a word of caution, our seating arrangement might seem a bit jumbled, and may leave you with an unexpected impression of our café. However, we guarantee that the tranquility of our café would mend it right up. Don’t take our word for it, come experience it yourself!
Mouse Rabbit Coffee
⭐ 4.6 out of 651 Reviews
📍 1 Neungdong-ro 11-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
We’re Mouse+Rabbit, a coffee shop renowned for our sumptuous brews, nestled in the heart of the city. Our concept hails from the belief that coffee is living art. Our space is more than just a place to grab coffee. It’s a place where people meet, ideas are shared, and stories are told. We create an environment that fills up your senses the moment you step through our doors. Through our Naver blog, we stay connected with our patrons, keeping them updated about our latest offers and what’s brewing hot and fresh at our station. We’re here to take you on an aromatic journey from seed to cup. Join us on our blog or, better yet, at our coffee shop and let’s create some coffee stories together.
cafe Manderley
⭐ 4.9 out of 24 Reviews
📍 18 Suyu-ro, 수유1동 Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
If you’re in the Seoul neighborhood and itching for a comforting cup of coffee or tea, you should definitely hike over to Cafe Manderley. This quaint and snug coffee spot isn’t your run-of-the-mill joint. Not only are most of the wholesome treats homemade by the devoted owner, but she also offers a stellar vegan ciabatta sandwich. With a hearty stuffing including mushrooms, avocado, onion, tomato, Rucola, and lettuce, all dressed up with olive oil, herbs, salt, and freshly ground pepper, this sandwich is a delightful bite not to be missed. To sweeten the deal, you can even get some of the beverages mixed with soymilk. It’s clear that Cafe Manderley is all about the customer and making their experience memorable - so why not make it your next coffee stop?
cafe armoire
⭐ 4.7 out of 146 Reviews
📍 117-27 Dongil-ro 22-gil, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Cafe Armoire is a beloved coffee shop located in Hwayang-dong. With an impressive Instagram follower count of 33.7K followers and 246 posts letting you peek into the tranquil atmosphere, it’s no wonder people love visiting. We’re open every day from 12:00 to 23:00. We’d love to hear from you for any inquiries, feel free to reach us through a direct message. If you appreciate vintage café aesthetics as much as we do, you’ll surely fall in love with Cafe Armoire. You can also view more of what we offer through our smartstore at m.smartstore.naver.com/cafearmoire. Looking forward to serving you our finest brews!
Cafe On
⭐ 4.7 out of 97 Reviews
📍 276-1 Wangsan-ro, Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Planning a visit to the vibrant city of Seoul? Delve into the trendy and unique café culture that has become a staple of the city. You’ll find compelling options that even give the famous java shops of Portland a run for their money. Whether it’s Seoul’s local favorites or widespread franchises like Paris Baguette and Café Benne, there’s no shortage of options to quench your caffeine cravings. Plus, Instagram enthusiasts rejoice! Seoul offers beautiful gems of coffee shops perfectly crafted for your feed. Embrace the Seoul café fever and make sure to check out places like Boulanger Maison Bukak and Cafe Layered. They’re among my personal favorites, offering not just great beverages, but a captivating ambience and delectable treats. Additionally, the city’s scene is constantly evolving, with many new shops now offering milk alternatives. Sadly, some of the old-timers didn’t survive the pandemic, but don’t worry, there are plenty of trendy spots for you to explore. Hop on the subway, starting your adventure in the trendy neighborhood of Hongdae, and see where Seoul’s coffee culture takes you. Wear comfortable shoes - you’re going to do quite a bit of walking. Cheers to your cup of Seoul coffee!
ONON Coffee
⭐ 4.7 out of 109 Reviews
📍 Seongnae-ro 18-gil, 성내제1동 Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Google Maps • Website • Instagram
Thanks so much for considering a visit to our beloved Cafe Onion – we know Seoul is teeming with great cafes, but ours has some unique features you might love. First established in 2016, our industrial-chic café in Seongsu drew quite the crowd and has since grown to three distinct outlets: Seongsu, Mia, and Anguk. Each holds its own charm and atmosphere, from the factory-turned-bakery in Seongsu with a fantastic rooftop space, to the modern museum vibes at Onion Mia located near the serene Bukhansan area. If you’re looking for a blend of traditional Korean architecture and modern elements, Onion Anguk would be the go-to spot nestled in a restored hanok. We pride ourselves on specialized menus across the outlets, each offering delights such as the Pandoro, a must-try coated in powdered sugar, or the Avocado Pollack Roe Baguette, a brunch favorite. Not to mention our bakes using classic Korean ingredients like injeolmi and red bean. So, coffee lovers out there, whether you’re looking for a great ambiance, a quiet escape, or an architectural appreciation stopover, there’s an Onion Cafe just right for you.
Café Swith SOL
⭐ 4.7 out of 91 Reviews
📍 43 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Looking for the best cafes in Seoul? We’ve got you covered. Consider visiting Osulloc Tea House set in Bukchon Hanok Village. The traditional Korean aesthetics make it cosy and inviting, perfect to spend an afternoon sipping tea and savouring a delicious rice cake platter. Another popular spot would be Onion Cafe, which, despite queues and limited menu options (think bread and drinks), offers incomparably tasty bread that makes the wait worthwhile. METCHA should also be on your list, our matcha espresso is incredible! If you are in the mood for some uniqueness, stop by Cafe Swith Sol where you’ll savour amazing sweet lattes amidst their cute mascots. Last but not least, the mouth-watering toasts at Isaac Toast & Coffee are worth a try, although they might be a bit overhyped. So, next time you’re in Seoul, make sure to swing by these highly-rated, must-visit cafes to satisfy your coffee cravings!
An Excursion into Seoul’s Fascinating Past
Seoul is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. This bustling city is situated in the northwest corner of South Korea, with a population of over 9.7 million people. Interestingly, Seoul’s love affair with coffee is relatively recent. It was in the late 19th century when King Gojong first tasted coffee, which led to the rapid spread of coffee culture throughout the country.
Most Frequented Coffee Corners in Seoul
- Hongdae - An area known for its youthful and artistic atmosphere, popular for its numerous specialty coffee shops.
- Gangnam - This upscale neighborhood is not only famous for its stylish vibe but also for its high-end coffee places.
- Itaewon - An international district with a diverse range of coffee shops, perfect for those seeking globally influenced coffee experiences.
Wrapping Up Seoul’s Coffee Landscape
Seoul’s vibrant coffee scene is a testament to the city’s dynamic culture and tradition. With a myriad of options to choose from, each coffee shop tells its own unique story. Whether you prefer the bohemian ambiance of Hongdae, the glitz of Gangnam, or the international flair of Itaewon, there is a coffee shop waiting to be discovered. As you navigate the lively streets of Seoul, let these coffee shops provide a moment of calm in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. Discover your favorite and immerse yourself in the city’s rich coffee culture.
