Best Cafes in Seoul: The Ultimate List

Last Updated on November 11, 2024 by Alex

Hi! If you don’t know me already, let me tell you I can write and talk about coffee and cafes for hours. And if you are looking for the best cafes in Seoul and the best coffee in the city, you have landed on the right page.

That’s because in early 2021, I plunged into Seoul’s coffee scene, and maybe the first thing I ever Googled about the city was, “where can I find the best coffee in Seoul?” Since the results weren’t satisfying, I decided to try as many places as I could and to write my own comprehensive guide.

As friends might say, I’m a coffee snob, and I truly enjoy certain types of coffee. That being said, Seoul is a bit different in terms of coffee and cafes, and I’ll explain why.

This post contains affiliate links. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.

Table of Contents

Cafes and coffee in Seoul: what should you know?
The best cafes in Seoul: Instagrammable cafes in Seoul
Where to go for the best coffee in Seoul
Similar Posts

Cafes and coffee in Seoul: what should you know?

Before we left Hong Kong and moved to Seoul, one of my friends told me I would love it there because there are thousands of cafes.

I visited during winter a few years ago but couldn’t remember seeing so many cafes. But I guess I was focused on sightseeing and not as much on cafes.

After we moved to Seoul, I understood quickly that there are three types of cafes in town:

The Instagrammable cafes are where you mostly go for the picture, not so much for the coffee. These are some of the most popular places in town. They show up like mushrooms after the rain, and if you try to visit shortly after they are open, you might find it challenging even during the week.
The chain cafes are Twosome Place, Ediya Coffee, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Cafe, Pascucci, Angel-in-us Coffee, and Hollys Coffee, to name a few. Here, you will find so-and-so coffee at a more reasonable price and cake and other pastries. Most of these places also have larger spaces and free internet so that people can come and hang out; pretty much like Starbucks.
The cafes with single-origin coffee are where coffee lovers go. These are pretty much my kind of places. Most of them have an interesting interior design. They are not huge cafes. In some places, you can even go to work or just hang out with your friends. But one thing is sure: you go there for the coffee and nothing else! Most places have something sweet, but they don’t usually offer cakes or food.

Since you have now been introduced to the three types of cafes in Seoul, let me tell you, it is sometimes difficult to know where you are going before you get there. Of course, you will always know that coffee won’t be the best if a cafe is popular for its Instagram charm.

That’s why I have decided to split this post into two sections. I will guide you through the Instagrammable cafes in Seoul and help you choose the best coffee in Seoul.

The best cafes in Seoul: Instagrammable cafes in Seoul

As mentioned, these are primarily Instagram-worthy cafes, mainly because of the interior design and because the food can be Instagrammable.

At this kind of cafe, you will find food—mainly “Western” type food such as pizza, pasta, or some brunch options. Cakes and sweets will always be an option, even though the taste won’t be as you might expect it.

All neighborhoods have their own cafe streets or areas, but some places are more popular than others, such as Yeonnam-dong, Yeonhui, Gangnam, Hongdae, Buamdong, and others.

Cafe Colline in Hongdae

We went there during the hydrangea season because I absolutely love these flowers, and this cafe is well-known for these flowers.

As you step inside its garden, you feel like you are in any flower lover’s paradise, and they even change them based on the season and seasonality.

They also have a flower shop, and you can go home (or back to your hotel) with some flowers to brighten your room.

Food and coffee were not really my favorite, even though I must admit they looked delicious and Instagrammable. However, everything was sweet. Even though I got an omelet and some sausage, the French bread had sugar on it, and it made everything taste sweet.

The good thing about this place is that it has been around for some time and you won’t have any difficulties finding a table.

How to find it on Naver: 콜린

Address: 서울특별시 마포구 서교동 어울마당로 45-1 (45-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul) – walking distance from both Hongik University and Sangsu Subway Station.

See on Instagram here.

The Royal Food and Drink in Yongsan

Another cafe that is not about the coffee but about the area and views. Located in Itaewon, there’s no wonder this place is so popular with expats and tourists.

Getting to the top of the terrace is not a breeze because of the small stairs, but the view will be rewarding enough.

It is also worth noting that the table you see in all of the pictures is only for that purpose: to take your picture and move to a different place inside the cafe.

While we didn’t have coffee there, the food was delicious, and they had a few vegetarian options as well—such a rare thing in South Korea.

Address: 406-58, Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 1F (서울특별시 용산구 신흥로20길 37 1F)

See it on Instagram here.

Greem Cafe – 연남동 223-14 (Yeonnam 223 Cafe)

When I first visited Seoul for three days as a tourist in cold December, this place was high on my list of things to see in the city. It wasn’t easy to find it because the cafe had moved its location, and the taxi driver took us to the previous place since they hadn’t updated the address on Instagram.

A few minutes later, after getting a bit lost on the streets of Yeonnam-dong, we finally managed to find it.

However, there was a huge line in front (mostly tourists and foreigners), and we couldn’t get in because we had limited time on our hands.

Fast-forward one year and a half. I went during the week just after the place opened and was one of the few customers inside.

This place’s interior is unique and exciting – designed to look 2D, and I could easily understand why so many people would wait in line for hours to get inside. However, the drinks and food weren’t incredible, and you could only take pictures after you bought something.

You can choose from coffee, ade (the Korean sweet type of lemonade), frape, fruit juice, and some sandwiches or sweets.

How to find it in Naver: 연남동 223-14

Address: 서울 마포구 성미산로 161-10 그림카페

Find it on Instagram here.

Opening hours: 12 – 21

Happy Bear Day Cafe in Hapjeong

We found this very colorful cafe between Hongik University and Hapjeong Subway Station on a hidden street.

Best known for its beautifully decorated cakes, this place attracts color-loving people alike. The whole building is a splash of color on the outside and inside.

When we went there on a weekday, it wasn’t crowded, and because it was rather cold outside, nobody was standing on the terrace.

The cake was nice, and the coffee was okay, but I think this place can easily be included among the Instagrammable cafes in Seoul.

How to find it on Naver: 해피베어데이

Address: 16-6 Yanghwa-ro 12-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu | In Korean: 양화로12길 16-6 입니다

See it on Instagram here.

Hey Cafe at TheRiver

A new restaurant opened in 2023, offering a stunning view over the Han River, delicious pastries, and good coffee.

“The River” is actually a bigger location that combines Hey Cafe, a wine bar (NOCT), a live music bar (NOCT M), and a French dining restaurant (Le Da)—all with a stunning river view!

If you don’t like your pastry or sweets too sweet, go for the lemon croissant. You won’t regret it!

While the location looks and feels fancy, connected to a river lounge and a yacht rental, the prices here are similar to any other cafe in town. Moreover, you will be close to the famous Bampo Bridge, an excellent location for Seoul at night.

Address: 1F The River, 2085-96 Olympic-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Official Instagram

Operating hours: Tue – Fri 10:30 – 18:30 / Sat-Sun 10:30 – 20:00 (closed on Mondays)

Cafe Layered – several locations around Seoul

Honestly, I haven’t been to this place, but I have passed by it several times. With so many cafes around town, it is hard to try them all.

However, this couldn’t be skipped from any list of the best cafes in Seoul. It has a girly interior and design and plenty of great-looking pastries, and no matter the location, it was always packed every time I passed it by.

It is undoubtedly one of the popular cafes with locals and tourists alike.

Addresses: Layered Yeonnam – 223-20 Yeonnam-dong

Layered Bukchon – 2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil

Layered Hyundai Department Store – inside one of the most popular shopping malls located in Yeoeuido.

See it on Instagram here.

StyleNanda Pink Hotel and Pink Pool Cafe

Tucked away on a narrow street in the heart of Myeongdong, this place used to be one of the most popular cafes in Seoul. Every girl traveling to Seoul would end up one way or another in the land of cosmetics, Myeongdong.

That’s why this pink cafe’s location and design were a great choice.

Undoubtedly, these are some of the most popular cafes in Seoul, and if you have been researching things to do and see, Stylenanda Cafe has popped up for sure now.

It is worth knowing that StyleNanda has two different cafes located miles from each other:

The Pink Hotel Cafe in Myeongdong is in a small, narrow building on top of their shop, with a beautiful rooftop terrace. How to find it on Naver: 스타일난다 핑크호텔 | Address in Korean: 서울 중구 명동8길 37-8 (우)04536
The Pink Pool Cafe in Hongdae has a unique design and is a must-see in the city. How to find it on Naver: 스타일난다 홍대플래그쉽스토어 | Address in Korean: 서울 마포구 와우산로29다길 23 (우)04053

Find the official Instagram account here.

Cafe Mamma Mia in Apgujeong

Once the hot spot of Apgujeong, Cafe Mamma Mia will remain one of the places that draws girls to the area.

With a pink exterior and a girly interior, colorful and tasty cakes, brunches, and coffee, anyone could easily understand why.

How to find it on Naver: 도산공원 카페 맘마미아

Address: 압구정로 42길 45

Find them on Instagram here.

The cafe at Ader Error Flagship store in Seongsu

Okay, let’s not discuss the fashion available at this store because I’m obviously not an expert, and the Korean brand is not my cup of tea.

However, visiting their flagship store in Seongsu should be a must because the interior is amazingly cool. On the last floor, they have a pretty cool cafe and a rooftop terrace.

The coffee was surprisingly strong and good, and the interior design was something else. Torn from a Wes Anderson movie, you will have coffee next to colorful beds. Oh, and the lamps have wigs.

Address: 82 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu

Melting Pom in Dongdaemun

Okay, this place! I haven’t said a thing about the cat cafes in Seoul—there are literally tens of them, and I’ve been to a few myself.

But this place is a pink cafe where you can sit on a bed, sip coffee, and play with pomeranian dogs.

Yes, you read that right!

As with any animal cafe, bring socks because you must take off your shoes.

Address: 서울 동대문구 천장산로7길 10-3 지하 | 264-410, Imun-dong, Dongdaemun-gu

Find them on Instagram here.

The Innisfree Flagship Store Green Cafe in Myeongdong

Innisfree is one of the largest skincare brands in South Korea, and you can find its stores everywhere around town. However, the largest one is its flagship store in Myeongdong, right across the street from Zara.

Apart from the large variety of skincare products and great offers, they also have a cafe on the 2nd level. Inspired by nature, with a clean design and a great atmosphere, the cafe offers mainly sweets, fresh juice, tea, and coffee.

Because of its central location, the place opens at 9 AM and closes at 11 PM.

Address: 64-2 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu | 서울특별시 중구 명동길 13 2-3F

Dear Dahlia Flagship Store Cafe in Dosan

This cafe is pink, girly, and packed with makeup, and it is located on top of the Dear Dahlia Flagship store next to Dosan Park in Gangnam.

I loved the sparkling interior, the cool lipstick panel in the women’s bathroom, but mostly the big window and the tables with a view.

As I was there a few minutes after they opened, I was lucky to get the best table and enjoy the view. I also thought that the ginkgo tree in front of the window would offer a stunning view during fall in Seoul.

I chose a pretty decent mushroom sandwich, with the bread resembling the one back home. However, coffee was not my thing.

The cafe is ideally located in a hip area, close to cosmetic stores, big brands, and the Han River.

Address: 14, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu

See them on Instagram here.

Adela Bailey in Jogno

Although this place is actually a restaurant, it also has a cafe and a wonderful garden with a view.

We would love to drive here during the weekend and spend a few hours in the tranquil garden, with a cup of coffee and a mile feuille cake.

Set up on Bugaksan Mountain, it offers a breathtaking view of the city. Most people come here by car, and it might be a bit tricky, yet not impossible, to get there by public transportation.

Address: 48 Bugaksan-ro, Jongno-gu

The Floating Hangang River Starbucks

One of the newest Instagrammable cafes in town, the floating Hangang Starbucks, is set right on the river that divides Seoul in 2.

Even though the cafe is not big, you must come here for the stunning views of the river and Namsan Mountain.

While I’m not usually a Starbucks fan, I still had to go because I must admit the location is one-of-a-kind.

Address: 145-35 Jamwon-ro, Seocho-gu

Opening hours: 8 AM until 10 PM

Where to go for the best coffee in Seoul

If you’ve come this far, I’m glad you did it because I’ve saved the best for last.

As I’ve said before, I’m a coffee snob. Coming from Hong Kong, where the coffee culture is strong, I couldn’t leave Seoul without finding good coffee.

I also know that not everyone is as picky as I am, and it is also a matter of taste, but here are my favorite places with great coffee in Seoul.

Tailor Coffee – various locations

My all-time number 1 favorite coffee in Seoul!

The coffee is strong, and you can choose from various types and origins. I always go for the flat white Purple Rain and used to get it for home.

The cafe in Yeonnam-dong is my favorite, but I just make sure to go during the week because it can get crowded during the weekend, especially after lunch.

Because of its popularity, the place is located in two buildings, one next to the other. One has a more cozy vibe, while the other only has tables on the second floor.

As you would expect from such a cafe, they don’t serve food, and you can only choose between a few sweets.

They have another open-space location in the Hyundai Department Store in Yeouido. When I visited, this place was always crowded, and it was almost impossible to find a table. I would take a coffee to go and drink it by the Han River in Hangang Park.

Locations:

Gangnam: 521-17, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 1F | 서울특별시 강남구 강남대로160길 31 1F Opening hours: 10 – 23

Hongade: 224-41, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 1F | 서울특별시 마포구 성미산로 189 1F. Opening hours: 12 – 23

Yeouido: 22, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul The Hyundai Seoul B1 Opening hours: 10:30 – 23

Onion Cafe Anguk

Set in a traditional hanok building in the city’s heart, we often take the bus and go there for the atmosphere and the great coffee.

Its interior is minimalistic, and you will have to take off your shoes if you want to sit inside, but they also have a few tables outside.

I would always go for the flat white (yes, I almost never take anything else) no matter the season, but they also do the traditional iced coffee Koreans love so much.

Additionally, they have lots of sweets to choose from and a few savory pastries.

Just make sure to go as early as you can, because this is another popular place where it will be hard to find a table.

Address: Gyedong-gil 5, Jongno-gu

Opening hours: Mon – Fri 7AM-10PM, Sat & Sun 9AM-10PM

Coffee Nap Roasters in Yeonnam-dong

There is a very small coffee place in a unique building on a small corner between houses in Yeonnam-dong. This place is almost walking distance from our place, so I would go there often because I really enjoyed their coffee.

They are pet-friendly, in a quiet area, and bake cookies you can smell as you approach. Their chairs aren’t the most comfortable, but the interior is unique and interesting, with a small hill made of 7000 bricks.

Address: 453-32 Yeonnam-ro, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu

Opening hours: 9 – 22

Deep Blue Lake Cafe in Mangwon-dong

You will find this great cafe in a blue building next to the Mangwon Market and minutes away from the Mangwon subway station.

People here love coffee, and you can see how they roast their beans as soon as you enter the place. Since it is a popular cafe, sometimes you might have to wait a bit for your coffee, but it will be all worth it!

They have three floors where you can sit back and enjoy your coffee.

Address: 9 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mangwon-dong

Opening hours: 11 – 21:30

Anthracite Coffee Seogyo in Mangwon-dong

Another great cafe close to the Mangwon subway station is where you can choose from different types of beans.

The building looks under construction, but its garden is typically Korean – a tranquil oasis.

The big windows let just the right amount of sun in for this place to be one of the coziest in town. Come here after you have eaten, because they only serve sweets and coffee.

How to find it on Naver: 앤트러사이트 서교점

Address: 서울 마포구 월드컵로12길 11

Opening hours: 9 – 23, only during weekdays

Greyt Coffee next to Seoul Forest

The coffee here was amazing! And their croffle was also delicious, one of the best I’ve had in Seoul – and the first I’ve tried.

Located in a small building with only a few seating areas, this cafe is not particularly popular among tourists. The lady who served us was clearly not the owner because she wasn’t too joyful, but I really loved this place.

The place is Instagrammable, especially the seat by the round window, and they are well-known for their Vienna coffee—even though I’ve tried the flat white, as always.

Address: 6 Seoulsup 2(i)-gil, Seongdong-gu

Opening hours: 12 – 22 daily

See them on Instagram here.