Seoul has my heart for many reasons, but especially for its incredible list of cafes. Seoul is often on the forefront of cafe culture, constantly setting the trends you’ll see circulating on Instagram and TikTok. No matter your taste, I guarantee there’s always a place for you.
Walking through Seoul, you quickly realize that cafés are more than just places to grab a latte. They are social hubs, study nooks, and aesthetic destinations, many of which stay open quite late. Some dazzle with themed interiors that feel like stepping into another world, while others impress with minimalist design and pour-overs prepared with almost scientific precision. Whether you’re seeking a cozy nook for quiet reading, a fantasy escape to a waterfall, or a photogenic dessert that doubles as art, Seoul’s café landscape offers endless possibilities.
Two limitations that exist in Korean cafes is in the milk/cream department. If you are a half and half lover, you are out of luck, even at Starbucks locations in Korea. Half and half is an American creation of half heavy cream and half milk, and unfortunately this product generally does not exist outside the US. The second thing is dairy-free milk. Some places might have soy milk (dooyoo) and a very small number of places have oat milk. But for the most part, it’s either milk or no milk in your drinks of choice.
Foodie Neighborhoods
Let’s be honest, you can find great food and cafés all over Seoul. Still, certain neighborhoods come up often in travel guides for a reason. Here are a few additional areas that showcase either up-and-coming or niche flavors:
- Seongsu (AKA “The Brooklyn of Seoul”) – industrial-hip
- Euljiro (AKA “Hipjiro”) – gritty-cool
- Itaewon/HBC – global and eclectic
- Apgujeong/Cheongdam – boujee and polished
- Ikseon-dong – “newtro” hanok vibe
- Mangwon – hipster and up-and-coming
Helpful Tips for Researching & Reservations
Cafes in Seoul open and close with the seasons. The competition is fierce and trends move fast. Your favorite spot today might not be around next year (something my friends and I have learned the hard way). So the takeaway is this: if there’s somewhere you want to try now, don’t wait! It will be worth the line.
Best Discovery Apps
While Google and Yelp might reign supreme in the U.S., in Korea it’s best to use locally popular apps. Here are a few I recommend for finding your next meal or coffee fix:
- Naver Maps (네이버 지도) – More accurate than Google Maps for addresses, hours, reviews, and menus. You can also search by category (e.g., cafés, restaurants, bars).
- Kakao Map (카카오맵) – Easy to use and reliable for directions. It can even remind you when to get off public transportation.
- MangoPlate (망고플레이트) – Korea’s version of Yelp; great for finding trending spots and includes some English reviews.
Pro Tip: Instagram is also a goldmine for discovering new cafés and restaurants. Use hashtags and search in Korean (e.g., “#카페” for cafés) to uncover hidden gems.
A Quick Guide to This Guide
Price Range Guide
- 💲 = Budget-friendly (₩10,000–₩20,000 per person / under $15)
- 💲💲 = Mid-range (₩20,000–₩50,000 per person / $15–$40)
In This Article
- Cafés & Hotple Spots – Seoul’s most photogenic and trendsetting cafes
- Personal Favorites – My must-visits when I am visiting Seoul with guests
Hotpeul (핫플) Seoul Cafes
Hotpeul (핫플) in Konglish, or Korean slang, comes from the words “hot” and “place.” These are the spots hyped on social media, blogs, and by influencers as the latest and greatest. Seoul is full of these infamous cafes, where the lines may be long, but the experience are worth it.
1. Café Pokpo (카페 폭포)
Tucked into Seodaemun-gu, this café sits beside a large manmade waterfall. It offers a soothing escape from the city’s noise.
- Price Range: 💲
- Address: 서울 서대문구 연희로 262-24
- Address: 262-24 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
2. Café Onion (카페 어니언)
One of Seoul’s most infamous cafes, you’ll find different vibes depending on whether you visit their Seongsu (more industrial) or Anguk (hanok-themed) locations Both locations offer the same range of great baked goods and pastries to choose from.
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 종로구 계동길 5
- Address: 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
3. Rafre Fruit Seongsu (라프레프루트 성수)
A cute and quaint cafe near the edge of Seoul Forest, this cafe is known for its fruit-focused deserts. If you want to step into this highly Instagrammable, be warned the lines are often long so come prepared or make a reeservaton in advance.
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 성동구 서울숲2길 8-8, 2층
- Address: 2F, 8-8 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
4. Rain Report (레인리포트 경리단)
Rain Report brings the rain both indoors and out, making it the perfect moody escape no matter the weather. Trendy and atmospheric, it’s also known for its unique, colorful, and flavor-packed desserts.
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 용산구 소월로40길 85, 2층
- Address: 2F, 85 Sowol-ro 40-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
5. Soha Salt Pond (소하염전)
A famous bakery near Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Soha Salt Pond is known for its salted breads with unique fillings. While the queue can get long, the reviews prove that it’s worth the wait.
- Price Range: 💲
- Address: 서울 종로구 수표로28길 21-5
- Address: 21-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
6. Vinyl Hangang (바이닐 한강점)
When I first saw this café trending on Instagram and I was instantly mesmerized. With over 5,000 vinyl records to choose from, you can sip coffee while enjoying your own personal turntable and a front-row view of the Han River. Now, that’s an experience that can’t be beat!
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 광진구 강변북로 2216, 3층
- Address: 3F, 2216 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
7. Café Layered (카페 레이어드)
Café Layered is a must-visit for all dessert lovers. Popular and trending on social media, this hanok style cafe draws in crowds near and far. While you’re there make sure to try the Spring Onion Cream Cheese Scone, one of their best sellers.
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로2길 2-3
- Address: 2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
8. Cheongsudang (청수당 본점)
With several locations across Korea, each Cheongsudang has its own unique charm. At the flagship, you enter through stone paths, bamboo, and lanterns into a hanok-style café, where the desserts are just as photogenic as the setting.
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9
- Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
9. Hakrim Dabang (학림다방)
One of Seoul’s oldest cafés, established in 1956, Hakrim Dabang remains a beloved gathering place for coffee lovers, students, and artists. While the menu has modernized over time, the interiors retain their vintage charm and have been featured in numerous K-Dramas and films.
- Price Range: 💲
- Address: 서울 종로구 대학로 119, 2층
- Address: 2F, 119 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
10. Dotori (도토리)
Calling all Ghibli lovers! Dotori is like stepping inside pure magic. With its quaint charm and delightful treats, you’ll feel at home rather than in the heart of Seoul.
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 용산구 한강대로52길 25-6, 1층
- Address: 1F, 25-6 Hangang-daero 52-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
My Personal Favorite Spots
Sometimes the places you love most are the ones tied to memories, or flavors that feel like home. While I love Korean food, I also crave variety, so when I’m in Seoul I bounce between international cuisines, trending spots, and hidden local gems. This list highlights some of my favorite cafes in the city.
1. Tea Masineun Ddeul (차마시는뜰 차뜰)
Tucked in a hanok in Bukchon Village is a cozy and picturesque tea shop. If you’re lost in the mounds of tea to choose from, my go-to favorite is the Flower Ice Tea or “Kkot Eoreum Cha” (꽃얼음차).
- Price Range: 💲
- Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로11나길 26
- Address: 26 Bukchon-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
2. Coffee Hanyakbang (커피한약방)
I first came here with a friend a few years ago and was instantly blown away. Tucked into an alley, this café feels like stepping back in time, part Harry Potter alleyway, part early 1900s Korea. However, the best part is the drinks, desserts, and cozy interiors.
- Price Range: 💲
- Address: 서울 중구 삼일대로12길 16-6
- Address: 16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
3. Knickerbocker Bagel (니커버커 베이글)
Without throwing shade at another TikTok-famous bagel spot, this one tops my list whenever I’m craving a bagel fix. Located near Seokchon Lake, it’s also perfect for grabbing a lox sandwich and picnicking on the benches outside. Shout out to Will and Kaleigh for taking me here!
- Price Range: 💲💲
- Address: 서울 송파구 석촌호수로 268, 1층 (109-112호)
- Address: 1F (Rooms 109–112), 268 Seokchonhosu-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Naver Maps: Link Here
