The Ultimate Korean Cafe Hopping Guide: 20 Insta-Worthy Cafes in Seoul You Can't Miss

From vintage-inspired hideaways to animal cafes, Seoul is full of charming spots that look like they were made for your Instagram feed.

ASIA

7/1/20253 min read

☕ Welcome to Seoul’s Cafe Wonderland

If you’re headed to Seoul and love a good cup of coffee (or a perfectly aesthetic dessert), cafe hopping needs to be on your itinerary. Korea’s cafe culture is next level—think themed interiors, artisanal drinks, and desserts that are almost too pretty to eat.

From vintage-inspired hideaways to animal cafes, Seoul is full of charming spots that look like they were made for your Instagram feed.

Wondering where to go? We've got you covered with the ultimate list of 20 must-visit cafes in Seoul, plus tips on how to plan your cafe-hopping adventure like a pro.

🗺️ Where the Magic Happens: Seoul’s Top Cafe Neighborhoods

Before we jump into our list, here are a few neighborhoods you’ll want to explore:

  • Hongdae (홍대) – Youthful, artsy, and full of quirky cafes.

  • Itaewon (이태원) – Trendy and multicultural with tons of stylish spots.

  • Gangnam (강남) – Chic and upscale, perfect for minimalist or luxurious cafes.

  • Seongsu-dong (성수동) – Seoul’s “Brooklyn” with industrial vibes and creative coffee shops.

📍 20 Must-Visit Cafes in Seoul

Here are 20 unique cafes that will make your Seoul trip unforgettable:


🎨 Hongdae (홍대) – Artsy & Quirky

  1. Thanks Nature Cafe

    • 🐑 Sheep-themed cafe with real sheep!

    • What to order: Waffles, honey citron tea

    • Nearest station: Hongdae Univ. (Line 2, Exit 9)

  2. Greem Cafe (2D Cafe)

    • 🖤 Comic book-style decor—everything is black & white!

    • What to order: Iced matcha latte, cheesecake

    • Nearest station: Hongdae Univ. (Line 2, Exit 9)

  3. 943 King's Cross Cafe

    • ⚡ Harry Potter-themed cafe with magical decor

    • What to order: Butterbeer latte, velvet cake

    • Nearest station: Hongdae Univ. (Line 2, Exit 9)

  4. Café Skön

    • 🌱 Scandinavian-inspired with natural lighting and calm ambiance

    • What to order: Flat white, basil scone

    • Nearest station: Hongdae Univ. (Line 2, Exit 8)

  5. Peach Gray Cafe

    • 🎨 Watercolor cafe where you can paint while you sip

    • What to order: Rose latte, strawberry roll cake

    • Nearest station: Sangsu Station (Line 6, Exit 1)


🌍 Itaewon (이태원) – Trendy & Global

  1. C. Through Cafe

    • 🎨 Famous for creamart lattes—your face on foam!

    • What to order: Creamart latte, tiramisu

    • Nearest station: Itaewon (Line 6, Exit 3)

  2. Anthracite Itaewon

    • 🖤 Industrial vibe with serious coffee culture

    • What to order: Hand-drip coffee, banana pound cake

    • Nearest station: Itaewon (Line 6, Exit 2)

  3. The Baker's Table

    • 🥐 European-style cafe with fresh pastries and brunch options

    • What to order: Croissant sandwich, cappuccino

    • Nearest station: Itaewon (Line 6, Exit 1)

  4. Namusairo Coffee

    • 🌿 Minimalist, high-quality specialty coffee in a quiet setting

    • What to order: Pour-over, espresso tonic

    • Nearest station: Noksapyeong Station (Line 6, Exit 2)

  5. Layered Itaewon

    • 🍰 Elegant vintage-style cafe with towering cakes

    • What to order: Earl grey cake, lemon scone, milk tea

    • Nearest station: Hangangjin (Line 6, Exit 1)

💼 Gangnam (강남) – Chic & Upscale

  1. Cafe Dior by Pierre Hermé

    • 💎 Luxury cafe inside Dior flagship store

    • What to order: Macaron set, hot chocolate

    • Nearest station: Apgujeong Rodeo (Bundang Line, Exit 3)

  2. Fritz Coffee Company – Samseong

    • 🐟 Retro vibes, amazing baked goods, and premium beans

    • What to order: Einspänner, milk bread

    • Nearest station: Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 5)

  3. Cafe Mamas – COEX Mall

    • 🥗 Healthy brunch spot with a loyal local following

    • What to order: Ricotta salad, tomato panini

    • Nearest station: Bongeunsa (Line 9, Exit 7)

  4. Banana Tree Cafe

    • 🌼 Cute flowerpot pudding & cotton candy drinks!

    • What to order: Flowerpot cake, banana latte

    • Nearest station: Sinsa Station (Line 3, Exit 8)

  5. Brown Hands Cafe

    • 🏺 Art-meets-coffee in a ceramic-filled setting

    • What to order: Vanilla latte, cinnamon roll

    • Nearest station: Gangnam Station (Line 2, Exit 10)

🏭 Seongsu-dong (성수동) – Creative & Industrial

  1. Cafe Onion Seongsu

    • 🧱 Most iconic industrial-style cafe in Seoul

    • What to order: Pandoro, cold brew

    • Nearest station: Seongsu (Line 2, Exit 2)

  2. Daelim Changgo Gallery Cafe

    • 🖼️ Cafe-meets-art-gallery with high ceilings and rustic charm

    • What to order: Black sesame latte, chocolate mousse

    • Nearest station: Seongsu (Line 2, Exit 14)

  3. Zino Cafe

    • 🌾 Warm tones, wooden interiors, and cozy lighting

    • What to order: Lavender latte, fig toast

    • Nearest station: Ttukseom Station (Line 2, Exit 8)

  4. Hotel Seine Cafe

    • 🎞️ Cinematic vibes—5 floors including rooftop and themed rooms

    • What to order: Iced peach tea, chocolate cake

    • Nearest station: Seongsu (Line 2, Exit 3)

  5. TMI Coffee

    • 🛠️ Raw-concrete aesthetic, spacious seating, and sleek branding

    • What to order: Vanilla bean latte, honey butter bread

    • Nearest station: Seoul Forest (Bundang Line, Exit 5)

🧳 Travel Tips for Cafe-Hopping in Seoul

  1. Pack Smart:

    • Portable phone charger (for all the photos + maps!)

    • Reusable water bottle

    • Crossbody bag for hands-free travel

    • Light layers for changing weather

      👉 See Ultimate packing lists

    Get Around Like a Local:

    • Grab a T-Money card – Use it for subway, bus, and even some taxis.

    • Apps to download:

      • Naver Maps or KakaoMap (better than Google in Korea)

      • Papago for translations

      • Subway Korea for transit routes

    Where to Stay:

    • Hongdae – Budget-friendly and youthful

    • Myeongdong – Great for first-timers and shoppers

    • Itaewon – Central, international, trendy
      👉 Lists of Where to stay in Seoul