We recently spent a couple of days in Seoul. Apart from having Korean indie acoustic singers crooning into my ears (though I must say DJ Chong – a.k.a Andrea – and DJ Chen – a.k.a. Shi Lin) were fighting to be centrestage to control the speakers lol), we spent a fair bit of time exploring coffee spots around the city.
The last time I went to South Korea was about eight years ago, and so many things have changed! Still, the one thing you can be sure about Seoul is that it is definitely saturated with cafés, no matter where you are, so there’s no need to worry even if you haven’t got your itinerary planned. We did the homework for you so you know what cafés are worth checking out:
UHO COFFEE
Hidden in a corner in Dongdaemun, this café is bright, airy, and totally aesthetic. We were blown away by the clean and eclectic interiors which gave us loads of inspiration for the office. If you require a quiet space to contemplate or complete some reading, this one will be right up your alley. Oh, of course, if you need somewhere to relax your legs after some intensive shopping nearby, you’d be thankful for this café too.
Address: 286 Uljiro 7-ga 21, Jung-gu, 04565 Seoul
COFFEE NAP ROASTERS
What do you do if you notice a glasshouse café in Yeon Nam-dong, run by charming Korean Oppas and peppered with local hipsters too? Whip your phone out, of course, but not after trying their coffee, which totally lives up to the hype. This is one legitimate coffee shop with a variety of artisanal brews, even selling roasted beans! If you’re into people or puppy-watching, you should really consider camping at this spot. Go early for a good seat!
Address: 453-8 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, 03979 Seoul
CAFÉ MIEI
It is a challenge to obtain a seat in this popular café, situated within a bustling local neighbourhood near Hongdae. Everything is just so pretty and well-decorated, and you can expect delectable desserts and drinks – a great place to be at with your girlfriends. The café is cosy, exuding a homely vibe with warm wooden furniture, and they offer a good variety of pastries. Besides coffee, we had the brownie with ice cream which was sinfully good.
Address: 42 World cup-ro 19-gil, Mangwon 1(il)-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
STYLNANDA PINK POOL CAFÉ
I’m pretty sure you’ve read about this and seen pictures already, but it IS worth the visit in central Myeongdong! As per its name, it’s pool-themed, so expect tiles, flippers, beanbags, and even a poolside table with a parasol! I was pretty impressed! Their signature drink? A cup of hot chocolate with cotton candy perched above the drink, simulating a cute raincloud with droplets as the candy melts in the warmth. A delicious combination.
Address: 37-8 Myeongdong 8-gil, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
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Righty, hope this guide comes in handy as you make your way around the vibrant land of South Korea! If you have questions or other cafés to recommend, do leave us your comments for other readers 🙂
Seoul long!
Priscilla
