ONE STOP CAFE GUIDE: Must Visit Cafes in Seoul

Coffee culture in South Korea is unlike any other, with over 18,000 coffee shops in city limits. In fact, Seoul has more Starbucks' than any other city in the world. 

This guide is to help make your cafe decisions easier as you explore different parts of the city. I've listed my personal favorite cafes, as well as popular and highly rated ones. Each shop has a little note about vibes, budget, or menu recommendations!

HONGDAE

Trendy nightlife district highlighted with street fashion, restaurants, and endless cafes. 

Yeonnamdong Cherry Blossoms House

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Lovely antique vibes and cherry blossom treats, tucked away from the main street.

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청수당공명

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Hongdae branch of picturesque cafe Cheongsudang! Lesser known amongst travelers.

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Koriko Cafe

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Kiki's Delivery Service themed cafe. For the cat lovers.

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Cafe Monstercat

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Unique drinks featuring the cutest mascot! Many treats on the menu can't be found anywhere else in Seoul.

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Pink Pool Cafe - Stylenanda Seoul

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One of the two locations in Seoul, and a popular photo opportunity. Prices are a little higher for this trendy cafe.

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Cafe Sweet Flour

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Handmade tea, coffee, and desserts with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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Patisserie x Roastery imi

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BEST desserts on this whole list! High quality pastries and coffee.

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MYEONGDONG

Busy shopping street with numerous food stands. Great stop after a visit to Namsan Tower.

Gamoo

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Lots of seating and quality coffee. Great if you need to rest your feet after a day of shopping in Myeongdong.

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METCHA

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A MUST-GO for matcha lovers! Huge 5-story cafe with some of the best matcha in Seoul!

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어반플랜트 명동 URBAN PLANT

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Unique pretzel pastries and immersive photo spots in this romantic cafe!

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Café Swith SOL

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Cute character cafe created by Shinhan Bank! Don't pass up on the adorable merch.

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Café coin(Myeongdong 2nd Branch)

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Vintage style cafe with fresh fruit drinks and traditional desserts. Less populated than the first branch, which is one of the oldest cafes in the city!

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BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE

Traditional Village nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Streets lined with artisan shops and restaurants.

Blue Bottle Coffee Samcheong Cafe

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Famous for their pour-over coffees. Be sure to try the praline and hazelnut chocolate hotteok (traditional sweet filled pancake) only available in Korea!

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Osulloc Tea House Bukchon

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Green tea grown from the Osulloc Green Tea Farm on Jeju Island. Stock up on take-home kits!

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Cha-teul

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Traditional Hanok tea house for those looking for an authentic tea experience. Not a ton of seating so come early or be prepared to wait!

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Cafe Joconde 카페 죠꽁드

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Small cafe with a homey feel. Very close to the Bukchon Hanok Village.

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Nuldam Space - Gyeongbok Palace branch

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Key feature of this cafe is the option to buy a postcard and write a letter to your future self! The cafe will mail it to the address of your choice on the date you choose.

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GANGNAM

Known for shopping and entertainment. Stop by these cafes on the way to COEX Mall or Lotte World.

Ediya Coffee Lab.

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Popular chain "Ediya Coffee's" version of the Starbucks Reserve where they roast the coffee beans in-house for the freshest coffee.

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Aya Coffee

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Great place to grab a delicious to-go drink. Seating is limited, but the drinks are worth the stop.

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AB Cafe

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Unique tropical themed cafe with MOUTHWATERING desserts.

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Cafe Treeanon

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Bright, European-style cafe with English tea and desserts. Menu items are on the pricier side.

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Café DIOR Seoul

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Luxury cafe by Dior. Very high end desserts and coffees. Reservation required in most cases, but sometimes they have tables available.

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INSADONG & IKSEONDONG

Popular restaurant and cafe areas with a traditional setting. Tip: The last 4 cafes are right next to each other! Enjoy a day of cafe hopping.

Sinyet chatjip (Shin Tea House)

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MUST stop by this tucked away tea house to enjoy a quiet evening with authentic desserts. Bonus: Shop owners are so kind and sometimes throw in an extra treat!

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Yeolsikkoch (Cafe 10 o'clock blossom)

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Right off Insadong shopping street. Stop by if you're planning on visiting the 'Delight Seoul' Exhibition!

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Cheese Industry

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Lactose Intolerants beware: enjoy all kinds of cheese-incorporated desserts, or stock up on local cheeses! This cafe gets very crowded, so take a cheesecake from the fridge to-go.

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Mil Toast

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The best spot for all kinds of steamed bread. Try the chestnut bread with a cute bottle of chestnut milk!

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Cheongsudang Café

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Atmospheric and traditional. Highly regarded as a popular photo spot with lots of floor seating!

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Onhwa Cafe

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Get your fill of delicious soufflés in all kinds of flavors.

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ITAEWON

International area popular with foreigners. Many artsy and multicultural businesses here.

Leegit Coffee

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Cozy and generally quiet cafe with kind staff!

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Mujinjang

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Laidback cafe with a bright atmosphere. Great place if you need to work or study!

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Hell Cafe

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Good music and strong coffee! For those who like a darker atmosphere. Try their signature Hell drinks for a kickstart to your day.

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pancakeshop seoul coffee

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Delicious pancakes and brunch items to pair with high quality coffee. Take it to the rooftop seating to get a great view of Namsan Tower!

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Soseowon

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Amazing brunch cafe with a modern touch. Try their pistachio cake and cream latte!

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Seoul Ludens

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Lots of sunlight during the day and a wonderful ambiance at night. Great view of Namsan Tower to enjoy while sipping coffee!

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