Seoul: A Coffee Lover's Paradise

Seoul in South Korea is a city that's always buzzing with energy, and its coffee scene is no exception. From cozy, minimalist cafes to trendy, Instagram-worthy spots, there's a coffee shop for every taste and style. What's truly amazing about Seoul's coffee culture is the diversity of offerings. Even if you're not a coffee drinker, you'll find plenty of delicious alternatives like matcha lattes, chai teas, and handcrafted fruit teas. So, grab your camera and get ready to explore Seoul's vibrant café scene. You're in for a treat! Here are the cafés I've been to and will definitely visit again when in Seoul. Click into each café to see my detailed description and the Naver Map link (use Naver Map, since Google Maps doesn't work in South Korea):

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Onion Café

Onion Café

@estayhilton

Located in the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, Onion invites you to enjoy a seat in a traditional Korean Hanok setting. Famous for their diverse food offerings, including scones, filled croissants, and salt bread, you might have to stand in line for a while (unless you opt for take-away, which allows you to enter straight into the café). It is definitely worth the wait!

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Nuldam Space

Nuldam Space

@estayhilton

One of my favorite experiences in Seoul was at Nuldam Space. While the beverages are delicious, the main attraction here is their unique service: you can write a letter to yourself or a loved one, wax-seal it, and have it shipped internationally to the chosen address in a year. Nuldam offers a cozy environment where you can reflect on your letter, unwind, and recharge.

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Truffle Bakery

The TRUFFLE BAKERY

@estayhilton

Truffle Bakery is a pastry lover's dream, located in the trendy Itaewon district. Their signature truffle pastries are a must-try, featuring a rich, decadent filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth. My highlight was the tissue bread, a cube-shaped bread loaf.

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Kakao Friends

Kakao Friends Hongdae

@estayhilton

More than just a café, Kakao Friends is an experience in itself. If you’re familiar with the adorable Kakao Friends characters, you’ll enjoy the whimsical setting while sipping on a variety of refreshing drinks and indulging in sweet treats.

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Rain Report Croissant Café

Rain Report Croissant Café

@estayhilton

If you love rain, Rain Report Croissant Café is the perfect spot for you. Located in Seongsu, this café features a stunning waterfall and jungle setting outdoors. Inside, you'll find a cozy atmosphere spread across two floors, with seating options ranging from booths to large beds. Their menu boasts a variety of specialty coffee drinks, teas, and croissant snacks, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

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Nudake

Nudake

@estayhilton

For croissant enthusiasts, Nudake is a must-visit. With two locations—one in Apgujeong HAUS Dosan with their sister brands Gentle Monster and Tamburins and another in the bustling area of Gangnam (the Croissant one) —this café features a stunning variety of croissants in different shapes and toppings. Cute croissants are hidden throughout the two-story space, making it a unique café to discover.

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Morning Calm Coffee Lab

Morning Calm Coffee Lab

@estayhilton

Morning Calm Café is the perfect spot for a peaceful morning or afternoon. The atmosphere is somewhat heavy, with black and wood tones dominating the decor, but the sunlight streaming in through the windows balances it out beautifully. They offer a range of coffee beans and non-coffee drinks.

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Ralph’s Coffee

Ralph's Coffee

@estayhilton

Experience the Ralph Lauren lifestyle at Ralph’s Coffee. This stylish café opened in September 2024 in the Ralph Lauren Gangnam store and offers a selection of high-quality coffee and tea, alongside American pastries like brownies, cakes, and cookies. You can also purchase Ralph’s Coffee merchandise to take home.

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Café Kitsuné

Café Kitsuné

@estayhilton

Another trendy spot is Café Kitsuné, from the French Maison Kitsuné brand. As you walk past a bamboo-flanked pathway, you’ll encounter the brand’s store and café, which features a minimalistic design and a spacious patio perfect for outdoor seating. The café has a hipster aesthetic vibe and is a great place to relax while enjoying delicious coffee and dessert.

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The House of Beauty Scientists

The House of Beauty Scientists

@estayhilton

The House of Beauty is more than just a café; it's a cultural experience. Part of the Amorepacific brand, it houses a skincare laboratory, a restaurant/bar and a store from the beauty brand Sulwhasoo within the same building. Surrounded by a mini forest, the vibe here is incredibly Zen. So, the next time you're in Seoul, be sure to explore its vibrant café culture. You'll be amazed by the creativity, passion, and dedication that goes into each cup of coffee—or tea!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Offir

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Hi everyone! I'm Offir, your passport-stamping, airplane-loving, and city-guide crafting travel enthusiast. As your dedicated travel content writer, I'm on a mission to turn your vacations into unforgettable journeys. Having an international upbringing, I love nothing more than discovering new cultures, while enjoying food, drinks and finding the hidden spots only the locals know. Ready to explore cities like never before? I have curated lists of a few places I think everyone should have on their bucket list. Also, get in touch with me for: - Personalized itineraries - Curated recommendations

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Seoul, South Korea