Seoul - Cafés

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Cafés

Seoul

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Asia South Korea Seoul Cafés

Overview

Cafés The guide was updated: 2024-06-18

One thing that becomes instantly obvious when walking down any street in South Korea is that coffee shops are incredibly popular here. Both international chains and small independent cafés are dotted around the capital, providing a plethora of options to choose from.

Seoul is best known for its quirky-themed cafés, with some featuring cats and dogs as the focal points, and others showcasing very specific types of food or drink, like the 'poop café', Ddong Café, where beverages are served in toilet-shaped mugs and the menu offers poop-swirl shaped pastry and poo-shaped ice cream.

Passion 5

Passion 5

Passion 5 is home to some exquisite desserts including first-class chocolates and pastries. Here guests will get the chance to choose from a wide array of artisan creations of all shapes, colours and sizes. The café is located in the Hangangjin Station area, so as you can probably imagine it is bustling with commuters hopping on and off the metro.

O’Sulloc Tea House

O’Sulloc Tea House

All offerings from O'Sulloc contain high-quality green tea from Korea's own Jeju-do island, where some of the world's finest tea is grown. The menu showcases ice cream, cakes, scones and desserts all made with a base of green tea. There are also plenty of drinks to choose from such as the popular milky matcha green tea latte.

Seoulseo Duljjaero Jalhaneun Jip

Seoulseo Duljjaero Jalhaneun Jip

This longstanding cafe is known for one thing only, a traditional red bean, soup-like dessert made with rice dough, peanuts and chestnuts amongst other ingredients. It's a must-visit location for those looking to try authentic Korean treats.

Hakrim Dabang

Hakrim Dabang

One of the oldest independent cafes in Seoul, Hakrim Dabang is a gateway to the 1950s, with its collection of vinyl records as well as black and white photographs that hang from the walls. Its Viennese coffee remains popular to this day, just like the homemade cream cheese cake that both young and older crowds enjoy.

Casablanca Sandwicherie

Casablanca Sandwicherie

This trendy and rather unusual eatery is a good pick for those looking to branch outside of Korean cuisine, at least for a moment. Casablanca Sandwicherie is, as the name might suggest a Moroccan café serving a nice selection sandwiches with meat and vegetable fillings amongst other ingredients. There are other authentic, hearty dishes on offer which are great for the winter.

Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos serves creative Mexican-Korean fusion. Here you can enjoy artisanal, mouthwatering dishes such as fish and shrimp tacos, kimchi fries and Galbe burritos in a lively atmosphere. The drinks menu features a selection of great cocktails and refreshing soft drinks.

Tongin Market

Tongin Market

There is no better place for foodies on a budget than Tongin Market. At several cafes on-site (Box Lunch or Dosirak for example) visitors can purchase tokens which may then be then exchanged for foods and snacks to complement the staple of soup and/or rice. This so called 'brass coin token bento box' is a nice little novelty for those passing through.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang is a prime destination for those looking to experience the sensation that is Korean street food. Although it is known primarily as a clothing market, it certainly has no shortage of mouthwatering choices. Constantly teeming with visitors, the market is a great place to savour some classic specialties such as bibimbap and maybe even try something very much out of the box like the dreaded live octopus.

Rogpa Tea Stall

Rogpa Tea Stall

Rogpa Tea Stall is a cute spot where one can enjoy delightful vegetarian snacks and drinks that carry the distinct flavour profile of India and the Himalayas. The cafe has a partner organisation which deals in philanthropic pursuits. To support the volunteers and Tibetans in need, stop by the next door shop selling handicrafts by exiled Tibetans on your way out.

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