Garosu-gil is possibly our favourite area in Seoul. The hipster neighbourhood is where you will find quaint cafes, lifestyle boutiques, local labels, cosmetics shops and several international brands. The tree-lined street has a certain charm to it that makes you want to hang around the area a little longer.
With all the options available, you can easily spend a day there with your friends as you cafe hop, try on different designer clothing together and take a stroll down the lively street. What’s more, there is always a hidden gem lurking at every corner, waiting to be discovered.
This guide to 21 Cafes In Garousu-Gil You Must Visit When In Seoul will give you an overview of the best cafes you are able to find there.
BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE
There are many simple joys in life and we do not need fancy food and alcohol every day. Just an iced tea and a comfortable space to sit back and watch the world go by.
Basilur Tea And Coffee is one of those. Occupying the second and third level of a building in Garosu-gil, the space is perpetually packed but strange enough, the crowd does not overwhelm. And the splendour of the drinks house sure took our breath away.
Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu 2nd floor 554
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
CAFE DE PARIS
Despite being hidden in an alley that is not visible from the main street, Cafe de Paris is hard to miss with its striking blue exterior and Parisian-style huge windows. Elegant and chic, Cafe de Paris is where the locals hang out to people watch while hiding away from the crowd on the main street.
The food menu is simple though, as the cafe is more for casual drinks such as European coffee and tea. What is evidently popular is their signature Mango Smoothie (W16,000).
551-2 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +822 514 8282
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
COFFEESMITH
This is one huge coffee house to visit when you need a drink. We took a while to digest the comprehensive drinks menu, but more than that, we were taken in by the sheer grandeur of Coffeesmith. It is easily one of the most elaborate coffee house in Garosu-gil with its multi-level outlet, and the fragrance of their brew lured us in.
The menu has drinks for both caffeine and non-caffeine drinker. Pick from a wide range of coffee, teas and juices, and read a magazine as you idle the afternoon away.
536-20, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3445 3372
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am – 1.30am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 2.30am
Nearest Station: Sinsa
DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE
Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees and it is one of our favourite places to go for desserts in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.
535-9 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa
DISH ROOM BY DORE DORE
We are absolutely in love with Dish Room. It was one of those love-at-first-sight moments for us, and we knew we had to step in for a midday perk-me-up. Priding themselves to serving a menu that emphasizes “eat well, live well”, Dish Room by Dore Dore has a display of salads and healthy warm food to pamper its patrons.
What would get your attention, we reckon, is the stunning cakes display. They are tall and majestic, and any cake lover will be sold. From rainbow to many other layered cream cakes, Dish Room by Dore Dore is a must-go when in Garosu-gil.
546-18 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 511 2115
Nearest Station: Sinsa
IKOVOX COFFEE
Another cafe that pays homage to good coffee is Ikovox Coffee. It may seem like an unassuming corner unit in one of the smaller streets of Garosu-gil, but it sure is no less popular among locals and tourists alike. The outlet is always packed with coffee lovers who just need a relaxing space to settle down with friends while sipping a seriously good cuppa.
Ikovox Coffee is definitely your thing if you are serious about coffee.
I Tae Won 1 Dong, 140-863
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2790 5578
Daily: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Itaewon
GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK
The name of the cafe does not quite make sense and we raised our brows when we first heard about it. Plus, it requires a bit of walking from the main side of Garosu-gil. But take that stroll and you will be welcomed by a small yet stunning cafe.
The monochrome-theme cafe is known for their cheesecakes, and while we thought it was just slightly underwhelming, it is still a nice and quiet space for a little break from all that walking. The coffee is pretty decent, by the way!
161 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 41
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 4220 2014
Nearest Station: Sinsa
KOBALT KAFE
Look no further if you are searching for a cosy place to have a gathering with your girlfriends. Previously just a shop opened by Kobalt Design Studio, Kobalt Kafe has expanded to become a European-style bistro that is famed for their house brews.
The cafe serves beverages such as Italy coffee, various types of French tea and healthy drinks made from seasonal fruits alongside a range of aesthetically-pleasing cakes. If you happen to fall in love with the lovely rustic interior design, some of the furniture displayed in the cafe are sold on their website!
35-5 Gangnam-daero 160-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 1513
Mon to Sat:12pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
LA POMME DESSERT CAFE
La Pomme Dessert Cafe’s cakes and desserts are prepared fresh in-house, and they are all so pretty. We like the seats by the windows; don’t you too?
135-889, Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu
a 10-way 35, Sin sa dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 545 4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa
LAY BRICKS
We did a second take when we stumbled upon Lay Bricks. On the first impression, we thought it was a mini factory of sorts, but we were wrong; it is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody sexy! The place is well, predominantly laid with bricks, and sewing machines and oil tins are used as tables and chairs.
It is one of those secret hideouts where you can escape from the madness of the world and just enjoy some cold brew at.
153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 545 5513
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sinsa
LATTE KING
Yet another place to go to for cold brew is Latte King, this hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves cold brew on tap. It is a little inconspicuous from the main road, but look out for the iconic cat logo and you are on your way to some summer thirst-quenchers.
Choose from Cold Brew Ice Coffee (W4,300), Cold Brew Coffee Beer (W4,800), or Cold Brew Hibiscus (W4,300). There are also many juices to pick from if you prefer something without caffeine!
15 12 (giljeom avenue)
Sin Sa Dong, Seoul, 133-848, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 544 0729
Nearest Station: Sinsa
Line Friends Store & Cafe was one of our first stops during our recent trip to Seoul, and you would not believe how excited we were. The multi-level outlet features huge merchandise sections and a cafe, and is filled with excitement and laughter of all like-minded fans of Line.
Be seated at the cafe and to tuck in to the cutest Line Friends macarons and brownies. We don’t know how you are going to do it but we didn’t even have the heart to bite into our Brown and Cony macarons!
535-15, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
MINOS COFFEECULT
Located at the start of Garosu-gil is Minos Coffeecult, one of the best places to rest your feet in between shopping. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. Step in for a cuppa and to simply zone out while the world goes by. We love how Minos Coffeecult has a wide range of magazines—a great alternative to an idyllic afternoon at Garosu-gil.
Minos Coffeecult uses coffee beans from Anthracite Coffee Roasters. Don’t like caffeine? Minos also has other drinks such as Sweet Pumpkin Latte, Marron Latte and Green Tea Latte at W6,200 each.
Hallym 547-1 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, 2nd floor, Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8818 4601
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Sinsa
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse is a popular bakery that hails all the way from San Fransisco, California. The dessert place specialises in crusty croissants, a mouthwatering array of baked goods and house brew coffee.
Those who are unsure of what to get there may like to try they are known for—their signature Cruffin (W5,500). The cream fillings are rotational so you may be trying out a different flavour when you visit on different days.
34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 547 2004
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
MUG FOR RABBIT
Intriguing and inviting, Mug For Rabbit spots a slightly industrial look juxtaposed with Parisian chairs. Loud tracks fill the cafe, and the crowd in there is a good-looking one. The two-storey unit is yet another place for you to rest your feet over drinks and hearty chats, and we especially love that mezzanine.
We say go in and grab a quick juice, kick your shoes off and let your hair down. By night, Mug For Rabbit transforms into an alluring space with long-hanging and dimly-lit lamps.
153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 53 (boulevard second store)
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 7488
Nearest Station: Sinsa
Osulloc is a tea salon that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island. With an extensive menu of different teas—both hot and iced—and an assortment of green tea desserts such as swiss rolls and tiramisu, there will always be something to fall in love with.
It is a cosy cafe with a very inviting laid-back vibe. Wooden furniture dominate the facade, sounds of ice blending and excitement from patrons fill the space; the lights are kept dim, but just as well, because no matter what time it is out there, we just want to recline into our seats and immerse ourselves into this relaxing environment while enjoying our green tea everything.
175 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 6 (Apgujeong points)
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-892, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3448 5967
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
REMICONE
This soft serve lab is one you must not miss! You see that smiley soft serve there? Yes, you deserve an award for being so cute.
Build your own soft serve here at Remicone. The first step is to choose a cup or ‘cone’. Then, pick a flavour—milk, salted caramel or chocolate. Top it off with your choice of honey caviar, cotton thunder, hazelnut crumble, honey chip, popping sugar or fleur de sel. There you have it. Now, take out your cameras and snap a dozen photos before sharing it on your social media platforms!
Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu
a 14-way 24-, Sin sa dong
Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 6207 1029
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
SARUBIA
This retro-looking place had us feeling like we stumbled upon a gem at the back alley. Sarubia is slightly off the main street, but it is not difficult to spot. Look out for the display of mismatched chairs lining the entrance.
On the menu, put your attention to the pasta section—Aglio Olio (W16,000), Seafood (W19,000), and Carbonara (W17,000). Want some pizzas? There is the Margherita (W20,000) and Rucola (W21,000).
153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 57
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 540 7344
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2am
Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Sinsa
THE FLYING PAN
Talk about beautiful white spaces and flowers in abundance! The Flying Pan is one like that, and the timeless elegance stole our hearts. Stepping into the slightly Parisian cafe gives us a strange sense of familiarity, yet took us by surprise altogether. Every detail of The Flying Pan is something to discover, and it is little wonder this cafe is ever popular with the locals.
The menu is a typical European one, with signatures including Free Range Eggs Benedict (W15,000), Bacon French Toast (W15,000), and Mentaiko & Leek Pasta (W16,000). It may not be the cheapest place to dine at, but it sure is a lovely cafe to spend some time with your loved ones.
Road 8, Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 514 5585
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
Taking up the first floor of a building, the nilk factory offers a range of cold-pressed almond milk in different flavours, coffee, tea and gluten-free cakes. The cafe is not for those who are looking for a full meal but it is where you can hang out with your girlfriends or partner for afternoon tea or dessert.
the nilk factory’s signature drinks include Almond Je’taime (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600) and Mixed Nuts (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600).
32 Gangnam-daero 162-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2039 0821
Nearest Station: Sinsa
‘
1202 COFFEE COUNTER
Dog owners who are looking for a pet-friendly cafe in Garosu-gil can stop by 1202 Coffee Counter which opened in March 2017. The lifestyle cafe has a market space where visitors can purchase tote bags and small potted plants such as various breeds of cactus.
Our favourite spot at the cafe is by the counter, where you can sip on aromatic coffee while watching the locals go about their day. For humid days, we would recommend their Cold Brew (W6,000), Lemon Tea (W6,500) and Grapefruit Tea (W6,500).
518-15, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3442 1202
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa
For more recommendations, read our guides to discover the best places to visit in Seoul.