Located near Gyeongnidan-Gil in Itaewon, RainReport Cafe is a new rain-themed cafe which has been gaining popularity since its opening 4 months ago.

It is best known for its photo spot with artificial rain where you can take your photos. The cafe even provides big transparent umbrellas for use during your photoshoots.

Step inside RainReport Cafe and you will be instantly transported to a calm and serene space that feels like an oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Decked in black, the interior is beautifully designed with a minimalist aesthetic.

The cafe also has a small coffee roastery on site where they roast their coffee beans.

The rain effects at the al fresco area are on a 15-minute cycle; the rain will last for 15 minutes and stop for 15 minutes.

You can find a small selection of desserts and pastries including Strawberry Souffle Cake, Cloud Black Cheesecake, and freshly-made financiers.

The financiers are available in a set of 5 and some of the flavours include squid ink, basil, maple bacon, fig wine, and triple cheese.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic espresso, a refreshing iced beverage, or a delightful dessert, RainReport Cafe has something to please every palate. We highly recommend their signature Sesame Cloud (black sesame latte).

RainReport Cafe is much more than just a cafe in Seoul. It’s a sanctuary that embraces the beauty of rain. If you find yourself in Seoul, make sure to visit RainReport Cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee and desserts in this beautiful cafe.

Getting to RainReport Cafe: The cafe is located at the top of the hill near to Grand Hyatt Hotel. The nearest train station is Hangangjin Station and from there, you can take bus 405 and align at Namsan Sports Center before walking to the cafe.

RainReport Cafe
258-63 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea

Trendy cafes are a dime and a dozen in Seoul but have you been to one with a brick hill interior? Located in the charming Yeonnam-dong near Hongdae, Coffee Nap Roasters is a cute little cafe with a 7000-brick hill interior.

The tiny coffee shop is housed within a small standalone building along Donggyo-ro 51-gil in Yeonnam-dong. The neighbourhood is also home to many hip cafes including Layered Cafe, Cafe Skon, Ver’s Garden, THANKS, OAT, and Dinga Cake House.

Established in April 2018, Coffee Nap Roasters went viral online with its unique interior design with a red brick hill.

The designer of the cafe decided to get rid of the usual chairs and tables as they wanted to provide a diverse experience where you could enjoy a cup of coffee wherever you chose to sit.

The coffee shop offers the usual selections such as espresso, cold brew, flat white, and filter coffee. There are also non-caffeinated options including lemon ade, apple tea and milk tea.

Admittedly, the brick hill isn’t the most comfortable place to sit down for long. After taking photos at the brick hill, there are benches and stools by the side where you can enjoy a cup of coffee.

Coffee Nap Roasters
453-32 Donggyo-ro 51-gil

Located in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Cheong Su Dang is a incredibly beautiful coffee and dessert cafe housed in a traditional facade.

For those of you who haven’t been to Ikeson-dong, it is a trendy neighbourhood which has plenty of gorgeous cafes, local shops and under-the-radar eateries.

If you are planning to cafe hop in Seoul, you definitely have to add Cheong Su Dang to your list of cafes to visit in Seoul.

To enter the cafe, you have to walk across a flight of stone steps across a small pond which is surrounded by bamboo and lanterns.

The cafe is divided into two main areas. You can opt for the floor seating which comes with a view of the garden.

If you are lazy to take off your shoes, you can try your luck to get a seat at the main table which comes with a pretty plant display as the centrepiece.

They serve coffee, matcha, black tea and fruit drinks and prices range between 5,800 to 7,500 won.

There are six desserts (13,000 – 20,000 won) on Cheong Su Dang’s menu and they include:

• Original Souffle Castella
• Mugwort Souffle Castella
• Strawberry Compote Souffle Castella
• Black Sesame Fromage Cake
• Matcha Fromage Cake
• Strawberry Cake

To be honest, Cheong Su Dang’s drinks and cakes are nothing special, but the interior is so charming.

Cheong Su Dang
31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil,
Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Cafe Onion at Seongsu-dong is one of our all-time favourite cafes in Seoul and they have another outlet at Anguk-Dong which is just a short walk from Anguk Station and Bukchon Hanok Village.

For those of you who are not familiar with the cafe scene in Seoul, Cafe Onion is a popular cafe which is best known for its amazing array of bread and pastries.

While Cafe Onion Seongsu is a chic industrial-themed cafe with an open rooftop terrace, Cafe Onion Anguk is housed in a traditional Korean Hanok and it has a completely different decor and vibe.

We got there before 10am and we got a table easily. But from what we understand from our friends and followers who have visited Cafe Onion Anguk, there is always a queue at Cafe Onion Anguk in the afternoon and the wait is at least 30 minutes.

Cafe Onion has an in-house bakery and all the bread and pastries are freshly baked on premise. The staff is constantly bringing out new trays of baked goods so you can enjoy them fresh from the oven.

The Pandor, one of the signature bakes at Cafe Onion, is a pastry topped off lavishly with icing sugar.

Coffee is serious business here too and you can expect top-notch cuppa to go along with your pastries. There is a selection of coffee (prices range from 5,000 won to 6,800 won) and beverages including juices and tea.

The cafe space for dine-in is divided into two areas. Diner will have to remove their shoes at the area with Korean tatami mats and low tables.

Alternatively, you can get a seat at the area with the regular tables without taking off your shoes.

If you are not planning to explore Seongsu-dong which is further away from the city area, we highly recommend making a trip to Cafe Onion Anguk as the location is much more accessible.

It is definitely a must-visit cafe when you are in Seoul.

Cafe Onion Anguk
Anguk-dong
Tel: +82 70 7543 2123

South Korea is a haven for all things delicious. And when you think of Seoul, other than shopping, food will immediately pop into your mind! From bubbling pots of army stew to the ever-changing street food stalls and the well-loved bibimbap, Seoul has it all covered.

Other than the savoury, spicy dishes that Seoul is well-known for, the city is also bursting with hidden dessert spots waiting to be uncovered! Here’s a list of some must-try sweet treats when you’re in the land of BTS and Blackpink. Damn, life’s good when you have a sweet tooth!

BACKEN

Located on the edge of the Sinsa-dong and Garosu-gil area in Seoul, Backen is a cosy, industrial-themed coffee shop. Their rustic interior is further emphasized by their freshly-baked pastries displayed openly on trays.

Try the Raspberry Cream Bun that comes with a coating of chocolate and cookie crumbles. Hidden inside is a light and airy raspberry whipped cream filling that’s sweet and provides a nice contrast to the bun and chocolate!

528-3 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Sinsa, Exit 8

CACAODADA

One of the few bean-to-bar chocolate cafes in Seoul, Cacaodada makes all their chocolate from scratch and have a menu dedicated to showcasing their unique creations. It requires a bit of effort to locate in the cafe-filled Mangwon-dong area, but it’s worth the walk!

Give their Chocolate Affogato a try – vanilla bean ice cream is topped off with a freshly-baked cookie. Drizzle their house-made chocolate sauce over it to complete the most decadent chocolate dessert in Seoul. Grab some of their single-origin chocolate if you’re a chocolate lover!

15 Huiujeong-ro 10-gil
Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 9pm
(Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Nearest Station: Mangwon

CARIN LOUNGE

One of the most instagrammable cafes in Seoul would have to be Carin Lounge. Decked in all-pink and rose gold decor, the cafe is an Instagrammer’s haven. Their pastries are also incredibly beautiful and delicious!

If you’re a fan of mousse cakes, try the Espresso Banana Cake! Coffee-infused mousse envelopes a creamy banana filling atop a crisp tart shell. The pairing of banana and coffee was a match made in heaven.

7 Hongik-ro 2-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

DESSERT LAB

Specializing in quirky cakes and pastries is Dessert Lab. They have two outlets in two hip areas of Seoul – Hongdae and Myeongdong. The interior is also rather instagrammable; they have neon lights, dried flowers and have minimalistic decor.

For a bit of a mind-boggle, their Peach cake is actually a raspberry cheesecake! Vanilla mousse is paired with a sweet raspberry jelly filling and oreo crumbles are sprinkled around this petite peach dessert!

332-32 Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

55-16 Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

IKSEON-GORO

One of the prettiest ice cream swirls in Seoul has to be the Purple Berry Softserve in the hipster village, Ikseondong. This quaint hanok-house village was refurbished to house several interesting retail stores, cafes and eateries. All are equally interesting and insta-photo-worthy!

This 2500KRW softserve has a sweet berry-like taste and is super creamy. It’s the perfect icy dessert for the scorching summer heat in Korea!

166-34 Ikseon-dong
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Jongno-3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

OSULLOC

This famous tea-centric cafe in Seoul has several outlets, originating from Jeju as a tea plantation! Specializing in all-things-tea, Osulloc’s offerings include delicious tea-infused cakes, drinks and chocolate bars.

We like their roll cakes, especially their Hojicha (roasted green tea) roll cake! They’re soft, fluffy and filled with tea-infused cream. Try their Double Matcha Cheesecake too – it consists of matcha sponge, a baked green tea cheesecake layer and a soft cream cheese layer.

Osulloc has several outlets. Check out the full list here.

PAULIN PANCAKE

If you’re a fan of fluffy, cloud-like souffle pancakes, Paulin Pancake at Honggik University will be a must-visit for you when you’re in Seoul. Paulin is a minimalistic cafe that specializes in souffle pancakes.

Their Earl Grey Pool Pancake was to-die-for. Two large souffle pancakes sit in a mildly sweet earl-grey cream sauce and are accompanied with spiced cinnamon apple chunks, crumble and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s an indulgent afternoon treat fit for any tummy!

Wausan-ro 29ga-gil, 862F
Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong, Seoul
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Honggik University

SEOUL COFFEE

This Instagram-famous hanok-house cafe is appearing everywhere on everyone’s Seoul travel feeds. Serving thick slabs of butter in fluffy bread, whipped cream coffee and several ice cream desserts and tiramisus, Seoul Coffee is a great place to relax and unwind in the Ikseondong area.

Their Vienna Coffee comes with whipped sweet cream on top and is a must-try! Their matcha tiramisu and charcoal bread with butter are quite delicious as well. Do go slightly earlier than they open because there will definitely be queues to go in!

33-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil
Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

SOBOK

Fans of the pretty ice cream desserts from Sobok in Hongdae were disappointed by their closure but thankfully, Sobok has a small shop at Incheon Airport’s Dessert Hall. They specialize in more traditional Korean-flavoured desserts.

Try their signature Sobok Ice Cream that features a roasted grain-flavoured soft-serve, complete with a bean paste-covered rice cake and candied fruits and nuts. It’s a unique dessert you can only find in Korea!

Incheon International Airport
West of Public Area 4F, Terminal 1
Daily: 6am – 10pm

MIL TOAST HOUSE

Hands-down the best french toast in Seoul is from Toast House in Ikseondong. This cosy cafe has no signboard but has a distinctive toast logo on the outside of the wood-themed shop.

The toast here is steamed fresh to order – these fluffy buns are so addictive. The Blueberry Cream Cheese Toast was one of the best desserts we’ve ever had in Seoul. Drenched in sweet syrup, a burnt sugar top and paired with a block of cream cheese and blueberry compote, it was a super satisfying plate.

30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil
Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jongno-3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

ZAPANGI

One of the more creatively-hidden cafes in the hipster alleys of Mangwon-dong, Zapangi’s entrance is an iconic pink vending machine. The cafe is minimalistic and serves up some seriously Instagrammable desserts.

Their menu consists of sweet treats, including tin cakes and doughnuts, and beverages, all costing no more than 10,000 won. We suggest you order a cup of their signature milk tea to go with their insanely cute cakes and doughnuts!

400-2 Mangwon-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10am -11pm
Nearest Station: Mangwon

There is no place like Seoul when it comes to top-notch cafes, restaurants and everything food-related. The vibrant city has so much to offer that is it impossible to cover the best places within a single trip—and we are surely not complaining about that!

Besides discovering about their fantastic street eats at night markets and mouthwatering local dishes in humble eateries, we also came to find out that Seoul is a dessert haven for all with a sweet tooth.

It took us a few trips to Seoul before coming up with this list of dessert places that impressed us with not just their myriad of sweet treats but also their charming atmosphere and chill vibes. If you are looking for a place to hang out with your mates or significant other in Seoul, this is the guide you will need to refer to.

Here are 9 Best Dessert Spots In Seoul where you will find everything from the Korean bingsu to green tea tiramisu and eclairs.

#1 BAN BOSSY BOUTIQUE

Boasting primarily pastel colours in pink, mint and white, walking into Ban Bossy Boutique is like stepping into Barbie-land. It is the perfect spot for afternoon tea with your girlfriends, complete with Instagram-worthy backdrops and an appealing array of cupcakes.

Munch on exquisitely decorated cupcakes such as their signature Flower Cupcake (W7,500), sliced cakes (W8,500) that are on a rotational basis and Macaron (W4,800).

3/F, 17-Waoosan ro- 19-22
Mapo-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 02 337 9896
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

#2 CAFE BORA

One of the better-known dessert cafes in Anguk-dong, Cafe Bora’s speciality is their Purple Sweet Potato Iceflakes which is essentially bingsu made with sweet potato. Other bingsu flavours you can get there are Green Tea and Strawberry.

For those who are not a fan of bingsu, Cafe Bora offers other sweet treats including Sweet Potato Ice Cream, Steamed Sweet Potato Bun and Chickpea Ice Cream.

149-5 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8613 5537
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#3 CAFE ONION

Cafe Onion in Seongdong-gu neighbourhood—also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul— checks all the boxes that we are looking for in a cafe. The industrial-themed cafe has their own bakery and an open rooftop terrace for guests to chill at.

Having an in-house bakery means guests are able to enjoy many varieties of warm pastries that are freshly baked from the oven. The cafe is perhaps best known for its Pandor (W5,000/ S$6.02), which is a pastry topped off lavishly with icing sugar.

277-135 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga
Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Seongsu

#4 COFFEE FAKTORY

We are letting you in on a little secret that we found out at GLOBO Coffee Faktory—there is a secret hideout that resembles a traditional Korean tea house nestled within the cafe!

GLOBO Coffee Faktory roasts their own coffee beans in-house with a large probat roaster and guests are able to choose up to seven different types of coffee beans from around the world. Dessert options include Tiramisu (W6,800), Waffles (W15,800) and a selection of cakes.

Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 3189 4737
Nearest Station: Anguk

#5 ÉCLAIR BY GARU HARU

Who doesn’t like pretty eclairs? Not us for sure! These French pastries are works of art and we almost couldn’t bear to eat them. Some of the flavours you can find there include Salted Butter Caramel, Yuzu, Chocolate and Earl Grey.

247-9 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 337 8090
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#6 FRANK’S

Having tea at Frank’s is every girl’s dream come true. Guests are surrounded by bouquets of pressed flowers while they indulge in aesthetically-pleasing desserts. One must-try item is their rainbow sponge cake.

258-228 Itaewon(2)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8156 5459
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Itaewon

#7 O’SULLOC TEA SALON

O’sulloc is a tea salon in Seoul that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island, with branches in Myeongdong, Apgujeong, Insadong and Daehangno. 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.

If you are not there for their classic Green Tea Latte, then you have to go for their swiss rolls or Green Tea Tiramisu—it is like a mousse cake that has an airy and creamy center married with green tea powder.

47-1 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2-774-5460
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

#8 PASSION 5

Passion 5 is a fine dessert emporium located in Itaewon, Seoul.

The upscale cafe cum gallery is made up of five components—cafe, bakery, patisserie, chocolate and lastly, passion from Passion 5?s pâtissiers. Visitors are surrounded by many exquisite dessert creations enshrined behind polished glass and a stellar selection of aromatic baked goods.

Other highlights at Passion 5 include a rotating gelato chiller and the most outstanding eclair display. With almost 300 dessert items featured, it is a feast for your eyes as much as it is for your taste buds.

272, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9505
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#9 THE NILK FACTORY

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 nilk factory’s signature drinks include Almond Je’taime (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600) and Mixed Nuts (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600). Look forward to a curated selection of cakes such as Ice Box (gluten-free chocolate cake), New York Cheese Cake and Carrot Cake.

32 Gangnam-daero 162-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2039 0821
Nearest Station: Sinsa

Traveling to Seoul soon? Have a look at our Seoul Travel Guide.

Whether you are a fashionista or someone who appreciates a gorgeous building, you will fall in love with the Stylenanda Pink Hotel, an iconic building in the heart of the Myeongdong district in Seoul, South Korea.

Stylenanda Pink Hotel is Stylenanda’s themed flagship store in Myeongdong but many will definitely mistake it as an actual hotel because of its exterior; the exterior of the hotel reminds us of a quaint little hotel in a European suburb with an adorable pink front, retro windows and a LED light sign.

The Stylenanda Pink Hotel spans a total of 6 levels and each level is themed and designed beautifully. If you venture all the way to the highest floor, there is a rooftop terrace area where you can just chill and relax after a long day of shopping. Here is what you can expect from the Stylenanda Pink Hotel in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea.

Walking around Myeongdong, you will not miss this amazing and gorgeous pink building. The Stylenanda Pink Hotel is a heaven for Korean fashion lovers as it embodies the main theme of quirky and beautiful Korean fashion trends.

The first two levels of the “hotel” are the “Lobby” and “Spa” but it mainly displays Stylenanda’s beauty line–3ce.

3ce is a well-known brand that is sold internationally but you can find a load more products to swatch and play here. Check out the colourful eyeshadows, lipsticks and lip tints before heading up to the next few levels to check out the clothing and accessories.

The third floor is a mini showcase of Stylenanda’s Nanda Made collection where it showcases the best of their in-house brand. You can find simple and flattering basics to loud and expressive colourful clothing.

What we love best about Korean fashion is the plethora of colourful choices you get at almost every store.

The fourth floor of the Stylenanda Pink Hotel is the Laundry level where accessories such as jewellery, sunglasses, caps and shoes are displayed. The whole level is style just like a retro laundromat you can find plenty of on-trend pieces to buy.

Before leaving, remember to check out the Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe too! There are plenty of drinks and bakes for you to enjoy in between shopping.

Stylenanda Pink Hotel
37-8 Myeongdong 8-gil
Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-752-4546
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

Anguk-dong in Seoul is one of the few neighbourhoods in Seoul where you can see an interesting juxtaposition of old and new architectural styles, featuring traditional Korean houses made from bricks contrasting with modern shop fronts.

Its favourable position near tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village has made Anguk-dong a popular destination among those who are interested in culture and cafe hopping.

Here are 8 Places To Check Out In Anguk-dong, Seoul.

#1 C FLAMINGO

Aesthetically pleasing desserts are everything but where better to enjoy them than C Flamingo? The dessert cafe at Anguk-dong may not have real flamingoes but it certainly has an appealing array of cakes and beverages.

64 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-3454
Nearest Station: Anguk

#2 CAFE BORA

One of the better-known dessert cafes in Anguk-dong, Cafe Bora’s speciality is their Purple Sweet Potato Iceflakes which is essentially bingsu made with sweet potato. Other bingsu flavours you can get there are Green Tea and Strawberry.

For those who are not a fan of bingsu, Cafe Bora offers other sweet treats including Sweet Potato Ice Cream, Steamed Sweet Potato Bun and Chickpea Ice Cream.

75-3 Yulgok-ro 3-gil
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8613 5537
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#3 DODO

Visitors are welcomed by the sight of a lovely front garden as they walk into dodo. The cafe specialises in coffee, but you can also find food like tacos (W6,000), hamburger (W7,000) and their signature waffles (W13,000) on the menu.

Bukchon-ro 5-gil
119-1 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu
Tel: +82 2 737 7236
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Anguk

#4 GLOBO COFFEE FAKTORY

We are letting you in on a little secret that we found out at GLOBO Coffee Faktory—there is a secret hideout nestled within the cafe! Just looking at the modern entrance of the cafe, we could hardly believe our eyes when we found out that there is a hidden spot that looks almost like a traditional Korean tea house.

GLOBO Coffee Faktory roasts their own coffee beans in-house with a large probat roaster and guests are able to choose up to seven different types of coffee beans from around the world.

17 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil,
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-6269
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#5 HIT THE SPOT BAKERY

You cannot miss this two-storey French bakery which serves an impressive array of artisanal fresh bakes. If you cannot decide what to order, go for their best seller which is the Ice Cream on Brioche.

#6 MUKSHIDONNA

Mukshidonna Tteokbokki is a simple Korean restaurant that focuses on serving stews in a communal pot, and the stew is up to you to customise. The base is basically the same stock, and you pick from an array of ingredients to go into your pot.

It has several outlets in Seoul—including Garosugil and Hongdae—but you should dine at the original outlet at Anguk-Dong.

74-7 Yulgok-ro 3-gil,
Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 723 8089
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#7 O’SULLOC TEA HOUSE

O’sulloc is a tea salon in Seoul that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island, with branches in Myeongdong, Apgujeong, Insadong and Daehangno. With green tea as the core ingredient, the cafe offers ice cream, tea, green tea milk spread and more.

There are also tea accessories sold in the stores for you to purchase as souvenirs or for individual use back at home.

170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 732 6427
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk 

#8 RADIO M

Another dessert cafe at Anguk-dong neighbourhood, Radio M is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Their attention is focused on three things only—coffee, desserts and bingsu. If you are not intending to stay for long, you can also grab a cup of coffee, tea or smoothie on the go at their takeout counter.

128-4 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 737 4669
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

Seoul has no lack of aesthetically-pleasing and Instagram worthy cafés, and Stylenanda Pink Pool Café is definitely one of them. This beautiful café has got to be one that fashionistas should mark on their bucket list the next time you are in Seoul.

Their gorgeous pastel pink interior reminds us of the famous Sketch Cafe in London and it will not be the only thing that will leave your jaws hanging—believe it or not, they have an actual pool within the café itself!

Many would be familiar with Stylenanda—one of South Korea’s leading online fashion brands. Stylenanda houses several concepts under one roof—from a boutique hotel to shophouses where sales of accessories and apparels take place to an entirely pink café, make sure to not miss this spot out!

Taking up an entire section of the Stylenanda Pink Pool Café is their pool, making this space the true #instagramgoals.

Here is where you can go ahead and snap as many shots as you wish—every corner of the café is stylish and makes for a perfect backdrop for OOTD shots. The café may not be the biggest in size, but trust us when we say that you can get plenty of amazing shots in this photogenic café.

If you are looking to escape the cold weather outside, a cuppa hot coffee would be perfect to sip on while you chill in this pretty space.

They offer quite an extensive range of beverages—pick from a variety of coffee, teas, shakes and even diet beverages in the likes of Lemon Detox and Real Tomato Juice.

Boasting a minimal yet chic interior, fun boutique-café concepts and totally photogenic pastries, Stylenanda Pink Pool Café in Hongdae is definitely worth a visit.

Stylenanda Pink Pool Café
335-21 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Hongdae)
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

Can you believe that behind this pretty pink vending machine lies an entire café?

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Mangwon Market is Zapangi, an Instagram-famous café which has a brightly-lit pink vending machine door. Translating to ’vending machine’ in Korean, Zapangi is literally known for their iconic vending machine door.

Here, you can expect a range of cakes served in tins, doughnuts, coffee and their signature milk tea. Zapangi is a café that anyone who has a love for all things pretty or wants a picture to jazz up their Instagram feed should patronise.

If you are heading there via public transport, take the subway to Mangwon Station and take exit 2. Just a short 5 to 10-minute walk through a local neighbourhood would get you to this pretty café!

Besides the iconic pink vending machine door that Zapangi is known for, they serve a neat range of classic desserts and drinks that taste as good as they look. If you’ve ever noticed your Instagram feed brimming with posts of a mermaid cupcake served in a metallic tin, well, you can now join the trend and get one for yourself at Zapangi.

Thier menu is limited to sweet treats, including tin cakes and doughnuts, and beverages, all costing no more than 10,000 won. We suggest you order a cup of their signature milk tea to go with their insanely cute cakes and doughnuts!

Save a spot in your itinerary when you’re heading to Seoul for Zapangi not just so you can snap a few OOTD pictures with their iconic vending machine door, but to indulge in their adorable confectioneries.

If we were you, we’d share them on Instagram because if it isn’t on Instagram, it didn’t happen.

Zapangi Seoul
400-2 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 10am -11pm
Tel: +82 2 325 8185

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s travel guides on the best places to discover in the city.

Egg Drop has got to be the hottest breakfast spot in Seoul right now. Look forward to avocado, bacon and cheese, teriyaki chicken, and of course, eggs, sandwiched between 2 slices of thick, buttered brioche toasts.

Bearing some similarity to Isaac Toast—another popular Korean toast chain that is opening its first outlet in Singapore—Egg Drop specialises in egg sandwiches that you will be sure to finish to the last drop. If you like Isaac Toast, you will love Egg Drop’s Brioche toasts.

The breakfast toasts at Egg Drop are American-inspired, offering diners an option apart from the usual.

Made fresh on the spot, what you can expect is two thick slices of crisp-edged brioche toasts, a chunky serving of eggs in between, followed by the topping of your choice.

The Sweet Ham Cheese and the Bacon Double Cheese are the crowd-favourites. Avocado lovers must get the Avo Holic—fresh slices of avocado sits atop layers of eggs before being dashed with some mayonnaise for a final creamy touch.

Prices are kept affordable at Egg Drop—a classic Mr. Egg is only 2,400 won, while the most expensive item on the menu—the Avo Holic—costs 4,400 won, which is just above SGD$5.

They are more of a take-out concept with limited seats but their sandwiches are packaged such that they are convenient to eat.

Egg Drop is a must-try breakfast spot if you are in Seoul.

Egg Drop
108, Mapo Acro Tower, 1st floor, Mapo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Tel: +82 2-707-0563

For more recommendations, read our Seoul travel guides to discover the best places to visit in the city.

Nestled within a residential area, Anthracite Coffee Roasters stands out amongst the buildings surrounding it. Anthracite Coffee Roasters is a café chain in Seoul, South Korea and this particular outlet in Yongsan-gu is our favourite. The café occupies the entire old building, with an open-space terrace on the second floor.

The impressive interior excited us the moment we stepped in. The first floor is the main counter area where the skilled baristas whip up aromatic cuppas for you to enjoy. The backdrop of the counter is a digital wall mural that displays futuristic and cosmic digital art that adds a little something extra to the gorgeous architecture and interior design.

You can grab a beverage and snack of your choice and head to level 2, where the main seating area is. If the weather is nice and cool, you can even grab a seat outside on the terrace.

No matter what coffee you like, they have the works. Enjoy the original splendour of coffee with their range of Espressos which they have beautifully named–Pablo Neruda, Natsume Soseki and William Blake–some of the most celebrated poets in history. The complex flavours of good coffee mirror an alluring poem, both enticing the body and soul of the consumer.

They specialise in both single origin and a carefully-curated list of house blend coffee that you can choose from. You can pick from a plethora of different single origin choices such as–Ethiopia, Kenya, Honduras and Guatelama, each with its own one-of-a-kind flavours and aromas.

As the weather was pretty warm in Seoul on the particular day of our visit, we opted for an Iced Latte (6,000 Won), using their own signature house blend beans. From one coffee lover to another, we can tell that a lot of effort was put in to create this ideal blend of coffee here.

The Piora Original Iced Tea (6,500 Won) was a delightful and refreshing treat but it fell short of impressing us after we had a taste of the amazing coffee whipped up by the baristas. So we say, skip the tea and stick to what they do best.

Anthracite Coffee Roasters in a must visit in Seoul if you are a huge fan of coffee. Even if you are not obsessed with coffee, a trip here might just make you one!

Anthracite Coffee Roasters
738-20 Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-797-7009
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

There is no denying that Korean pop culture is extremely influential—both in Korea and across international borders—as we are seeing a rapid increase in Korean pop groups, dramas and movies these few years. Love it or hate it, the Kpop wave does not seem to be slowing down and we are expecting it to grow even more in the future.

Besides being in the entertainment industry, some A-list Korean pop idols have been venturing into the F&B industry and opened their own cafes and restaurants. Of course, that would make these places a must-visit for fans of these Korean celebrities!

So for all those who are a fan of Kpop, here are 7 Celebrity-Owned Cafes And Restaurants In Seoul you have to hit up.

Photo Credit: Manager Hyung

#1 BIG BANG SEUNGRI’S AND HERE

Managed by Big Bang member Seungri’s mother, And Here is a two-story cafe located in Daehakro area. The spacious coffee shop is visited by not only fans of this Kpop idol, but also tourists who are travelling to Korea.

The cafe features a small stage on the second level where guests can expect performances from time to time and a display of merchandises such as notebooks and pens.

90 Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 744 8464
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hyehwa

Photo Credit: Kpop Map

#2 EXO CHANYEOL’S VIVA POLO

EXO Chanyeol’s parents certainly know how to please the fangirls—there are childhood photographs of this popular Kpop star and his sister that are being displayed in the restaurant. Besides that, you can also take a look at real autographs by the extremely popular boy band too.

This cosy Italian restaurant is where you can indulge in a range of pasta and risotto dishes. For those who are looking for something special, some of the dishes are infused with Korean recipes such as the Kimchi Arabiatta Pasta.

312-86 Myeongil 1(il)-dong, Gangdong-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 442 7885
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Myeongil

Photo Credit: Soompi

#3 EXO KAI’S KAMONG

Operated by EXO Kai’s sister, KAMONG is a modern cafe where young crowd hangs out at. The name ‘KAMONG’ is actually a combination of the Kpop celebrity’s name and his pet dog—Kai and Monggu respectively.

Unlike other celebrity-owned cafes that feature photographs of the idol, the only few things there that will remind you of Kai are the drawings and messages that are made by him. Some highlights on the menu include their signature waffles, muffins and a neat selection of coffee options.

1678-4 Seocho 1(il)-dong, Seocho-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 522 5949
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Seoul National University Of Education

Photo Credit: MollaKorea

#4 HAHA’S LOCO QUAN 401 BBQ RESTAURANT

As a cast of the famous Running Man variety show, HAHA needs no further introduction. His Korean BBQ restaurants in Myeong-dong and Hongdae have welcomed fans from all over the world and also locals who are craving for the restaurant’s signature Jeju Black Pork.

Other classic KBBQ dishes you can expect there include Pork Belly, Pork Cheek Meat and Collar Butt Pork Steak. Otherwise, the restaurant also has Korean sides such as Bean Paste Noodles and Kimchi Stew.

41 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 325 0805
Daily: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

Photo Credit: One Hallyu

#5 MISS A SUZY’S CAFFE SOO

Caffe Soo in Gwangju province is a gift from Miss A’s Suzy to her parents back in 2013. The entire cafe is dedicated to this Korean idol, with large posters of her plastered on windows and walls.

While most themed cafes charge exorbitant prices, Caffe Soo is known for offering wallet-friendly cafe fare in generous portions.

14-25 Usan-dong, Buk-gu
Gwangju, Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 10pm

Photo Credit: Park Shin Hye International Community

#6 PARK SHIN HYE’S LITTLE TIN DRUMS

The best place to catch a glimpse of Park Shin Hye who starred in hit dramas such as Pinocchio and Doctors is at Little Tin Drums—a Korean restaurant run by her parents in Gangdong-gu.

The famous actress is said to dine at the restaurant frequently but there is an unspoken rule that diners are not allowed to take photographs with her in the restaurant. Some of the signature dishes include barbecued beef and pork intestines and other grilled Korean delights.

548-3 Seoul Gangdong-gu, Seonae-dong
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Gangdong-gu Office

Photo Credit: Andiekp

#7 SUPER JUNIOR YESUNG’S MOUSE RABBIT

Near to Kokuk University, Mouse Rabbit is a cosy three-story cafe co-owned by Super Junior Yesung and his brother. True to its name, the basement of the cafe is designed to look like a rabbit’s hole where guests are encouraged to take off their shoes and unwind in a comfortable environment.

Apart from the basement, the first level is where diners will purchase food and drinks while those who are into art and craft will have a great time browsing through art products on the second level.

5-14 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 462 4015
Daily: 10am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Konkuk University

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s food and travel guides to find the best places to go to in the city.

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

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

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 CAFE

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

THE NILK FACTORY

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

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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.

Take a walk around Gyeongnidan-gil and you will fall in love with the area instantly. The quiet hood is charming at every turn and surprise after surprise awaits.

The neighbourhood is further up from Itaewon and it is filled with many Indie coffee shops and boutiques, trendy barber, lifestyle shops and local designers. And among them all, one cafe that we really love is Berkeley Coffee Social.

Berkeley Coffee Social isn’t of an impressive scale nor is it particularly outstanding. But we love the space for its homely vibes.

It is where the residents hang out at when they need their morning cuppa or simply a space to work from; it is evident from the crowd. The crowd is a simple one—locals in the most casual outfits, some with laptops, some with their cats.

The humble cafe in the hood roasts and brews coffee from many parts of the world. You know this means that you have to try their Joe.

Berkeley Coffee Social also does simple toasts that are a great hit among its patrons. While toasts do not sound like the most exciting thing to eat, know that they are still lovingly prepared with freshly baked bread and hearty homemade spreads. And hey, they do take effort in the presentation too!

The next time you are in Seoul, be sure to drop by Berkeley Coffee Social in Gyeongnidan-gil for a cuppa.

Berkeley Coffee Social
Yongsan Itaewondong 255-32
Seoul South Korea 04344
Tel: +82 2 792 2048

Heading to Seoul? Read our Seoul guides to discover the best things to see, do and eat in the city.

Owned by SPC Group—the same conglomerate behind Paris Baguette—Passion 5 is a fine dessert emporium located in Itaewon, Seoul.

The upscale cafe cum gallery is made up of five components—cafe, bakery, patisserie, chocolate and lastly, passion from Passion 5′s pâtissiers. 

Visitors are surrounded by many exquisite dessert creations enshrined behind polished glass and a stellar selection of aromatic baked goods. Other highlights at Passion 5 include a rotating gelato chiller and the most outstanding eclair display. With almost 300 dessert items featured, it is a feast for your eyes as much as it is for your taste buds.

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#1 CAFE

The care was abuzz with chatter and filled with patrons on the day of our visit, boasting mostly young Koreans, foreigners and expats. If you are intending to head there for tea, be sure to reach early for seats are limited at the cafe.

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Coffee beans are sourced all the way from Colombia and Ethiopia and visitors get to choose between Black N Blue or Coffee Diva.

You will find their signature Hand Drip Coffee (W7,000) on the drinks menu and other choices such as Espresso (W5,000), Cappuccino (W7,500) or Cafe Latte (W7,500).

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Do take a look at their rotating gelato chiller, which is just beside the cafe’s counter!

#2 BAKERY

The bakery section is where you can fill your tummy with a scrumptious array of savoury sandwiches, buns and other types of baked pastries. Simply grab a clean tray and a pair of tongs and you are ready to go.

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There are individual items and full loaves of bread on sale at Passion 5, so take your time to wander around when you are there. We had the Delicious Cheese Cake (W3,700) which we enjoyed thoroughly as the soft cake was brimming with cheese flavours.

If you are craving for something sweet, you can find the Apple Mango Pudding (W3,300) at the Patisserie section.

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#3 PATISSERIE

Passion 5′s Patisserie section is a sweet tooth’s heaven; you can practically find artisanal desserts that are Instagram-worthy at every corner. From cakes and swiss rolls to cheese tarts and eclairs, it is hard to resist taking everything from the counters!

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Can’t decide between having a cheese tart or egg tart? Why not get both instead! These freshly baked yummy treats are going at W2,500 each and W10,000 for four.

Nothing will prepare your hearts for this fancy collection of colourful eclairs at Passion 5. Some of the flavours include Yuzu Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon Vanilla, Cherry, Passion Fruit… and the list goes on.

Yes, the selection is absolutely insane but we sure aren’t complaining!

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As if that’s not enough, they also have a counter just for tarts which are equally breathtaking in terms of presentation. Expect to see a delicious range such as Greengrape Tart, Banana Pudding Tart, Berry Pistachio Tart, Cappuccino Tart and Peach Tart.

We highly recommend the Jeju Green Tea Swiss Roll (W7,800) which is a delectable green tea swiss roll that is filled with sweet cream. An attractive dessert that tastes as good as it looks is Autumn Apple Eclair (W5,800).

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#4 CHOCOLATE

Walk to the end of the lane and you will find a chocolate chamber where the doors are designed to look like chocolate bars. From the outside, it feels like a scene from the movie ‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’.

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This is where you will find rows of premium chocolate on display. Apart from individual chocolate cubes, Tok-Tok Chocolate, Tablet Chocolate and Triangle Chocolate are some other varieties you can find there.

If chocolates are not your thing, there is also a wonderful assortment of macarons which look just as inviting.

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Passion 5
272, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9505
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Need more food recommendations in Seoul?
Take a look at our Seoul Food Guide.

Finding gluten-free cafes in Seoul may not be an easy feat but we came across a charming cafe in Garosugil district for those who are looking for gluten-free baked goods.

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.

So for those who are looking for more gluten-free options that do not compromise on flavour, check out the nilk factory in Seoul.

the nilk factory is a small and cosy cafe with simple furnishings such as hanging greens, potted plants, wooden furniture and warm lighting that encourages people to sit longer for a chat. Guests feel comfortable enough to have intimate conversations as the seating arrangement is rather spacious despite the limited space.

Guests feel comfortable enough to have intimate conversations as the seating arrangement is rather spacious despite the limited space.

If you are not there for their range of coffee drinks, then you cannot skip the handmade cold-pressed almond milk. This dairy and gluten-free nut milk is known to possess plenty of health benefits as cold-pressed almond milk helps to preserve the maximum amount of enzymes and quality without losing on flavour.

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).

Ice Box (W8,000) is a gluten-free chocolate cake layered with a generous portion of sweet cream in between. We felt that the cake was too a little too sweet for our liking but it helps to complement the light almond milk.

Alternatively, there are also other flavours to try such as New York Cheese Cake and Carrot Cake.

the nilk factory
32 Gangnam-daero 162-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2039 0821
Nearest Station: Sinsa

Common Ground is the coolest hangout spot in Seoul right now.

Taking up a total of 5300 square meters in land space, Common Ground is South Korea’s first pop-up shopping district featuring 200 shipping containers used as retail stores. Yes, cargo containers are all the fad now because your regular brick-and-mortar shops just don’t cut it anymore.

This is where you will find fashionable people from all walks of life gathering at this point because there is nowhere else they would rather be seen at. If you live and breathe fashion and lifestyle, read our guide to what you can expect at Common Ground.

WHAT IT IS

Common Ground is home to a wide selection of fashion brands, independent cafes and gourmet restaurants. The lifestyle destination is where you can spend at least half a day with your squad or significant other because there is much to see and do.

The central square at Common Ground is where you will find the main pop-up of that week. A weekend market is held every week and it changes with time so visitors will always have something new to look forward to when they revisit this place.

On some days, there will be events, exhibitions or performances to entertain visitors while they go about the place.

LEVEL ONE & TWO – STREET MARKET FASHION, LIFESTYLE, ACCESSORIES

Common Ground is perhaps best known for housing a sweeping range of fashion labels—from well-known mainstream brands to up-and-coming fashion designers that cater to both men and women.

The first and second levels at Common Ground are dedicated to street market fashion, lifestyle products and accessories. This is the time to shop till you drop!

Whether you are into basics or street style, you will definitely find what you like among the massive collection of clothing, accessories and shoes. Certain shops also have items on sale to clear their stock so do keep a lookout!

Makeup junkies rejoice! You are definitely not neglected at Common Ground. Walk into the shops at the ground level and you will be able to find a neat range of makeup products being sold there.

LEVEL THREE – TERRACE MARKET, CAFES, RESTAURANTS

All that shopping is sure to build up your appetite and when you are ready to settle down for some bites, head up to the third level where you can choose to go for light cafe grub or a full meal.

Dining options are aplenty and you can find restaurants which serve Korean, Western, Japanese and Thai cuisines. You can have your meal in the air-conditioned rooms or go for the al fresco seating during good weather to soak up the chill vibes.

With fairy lights hanging across the rooftop terrace, Common Ground looks enchanting at night—definitely the perfect place for couples to go on a romantic date. Remember to take many beautiful pictures at the rooftop for keepsake!

THE ICONIC OOTD SPOT

You have seen your friends flooding your Instagram feed with OOTD pictures at Common Ground so you know you cannot leave the place without a picture too. The huge space is also great for taking group photos with your squad mates.

As this is a popular location for photography, you probably have to wait in line for a few minutes before you get your turn.

Common Ground
200 Achasan-ro
Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 467 2747
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Konkuk University Exit 6

There are many reasons why we love Seoul—one of it being the city’s happening cafe culture. From mega coffee chains to independent concept cafes, you can find them all in Seoul.

While we were exploring the quieter side of Gyeongridan in Itaewon, we found the perfect cafe for days when you are just looking to spend your afternoon away from the hubbub of the city. And that cafe is called ‘n dear‘.

As with many cafes in Seoul, n dear provides free wifi and a delectable range of coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages.

n dear’s chic, modern bohemian theme features clean furnishings with a white tile countertop and splashes of colour statements from the flowers, potted plants and colourful seating.

Simple interior pieces are well put together to accentuate the theme; the result is an effortlessly cool space with comfortable vibes to make you feel right at home. Their floor-to-ceiling glass window allows sunlight to stream in during the day.

If you need that caffeine boost, n dear has a decent selection including Americano (W5,000), Caffe Latte (W5,500) and Cappuccino (W5,500).

Not up for coffee? They also have non-coffee drinks such as Melting Choco (W6,000), Chai Latte (W6,000) and Iced Tea made with real fruits (W6,000).

A delightful drink that would help you cool off from the heat is the Lemon Ginger Ade (W6,500). It is essentially a sparkling drink that really helps to quench your thirst after all the walking around the neighbourhood.

Other flavours you can consider are the Lemon Peach Ade, Grapefruit Ade and Berry Ade (W6,500).

There are also four bottled beer choices on their menu—1664 Blanc, Big Wave, Longboard and Taedonggang Pale Ale.

cafe n dear
247-1 Itaewon-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

The streets of Seoul are packed with many independent cafes, of which most are beyond outstanding—in terms of both aesthetics and the wide range of coffee and baked goods that they offer.

Yet, it was not hard to decide which cafe was our favourite among all. Cafe Onion in Seongdong-gu neighbourhood—also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul— checks all the boxes that we are looking for in a cafe. The industrial-themed cafe has their own bakery and an open rooftop terrace for guests to chill at.

For those who are visiting Seoul, you cannot skip Cafe Onion for anything in the world. Read on to find out why this is our all-time favourite cafe in Seoul. 

Before Cafe Onion was born, the same building was previously used for many other purposes, including a supermarket, a repair shop and a metal factory. The chic industrial-themed cafe that you see today is a reflection of its past, with cement floors, stained grey walls and chipped red bricks.

Having an in-house bakery means guests are able to enjoy warm pastries that are freshly baked from the oven.

We noticed that their staff is quick in refilling the trays, so just be a little patient if the item you are looking for is out of stock.

Most of the tables on the ground level are catered for communal dining, so expect to share tables with other visitors. Despite so, there is ample space for you to move around or have private conversations with your friends.

There are also sofa seats for those who wish to lounge around and laze the afternoon away with a drink and some light bites.

Head further in and you will notice that there is a sunny courtyard accompanied with long wooden benches. This spot is perfect for those who visit during colder days as you can bask in the warm glows of the sun.

Cafe Onion’s rooftop terrace is where busy locals unwind after a day of work or school. The cool breeze and calm ambience help you to forget about the pressures of life as your attention is focused on excellent coffee and food instead.

It feels like you are being teleported into another world as you watch the crowd hustle down the streets and hear the background hum of traffic.

Cafe Onion is perhaps best known for its Pandor (W5,000/ S$6.02), which is a pastry topped off lavishly with icing sugar. The airy pastry was decent and we enjoyed having it as a sweet treat with iced coffee.

Cafe Onion offers a range of house brews such as Cappuccino (W5,000/ S$6.02), Flat White (W5,000/ S$6.02) and Cafe Latte (W5,000/ S$6.02).

Otherwise, go for other beverages including Pineapple with Coconut Water, Carrot Juice (W5,000/ S$6.02) and Matcha Latte (W6,000/ S$7.22).

Cafe Onion
277-135 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga
Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Seongsu

For more recommendations, read our Seoul food and travel guides featuring the best places to visit.