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

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.

Nestled in the quiet Hannam neighbourhood in Seoul, &gather Cafe has since been seeing throngs of BTS fans visit their premises for the sole reason of trying the drinks made by the boys during an episode of their VLive variety show, Run BTS.

As huge BTS fans ourselves, we knew this was the perfect opportunity to get our morning fix and start off our day right.

The walk to &gather Cafe from Hannam Station was no more than a five-minute walk and when we arrived, we were immediately greeted by the signature drinks menu which had an attached photo of BTS during their time at the cafe.

Not wasting any time, we ordered a total of four drinks which were: Hot Creamy Latte (KRW6,000), Iced Rosy Latte (KRW6,300), Iced Lemony Coke (KRW6,300) and the Iced Coco-Presso (KRW6,300).

Once brewed by Jimin, the Hot Creamy Latte tasted velvety smooth which we felt was aided by the milk which was used for the coffee.

Instead of the typical milk from a carton, the milk used was mixed together with whipped cream and sugar syrup, which created a sweet and creamy aftertaste.

Fans of all things coconut and J-Hope would thoroughly enjoy the Iced Coco-Presso which is essentially a cup of coconut coffee.

Instead of using ready-made coconut milk, &gather Cafe uses coconut powder which is mixed in with steamed milk. The result is a sweet and creamy beverage with just a hint of coconut that wasn’t too overpowering.

The Iced Lemony Coke or known by fans as Suga’s Cafe Lemoni, was an interesting concoction that surprised us in terms of taste.

Made using lemon syrup, a slice of lemon, a can of sprite and two shots of espresso, the drink was a burst of flavours that was both sweet and sour. Contrary to beliefs that the acidity in the lemon could react badly with the coffee’s acidity, we felt that the lemon helped cut the sharpness of the espresso instead.

Our favourite out of the four drinks that we ordered was the Iced Rosy Latte made famous by Jin. The drink is made with a combination of rose syrup and espresso before it is finished with a dollop of cream on top.

As rose syrup does have a potential to overshadow the other flavours it’s mixed in with, we were impressed with the rose taste coming in as a complementary flavour to the coffee. We do suggest that you mix the cream in together with the entire drink as it gives a more balanced aftertaste that’s rounded off with the hint of floral aroma.

Though we didn’t have any more liquid capacity to try the other three drinks that were made by V, Jungkook and RM, this just means that we have a valid reason to return to &gather Cafe on our next trip back to Seoul!

&gather Cafe
Hannamdong Shinseong Miso City
39 Dokseodang-ro
Yongsan-gu
Seoul
Republic of Korea
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat, Sun & Holidays: 11am – 7pm
Nearest station: Hannam Station (Exit 1)

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

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

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.

A metropolis, Seoul is home to some of the most spectacular dining establishments in the world that have attracted plenty of foodies from all walks of life to visit the city for their brilliant cafe scene.

With its simple facade, Rose Bakery may not be able to compete when it comes to aesthetics but it is precisely its comfortable and cosy vibes that attracted throngs of locals and tourists to visit if they are just looking for a place to unwind and enjoy mouthwatering brunch items and coffee.

Hailing all the way from Paris, this French cafe shares the same space as popular Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons, so guests can always go for a shopping spree before or after grabbing a cuppa!

Presented on a long white counter, Rose Bakery’s drool-inducing range of pastries and baked goods are similar to what you will find at their main bakery in Paris.

Have a look at their brunch menu as well; a small selection comprising unpretentious mains such as Egg Crab Sandwich, Avocado Spread Poached Egg Toast and Rose Bakery French Toast.

In the meantime, delight yourself with some coffee, tea, smoothies and fresh fruit juices. Some caffeine options to perk you up include Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato and Cafe Mocha. Otherwise, we would also recommend the Valrhona Chocolate for its dark chocolatey flavour.

If you are in the mood to do some shopping, head over to the Comme des Garcons store and pick up a few fashion apparels before leaving the place!

Rose Bakery
140-893  261, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 02 790 7225
Daily: 10am – 10pm

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

It is difficult to pick the trendiest neighbourhood in Seoul. There is Gangnam for those who are into nightlife, Garosu-gil for its amazing concept cafes and Hongdae, which is a shopping paradise. Needless to say, these popular districts have an energetic and vibrant atmosphere which appeals to many young Koreans and tourists.

However, there are days when we prefer to be away from the crowds and during times like these, we head to Gyeonridan-gil (also spelt as Kyungridan-gil or Gyeongnidan-gil) in Itaewon instead.

Located just 10 minutes away from Myeong-dong by taxi, Gyeonridan-gil is a charming neighbourhood which boasts cafes, restaurants, bakeries and multi-concept stores. If you have not been there before, here are 16 cafes at Gyeongridan-gil you need to add on your bucket list.

#1 BAKEHOUSE

Previously known as 89 Coffee Bar, Bakehouse is a bakery nestled on the ground level of a building that has two dining concepts under one roof. The bakery cafe extends to the ground floor and that is where you can find fresh bakes such as their popular croissants, beautiful cakes and sweet milk bread.

If you are not keen on that, there is also Social Table—a beautiful restaurant and bar offering European tapas food.

22 Hoenamu-ro 13-na-gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#2 BERKELEY COFFEE SOCIAL

A small, yet cosy cafe for you to unwind and get a cuppa. Bookworms will enjoy their stay there as they get to choose from a collection of magazines and books at Berkeley Coffee Social.

17 Hoenamu-Ro 13ga-Gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 792 2048
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#3 BIG STEP COFFEE

There is something about Big Step Coffee that attracted our attention at first glance—the use of steps as its main seating area. As you face the main bustling street and watch the people pass by, there is no obligation to make small talk with anyone.

260-141, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tue to Thu: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong/ Itaewon

#4 BLOOMING LONDON

Blooming London is as British as it can get—serving Sunday Roast (W15,000), Cottage Pie (W15,000) and British Red Curry as part of their menu. Their primary clientale consists of expats, tourists and young locals.

28 Hoenamu-ro 13ga-gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 2792 5317
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong/ Itaewon

#5 CHANSBROS COFFEE

Near to Noksapyeong Station, Chansbros Coffee lies on the main street and its convenient location is precisely why the place is always packed with customers. Specialising in coffee and tea, it is a place for serious coffee drinkers.

561 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8869 6353
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#6 COFFEESMITH

The expanding number of Coffeesmith outlets in Seoul is a testament to its popularity. Take your time when you go through their comprehensive drinks menu—with so many choices, you will definitely find something that you like there.

43 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 794 6740
Sun to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2am
Nearest Station: Itaewon

#7 CONTE DE TULEAR

At first glance, Conte De Tulear seems like an ordinary gift shop selling perfumes and candles but we realised that there is also a cafe where you can get brunch and handcrafted beverages as well. The photogenic interior makes it the ideal place for a catchup with your friends over afternoon tea.

260-117, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8846 8490
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 11pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#8 ECLAIR BY GARUHARU

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

#9 EVERYTHING BUT THE HERO

Die-hard Kdrama fans would definitely have heard of Jo In Sung who starred in It’s Okay That’s Love and will be interested to know that Everything But The Hero is owned by the actor’s brother. The chic cafe has a good selection of caffeine-based drinks and pastries on their menu.

210-68 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 792 7909
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#10 FLAT IRON

If you are not looking for something heavy, Flat Iron is a great place to stop by for some bites. The sandwich cafe has a decent menu featuring Roast Beef, Pulled Pork, Smoked Salmon and Chicken Panino.

Hoenamu-ro 13-gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 791 7587
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#11 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

#12 MSMR

MSMR’s European-style shop exterior comes in the sweetest shade of baby pink which makes for great OOTD backdrops.

Venture into the shop and you will find a colourful array of fashion apparels that are neatly stacked together. When you are done with shopping, head to the mini cafe inside for a drink.

247-1 Itaweon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8888 0321
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#13 N DEAR

n dear is a modern Bohemian cafe that will bring out the inner hipster in you. The cafe features clean furnishings with a white tile countertop and splashes of colour statements from the flowers, potted plants and colourful seating.

If you are in need of a caffeine boost, n dear has a decent selection including Americano (W5,000/ S$6.02), Caffe Latte (W5,500/ S$6.62) and Cappuccino (W5,500/ S$6.62).

247-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#14 OUR COMMUNE

You may not notice it on the main street but Our Commune is more than just a cafe offering good coffee and fresh pastries; the five-storey building also consists of a gallery and a Japanese homeware shop. Another insider tip you will be keen to know is that their rooftop is open to the public who can sit on benches as they enjoy the cool breeze.

225-142 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 792 8764
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 12 Midnight
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#15 STANDING COFFEE

This takeaway coffee stand is reputable for serving excellent espresso drinks and their signature blue lemonade drink. Do not be surprised if you are greeted with a long queue, especially during rush hour as many locals enjoy a cup of coffee-to-go before work or during meal times.

568 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 794 0427
Daily: 9.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#16 TEN MINDS

An artistic cafe situated along the hill, Ten Minds is where you will find mostly groups of young people who enjoy the comfortable vibes of the cafe. Guests can choose to sit at high tables, on grey cement steps or lounge in one of the many colourful bean bags that are provided.

Cool off from the summer heat with their iced coffee drinks, sparkling juices and desserts.

5-25, Itaewon-dong, Yongsangu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2 2051 1245
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

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

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.

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.

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.

Serious coffee drinkers will find plenty of options in Seoul, and one of the most popular destinations in the uber-cool Seongsu-dong neighbourhood—also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul—is Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN.

More than just a cafe offering pretty food, Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN is also an art gallery where you can admire various art exhibitions—from larger-than-life art installations to creative paintings. The exhibitions change from time to time so guests can always look forward to something new there.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN is also located near to Common Ground, a hipster container market which has been making rounds on social media so you can visit both places on the same day!

Housed in an old red brick building, you will never guess what this space was used for initially. It was previously a rice mill in the early 70s and then a simple storage area in the 90s.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN opened its doors to public in May 2016, after much effort has been made to convert it to an art gellery and cafe.

If there is one thing you will not fail to notice, that would be the extremely spacious interior. Most of the tables are good for communal dining and yet, there was enough space for you to wal karound comfortably. Now, can you imagine how enormous the place is?

The high ceilings are open to allow natural sunlight to filter in, which is essential for the trees planted in the cafe to grow well. The cafe oozes with a calm ambience as guests are surrounded by tall trees with luscious green leaves that dance in the wind.

With free wifi provided, guests can choose to do some work in peace there while having a cuppa or wander around to admire the art pieces. Even if you are not into art, you will be amazed by the grandeur and creativity of certain art exhibits.

The menu features full meals such as pasta, pizza and party plates but if you are there for a quick bite, they have pastries as well. For drinks, go for their house brews, fresh juices or beers.

Their Blueberry Tart (W9,000/ S$10.84) came with fresh blueberries and sweet cream atop a crusty pastry base. The portion size was great for sharing among friends and makes for a great afternoon snack if you are up for something sweet on your palate.

Of course, you have to pair a sweet treat with an aromatic cup of Cappuccino (W6,000/ S$7.22). We loved how the freshly pulled espresso came with bitter after tones which were not too overwhelming because it was balanced with hot milk.

If you are looking for alternatives, try their Nitro Coldbrew Coffee (W9,000/ S$10.84), Cacao Latte (7,000 won/S$8.43) or Vanilla Affogato (W7,000/ S$8.43).

Craving for a beer instead? You can either have bottled beers, draft beers or the one and only signature craft beer—Mikkeller. The cafe serves beers throughout the day, so do not be shy to spend on them!

The Mikkeller (W9,000/ S$10.84) is a type of pale ale beer which has a strong bitter taste. The reddish-orange beer has a crisp taste to it and is for those who enjoy something in between a dark stout and light lagers.

There are so many cafes in Seoul that are worth visiting and Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN definitely ranks high on our list.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN
78, Seongsui-ro
Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 499 9669
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Seongsu

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

Does the name ‘Ban Bossy Boutique‘ ring a bell? Those who have heard of the feminist movement in 2014 where the use of the term ‘bossy’ should be discouraged to describe women would probably know where this cafe got its inspiration from.

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.

The beautiful cafe is tucked away on the third level of a building in Hongdae. The next time you find yourselves in Seoul, you know where to head to.

Ban Bossy Boutique’s dining area features sparkling marble table tops in white, turquoise and rose gold colours which stand out against the white walls while seating is on pastel coloured chairs. The large potted plants in the light-filled cafe offered some tropical summer vibes as well.

Go to the cafe early if you want to get the best seats, which are by the window. During the day, sunlight filters through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels so you have optimal lighting for your OOTD and food pictures!

Ban Bossy Boutique overlooks the bustling Hongdae street, which is frequented by locals, young students who study in the vicinity and tourists. For an unparalleled view, head to their balcony where you can watch the world go by.

An afternoon tea at Ban Bossy Boutique looks something like this—munching on exquisitely decorated cupcakes and sipping on a pretty beverage. Yes, this is the life in Seoul!

We love how the details of the sugar flowers of their Flower Cupcake (W7,500/ S$9.03) stood out. However, it is a pity that the cupcake looks better than it tastes as we found it to be slightly dry and lacking in flavour.

Their drinks options range from espresso-based drinks such as Latte (W5,500/ S$6.62) and Cappuccino (W5,500/ S$6.62) to juices including Detox Green (W7,500/ S$9.03) and Power Orange (W7,500/ S$9.03).

Ban Bossy Boutique
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

Queenmama Market is one of the coolest hangouts in Seoul. It combines an urban lifestyle boutique that spans across two levels and a mezzanine, an entire level of curated books, and a huge cafe that does some serious coffee business.

It is a stunning space, to say the least.

With four levels of wonders, Queenmama Market—opened by designers Jinyoung Kang and Hanni Yoon—is a destination in Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu for a little retail and coffee therapy. It is also every fashionista’s dream for there is no lack of photo spots here.

You might miss Queenmama Market from the road if you are not paying attention closely. The standalone building has an entrance that’s covered in lush greenery with some chairs for casual lounging in the outdoors.

Upon stepping in, you’d be greeted by the first level of the pop-up market. Of potted cacti and tall plants, gardening needs and several ranges of home fragrances, anyone would be tempted to bring something home from Queenmama Market to beautify their houses.

Special mention to the range of home fragrances that have been curated especially for the boutique; every brand and scent have been carefully picked and you’d be spoilt with some of the best local brands.

There are a total of two levels of the pop-up market where brands and merchandise would change periodically. On the second level sits OhBoy! the shop that is stocked with eco-friendly goods.

On the third floor of the building is PARRK, a huge book store of interesting books for adults.

The fourth level is Manufact, a ground for serious coffee lovers. The rooftop coffee house is (still) filled with huge potted plants and perfumed with the aroma of coffee. There is only coffee on the menu and nothing else; but that’s what you need to be there for anyway.

Manufact deals with cold brew, but if that is not up your alley, there is also your regular brews. For Hand Drip coffee, the beans are mainly from Ethopia and Peru; they are W4,000 each. Otherwise, your Espresso variations include the usual Flat White and Americano, also at W4,000 each.

Grab a cup of coffee, take a seat at the outdoors and take in the wondrous views of either the residential park or the quiet(er) neighbourhood; Queenmama Market is indeed a fantastic pit stop in Seoul.

Queenmama Market
50 Apgujeong-ro 46-gil, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tue to Sat: 10.30am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Apgujeong

[New] Mr Holmes Bakehouse is opening its first outlet in Singapore in June 2021.

One of the hottest destination to see and be seen in Seoul right now is Garosu-gil. The place is home to tons of cafes, independent fashion labels, bars and so much more. Since it is not possible to cover the entire area within a trip, we decided to revisit this lifestyle destination again.

One bakery cafe that caught our attention on the spot is Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. This popular bakery hails all the way from San Fransisco, California and specialises in crusty croissants, a mouthwatering array of baked goods and house brew coffee.

When you are in Garosu-gil, do not forget to include Mr. Holmes Bakehouse into your must-go list.

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The bakery takes over the first level and that is where you can buy pastries to-go. If you are looking to chill there instead, head over to the staircase at the right side and you will be able to find the cafe on the second floor.

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The first thing we noticed was a marble countertop with a wide selection of baked goods enshrined behind polished glass. Pick what you like among the pastries that are available for the day and have it together with an aromatic cup of coffee.

Guests can choose to sit by the window and people watch—an excellent option for solo visitors who are there to do some work or simply dropping by for a relaxed afternoon tea session.

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Those who are unsure of what to get there may like to try they are known for—their signature Matcha Croissant (W4,400/ S$5.30) and Cruffin (W5,500/ S$6.62).

While we also enjoyed the Cruffin’s crispy exterior, we find the cream filling slightly too sweet for our liking. The cream fillings are rotational so you may be trying out a different flavour when you visit on different days.

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The Matcha Croissant really impressed us as it was extremely crusty and the airy layers are a dream come true for all croissant lovers.

Other croissant flavours include Cheese Croissant (W4,600/ S$5.54), Churro Croissant (4,500won/S$5.42) and Ferrero Rocher Croissant (W4,400/ S$5.30).

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Alternatively, you can also go for Strawberry Scone (W3,300/ S$3.97) or Sticky Bun With Salted Caramel (W4,400/ S$5.30).

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 547 2004
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

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Garosu-gil is easily our favourite area in Seoul. Decked with quaint cafes, lifestyle boutiques, local labels, cosmetics shops and several international brands, the tree-lined street radiates charm like no other.

Every trip to Seoul sees us returning back to Garosu-gil and spending an entire day there, but time never seemed to be enough; there is just so many gems waiting to be discovered. Cafe-hopping or window shopping or simply people watching, you will love it at Garosu-gil all the same.

And because Seoul’s cafe scene is second to none, we have decided to compile a list of our favourite cafes, coffee shops and dessert places in Garosu-gil. Here, take a look why Seoul is the benchmark for cafes all around the world with our list of Garosu-gil cafes.

#1 BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE

You see, there are many simply 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 Station

#2 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 in the main street.

Not much about eating here though; the cafe is more for casual drinks such as European coffee and tea. What is evidently popular is the signature Mango Smoothie (W16,000).

551-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: +822 5148282
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#3 COFFEE CHU

We first chanced upon this cafe when we were strolling the streets of Itaewon. For churros lovers like us, our eyes lit up upon realizing a whole menu of specialty churros. Coffee Chu is our answer to bad days, and we’ve had it several times now – their churros are mood lifters. The outlet at Garosu-gil is a lot more inviting with a stylish interior and balcony seats.

Though the menu includes many fancy churros such as Fritters Churros (W3,500) with flavours including berries, peanut, chocolate and nuts; we prefer ours plain with good ol’ chocolate dip. And it is only W3,500 per serving!

682-10, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(7 Itaewon-ro 54-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 6821
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#4 COFFEESMITH

This is one huge coffee house 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 and 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 Station

#5 DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE

Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees. 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
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#6 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.

Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, 546-18, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-511-2115
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#7 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 one of those serious coffee drinker. Perhaps, you can pop by during lunch hour as it is significantly less crowded then.

I tae won 1 dong, Seoul, 140-863, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-2790-5578
Daily: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Itaewon Station

#8 GINKGO AVENUE

This is easily one of the prettiest cafes in Garosu-gil. We fell in love with it immediately upon stepping in to its premise. It was a breezy afternoon, and we picked the table at the balcony so that we could people-watch while enjoying brunch. The cafe has a small menu, but it was enough to please. Brunch was Croque Madame (W5,800) and Green Tea Waffles (W9,000 for 2 pieces and 2 scoops of ice cream) for us. And boy, did we enjoy our waffles! Fans of Bingsu, you will be entertained here too with four different creations.

Ginkgo Avenue is also dedicated to bringing you quality brew. With a roastery on the third level, they put their heart and soul into roasting the best coffee beans for patrons; we sure loved our Hand Drip Coffee (W7,500).

Sin sa dong, Seoul, 100-411, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-548-8620
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#9 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 quite 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 Station

#10 LA POMME DESSERT CAFE

This two-storey space is a favourite we found from our first trip three years ago. Previously known as X, La Pomme Dessert Cafe has since been given a little revamp. Its popularity remains unchanged, and it sees a crowd daily at its cosy unit.

The 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?

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, a 10-way 35, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South
Tel: +82 2-545-4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#11 LAY BRICKS

We did a second take when we stumbled upon Lay Bricks. On first impression, we thought it was a mini factory of sorts, but hell we were wrong; it is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody sexy! The space is well, predominantly laid with bricks (hence its name, perhaps), 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, we’d like to think.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-545-5513
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#12 LATTE KING

It seems Koreans have a thing for cold brew. And 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 Station

#13 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 hugeee 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 gonna 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, Korea
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#14 MINOS COFFEECULT

Sitting just next to Forever21′s flagship boutique 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; great alternative to an idyllic afternoon at Garosu-Gil, yes?

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 Station

#15 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 transform 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 Station

#16 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 furnitures 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 Station

#17 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 ‘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 of photos, then share 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 Station

#18 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 for out the display of mismatched chairs lining the entrance, and don’t forget to grab a photo at the iconic exterior.

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 Station

#19 THE FLYING PAN

Talk about beautiful white spaces and flowers in abundance! The Flying Pan is one like that, and the timeless elegance had our hearts. Stepping in to 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 Station

For more recommendations, read our guides on the best places you must visit in Seoul.