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

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

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

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.

Tucked away on a street in Samcheong-dong in Seoul, GLOBO Coffee Faktory is an unassuming cafe front with a gorgeous secret hideout deep within it. If you stroll into the cafe, you will be greeted by a massive coffee roaster as the cafe roasts their own beans.

We knew we had to have a taste of their coffee after being pleasantly overwhelmed by the aroma of coffee beans. Little did we know that deeper into the cafe, is a patio with indoor and alfresco seating with natural sunlight streaming in. How delightful!

The patio at the back of the cafe is probably one of the most photogenic spots we have stumbled upon in Seoul, South Korea. The quiet and intimate ambience makes the patio a great place to sit and relax for a bit while sipping on some amazing coffee.

The patio area is amazing. The contrast of old and new makes the area so ethereal. Think bamboo bench seats, white stones and potted plants alongside cobalt blue sofa seats and Parisian-like white tables and chairs. However, if the weather is too warm, you can also take a respite from the sun indoors.

The indoor seating area just beside the patio is small but cosy with gold and marble tables and comfortable sofa seats. You can read, catch up on work or simply relax with a drink or a dessert here for a calm and stress-free afternoon.

To order some drinks and desserts, you would have to head to the front of the cafe where the massive roaster is. We purchased an Iced Latte, Iced Matcha Latte and a Tiramisu cake as a light snack before lunch.

The coffee is just as fantastic as we anticipated. The aroma of the coffee was distinct, even in an iced latte. The beans tasted different from the usual Australian beans we have regularly. It was stronger and packed a punch.

The Iced Matcha Latte was nothing to shout about but it was a pleasant treat nonetheless. It was not overly sweet and it went well with the dessert we ordered. The Tiramisu was light and the sponge cake inside was fluffy and airy.

GLOBO Coffee Faktory
Sa jik dong, Jong no gu
Seoul 03044
South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-7848
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 11am – 6pm
Sun: 12.30pm – 8.30pm

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.

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.

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.

And popular Korean cafe chain, Caffebene is opening in Singapore this month!

This is such great news for all of us who love them Korean waffles, bingsu, gelato and coffee. And if you have no clue, Caffebene hails from South Korea, and is the largest chain with 1,500 outlets worldwide.

Since 2008, they have been feeding their legion of fans with great desserts and coffee. With a strong emphasis on serving quality products, Caffebene is a lifestyle cafe that is household name in Korea. In Seoul, they are everywhere – at every corner and every turn.

Caffebene is a perennial favourite to hang out at, for pretty waffles and aromatic brew. The distinct European decor of every Caffebene outlet is what we never get sick of, and it will be the same for their first outlet in Singapore.

Caffebene’s first Singapore outpost will be opening its doors to the public later this month at VivoCity. It will be occupying more than 1,400 sq ft and sitting more than sixty diners in both the indoor and alfresco premises.

Caffebene Singapore will also have a gourmet takeaway counter for those who are on-the-go and want fuss-free, light meals. We are sure looking forward to its opening!

Photos credit: www.facebook.com/caffebene.asia

Caffebene Singapore
VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk
#02-150, Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6635 1778
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

For more recommendation, read our food and travel guides on the best places in Seoul.

Korean BBQ, Kimchi jjigae (stew), ginseng chicken soup, bulgogi, kimchi pancake, Korean-style fried chicken, bibimbap… Korean cuisine revolves around rice, kimchi, and lots of meat. The Koreans love their BBQ, but food in Korea is more than that. There are restaurants and local eateries along every street, each specialising in their respective dishes.

Here is a guide on where to eat in Seoul, featuring a few of our favourite Korean BBQ restaurants, a traditional Korean restaurant that serves 30 classic banchans, the most popular ginseng chicken soup restaurant, and several outstanding cafes with brilliant concepts.

#1 Brother Korean Food Restaurant

We did midnight shopping at Dong Dae Mun every other day when at Seoul, and we would not return to the hotel without having a hearty supper here. It is located beside Art Plaza and Studio W Shopping Mall, in an alley that houses many other eateries and serve to all the staff working in the vicinity.

#2 Deux Amis

A cafe that we like in Garosil-gil is Deux Amis, a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees. It is a must-stop for desserts when you are in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

Deux Amis is also listed in our guide to dessert spots in Seoul.

535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#3 Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken

If you ask locals where to go for the best Korean fried chicken in Seoul, many will point you to Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken Restaurant. The fried chicken, while not as meaty as we would like it to be, was still very good – especially the spicy rendition which was spicy, tangy and very addictive.

549-9 Shinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu Seoul
Tel: 02 3446 5778
Daily: 5pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Apgujeong

#4 Lepure Cafe

A bright and cheerful cafe in the day, Lepure Cafe transforms into a nice and enchanting little Japanese corner in the evening as the lights are dimmed and candles are placed on each table. Lepure has a concise Japanese-inspired dessert menu which features pretty creations like Chocolate Roll Cake, Strawberry Short Cake, Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart (5,000 won – 5,800 won/ S$5.60 – S$6.50) – which optimises quality ingredients to give every item a premium taste. The juice list is also impressive, leaving us spoilt for choice for organic options.

Lepure Cafe is also listed in our guide to dessert spots in Seoul.

1F 534-8 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
(35 Apgujeong-ro 10 gil)
Tel: +82 2 545 4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#5 Glamorous Penguin

Itaewon is known for its diverse range of restaurants – offering anything from Thai food to Spanish tapas and Mexican tacos – but the area also has plenty of nice cafes too, and one of the places that we like is Glamorous Penguin, tucked at a back alley off the main road near Hangangjin station.

The three-story café has pretty good cakes – think red velvet, carrot cake, raspberry cake, maple apple cake (7,000 won for a slice) – and if the weather is good, get a table at the rooftop and read a book while enjoying a cuppa.

Glamorous Penguin is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

743-41 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(Itaewon-ro 49-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 7178
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#6 Hong Gi Wa Zip

You know you are in the right place when there are only locals dining in the establishment. We stumbled upon this homely Korean restaurant when we were wandering in the Hongdae area. Besides the popular Samgyetang, they also serve the classic dishes like Kamjatang (25,000 for small) – spicy boiled pigs rib; Possam (25,000 won for small) – boiled pork slices with kimchi; and the very delicious Takdori (25,000 won for small) – spicy boiled chicken soup.

347-29 Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel: 02 324 9858
Nearest Station: Hongik University

#7 Jiyugaoka

There are many cafes in the Samcheong-dong area, but Jiyugaoka deserves a special mention. We love that the café is not only small and cosy, but it also has good cakes, all freshly baked by the owners daily on site. The café is perfumed with the lovely scent of the baked goods, and we love sitting by the al fresco table to people-watch.

Jiyugaoka is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

Yunposun-gil 46
Tel: +82 2 6487 6156
Nearest station: Anguk

#8 Maple Tree House

Located behind Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon is Maple Tree House, a posh BBQ restaurant known for serving premium meats. Prices here are much steeper than the usual Korean BBQ restaurants, but the reason why regulars come back again and again is because of its signature Korean Jeju Black Pork Belly (17,900 won for 160g) and premium Korean Beef Sirloin (34,900 won for 150g).

Hamilton Hotel 2F, 116-1 Itaewon dong
Yong san gu, Seoul
Tel: 02 790 7977
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Itaweon

#9 N Grill

If you are making a trip to the N Seoul Tower, we would recommend to have a meal at N Grill. N Grill is a revolving restaurant at the top of the N Seoul Tower and it offers a birds’ eye view of the city. N Grill has a fantastic set lunch which is reasonably-priced for the quality. Good steaks in a nice ambience with a terrific view.

1-3 Yongsandong 2(i)ga-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 3455 9297
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

#10 Na Ri Sik Dang

Another place which we stumbled upon is Na Ri Sik Dang. It is a neighbourhood joint where locals frequent for its BBQ pork belly (11,000 won). We also had the Bean Paste Stew (7,000), which was the best that we had during this trip.

To find Na Ri Sik Dang, look out for the alley in between Audi Showroom and Trevia Italian Restaurant. It is a few minutes walk from the station.

8 Itaewon-ro 49-gil
Tel: 02 793 4860
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#11 No 813 BBQ Restaurant

This Korean BBQ restaurant in Garosil-gil offers several value-for-money sets which range from . The set that we ordered came with beef flank, beef sirloin, homemade sausage, pumpkin, mushroom and an egg stew.

Gangnam-daero 152-gil
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#12 Passion 5

This is a chic concept destination with 5 different categories of dining all under one roof –- gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. If you love desserts like we do, you must make a trip to Passion 5 when you are in Seoul.

Passion 5 is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#13 Sigol Bapsang

Our top pick is Sigolbapsang, a small traditional Korean restaurant at Hannam-dong, which is just ten-minute walk from Itaewon station. For 8,000 won, you can sample up to 30 classic banchans. Be surprised by the spread of traditional and modern dishes, and enjoy your experience in a rustic setting that radiates the old Seoul charm. And yes, you can have them refilled. Sigol Bapsang opens for 24 hours daily, so if you are feeling hungry at night, here is a spot that you can drop by.

738-17 Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: 82 2 793 5390
Nearest Station: Itaweon/Hangangjin station

#14 Take out drawing

Take out drawing is a gorgeous two-story café, which doubles as an exhibition space. It serves a variety of organic beverages alongside delicious baked goods. This is a trendy spot where you can easily spend a day catching up with friends.

Take out drawing is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

140-861, Itaewon-dong (Noksapyeong),
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2 790 2637
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#15 Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken

The most famous Korean Ginseng Chicken restaurant in Seoul, Tosokchon is a must-visit when you are in the city. There is only ginseng chicken on the menu, and when a restaurant is brave enough to dish out only one signature, we expect a lot. And indeed, it lives up to the hype. We would suggest coming here for lunch before visiting Gyeongbokgung palace, which is just located 5 minutes away.

5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 737 7444
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 2)

#16 Yoogane

This may be a restaurant chain, but they serve good chicken galbi. A meal here is relatively affordable – they charge by per person, and you can choose from a menu of meat and seafood combinations, We opted for the spicy chicken and marinated octopus (9,000/pax). Together with kimchi, potato and rice, the chicken galbi kept our souls happy in between shopping at Myeongdong.

3-1 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +02 3789 3392
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

#17 55 Beonji Ramyon

We chanced upon this ramyon shop when we were exploring Samcheong-dong. Tucked in a narrow alley, 55 Beonji Ramyon is easy to miss if you are not looking out for it. What makes their ramyon stand out is the use of seasoned red pepper paste sauce and a specially prepared soup base. On the menu, you can find different variations of ramyon such as Seafood Fried Ramen (13,000 won), Bulgogi Ramen (9,000 won), and Jiamppong Ramen (7,500 won).

55-1 Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
(44-6 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil)
Tel: +82 2 722 2997
Nearest station: Anguk

For more recommendations, read our guide on 10 Things to do in Seoul.