It goes without saying that all croissant lovers need to visit Nudake Sinsa when in Seoul. Brought to you by Gentle Monster, Nudake Sinsa is a viral bakery cafe in Gangnam which specializes in a single type of pastry — the croissant. This is Nudake’s third outlet after their first two outlets in Dosan and Seongsu.

Curious whether Nudake (and in particular, Nudake Sinsa) is worth the hype? Read on to find out.

We popped by Nudake Sinsa just after lunch. Whilst we didn’t expect to see a crowd outside the cafe given the timing of my visit, we were surprised to find Nudake Sinsa filled with a decent crowd on the first level. As for their dining space on the second level, it was close to full house.

The first thing that will catch your eye when you first enter Nudake Sinsa are the gigantic croissant sculptures that sit in the centre and at the corner of the clean and minimalist cafe space. And then right behind one of the croissant sculptures is a long table filled with different flavours of croissants for your picking.

This is where things get interesting. Nudake Sinsa doesn’t sell just regular croissants. Their menu features the Oniwassant, a French and Japanese fusion treat, which is a hybrid of the Japanese onigiri and a croissant. Their Oniwassant menu features 3 different shapes (a square, circle and flower) in 6 flavours.

 Being matcha lovers, we gravitated towards the first sight of matcha. This is the Peak Oniwassant (6,000 won), a flavour from Nudake’s signature menu. Even though we packed the Peak Oniwassant to go, we are happy to report that the square-shaped Oniwassant was still crispy and flakey the next day, and these textures paired well with the light matcha cream.

And if you’re looking for something more savoury, try the Pollock Roe Oniwassant (6,000 won) or the Green Onion Oniwassant (6,000 won). The former is a croissant filled with savory pollack roe cream cheese and pollack roe maple syrup, whereas the latter comprises a croissant filled with onion cream and scallion toppings. 

A tip — Nudake Sinsa is available for reservations on CatchTable. So if you’re serious about trying some of their Oniwassants, you know what you have to do. 

Nudake Sinsa
43 Gangnam-daero 162-gil,
Gangnam District, Seoul
Tel: +82 70-4177-6977

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seoul Coffee is a popular and Instagrammable cafe that is tucked in one of the alleys in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a must-visit neighborhood in Seoul which is filled with many beautful cafes, local shops and underrated eateries.

A hanok-themed cafe, Seoul Coffee aims to create an atmosphere that is reminiscent of Seoul in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Step inside Seoul Coffee and you will be greeted by the scent of aromatic coffee and desserts.

Seoul Coffee is best known for its iconic butter loaf breads—available in two flavours: milk and squid ink—which come with two slabs of butter.

Other than that, they also have a selection of desserts (prices range from 4,500 to 7,500 won) including Chocolate Fudge Cake, Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Cube Ice Cream.

It goes without saying that Seoul Coffee serves excellent coffee. From hand drip coffee, to cold brew, and flat white, Seoul Coffee has got you covered with their quality brews (5,000 – 7,000 won).

You have to include Seoul Coffee in your list of cafes to visit in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. It is one of our favourite cafes in Seoul to have a coffee and dessert while enjoying some time off.

Seoul Coffee
166-31 Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-6085-4890

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Layered is a dessert cafe in Seoul which has an amazing scones and cakes selection. Dessert lovers are in for a real treat here.

It has the most impressive scones line-up we’ve ever seen. There are 13 different types of English scones (both savoury and sweet) as well as a dozen rustic English cakes on display.

Cafe Layered has 2 outlets in Yeonnam-dong and Bukchon (near Anguk station). You can also find it at The Hyundai Seoul’s food hall.

We dined at Cafe Layered’s outlet at Yeonnam-dong when we were exploring the quaint neighbourhood. The cafe is in a two-story bricked building which is located at 223-20 Yeonnam-dong in Mapo-gu.

Some of the scone flavours (prices range from 4,500 – 5,00 won) include:

• Classic Butter Scones
• Fresh Milk Cream Scones
• Matcha Scones
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Scones
• Sweet Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones
• Basil Pesto Scones
• Double Chocolate Scones
• Spring Onion Cream Cheese Scones
• Cinnamon Pecan Scones
• Caramel Butter Scones
• Earl Grey Fig Scones
• Strawberry Compote Scones

Frankly, everything looked amazing and it was a challenge trying to pick from this line-up. If you like savoury scones, the Spring Onion Cream Cheese Scone is the bestseller at Cafe Layered. We had the Earl Grey Fig Scones and it was absolutely delicious.

The options for the rustic English cakes (7,500 – 8,000 won) include:

• Dark Chocolate Cake
• Carrot Cake
• Cherry Chocolate Cake
• Mango Cake
• Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cake
• Victoria Butter Cream Cake
• Blueberry Cheesecake
• Sweet Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake
• Black Forest Dark Chocolate Cake
• Juicy Lemon Home Party Cake
• Tiramisu Espresso Coffee Cake
• Mint Chocolate Cake

Do note that you need to order a drink per person regardless of the number of cakes and scones that you get.

If you are planning to visit Cafe Layered at Bukchon, here’s a sneak peek at the other outlet which is housed in a hanok.

The dessert display at Cafe Layered’s Bukchon outlet.

With its amazing scones and cakes selection, this homely cafe has firmly established itself amongst our top 5 favourite cafes in Seoul.

Cafe Layered
223-20 Yeonnam-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul

2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul

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

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

BACKEN

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

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

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

CACAODADA

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

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

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

CARIN LOUNGE

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

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

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

DESSERT LAB

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

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

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

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

IKSEON-GORO

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

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

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

OSULLOC

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

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

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

PAULIN PANCAKE

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

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

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

SEOUL COFFEE

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

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

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

SOBOK

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

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

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

MIL TOAST HOUSE

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

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

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

ZAPANGI

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

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

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