BOOKMARK: 10 Must-Visit Aesthetic Cafes in Seoul for Cafe Hopping
Ready to go cafe hopping in Seoul?
by Ina Louise Manto | September 15, 2022
If you’re a fan of anything Korean, whether it be K-pop, dramas, or their culture, you probably already know that this fave travel destination is open to tourists again. If you’re planning to treat yourself to a much-awaited (and dream of!) trip to Seoul, here are some must-visit cafes to include on your list:
Cafe Knotted
Location: 15 Dosan-daero 53-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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If you ever find yourself around Gangnam to do some luxury shopping or visit the K-Star Road to find the GangnamDol of your fave K-pop group, don’t forget to drop by Knotted. This pastel haven’s too cute not to miss! Knotted is known for its variety of donuts and the iconic smiley on its products. You’d love their vintage American cartoon theme, as well as the pastel colors on their packaging and interior design. There’s no wonder why there’s always a line outside their branches! For pasalubong, they have cute designs for their merch too.
London Bagel Museum
Location: 20 Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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As its name suggests, London Bagel Museum will transport you to England — talk about hitting two birds with one stone. Displayed inside the rustic cafe are rows and rows of bagels, from savory to sweet. It’s a popular brunch place too, so if you ever crave a Western breakfast during your trip, pay the cafe a visit. But if you want to get a taste of their best sellers, make sure to line up early because they run out fast!
Cafe Onion Anguk
Location: Gyedong-gil 5, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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For the historical K-drama feels, you have to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and do a tour wearing a hanbok. After your tour, have your merienda at Cafe Onion Anguk, a cafe that looks straight out of the Joseon dynasty. But they don’t serve traditional food here, as their concept juxtaposes the old with the new. It’s a modern cafe that serves fresh local beans roasted in-house and a variety of pastries and desserts.
Coffee Nap Roasters
Location: 453-32 Yeonnam-ro, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood cafe after walking around for a photo walk, rest your tired feet at Coffee Nap Roasters. It may not look like much from the outside, but the glass-walled cafe’s most famous feature is its unique uphill brick “road” inside the cafe. Paired with its minimalist interiors and bright lighting, this cafe sure deserves a spot on your insta.
Butter Book
Location: 20, Sinheung-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
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Seoul’s cafe culture will introduce you to different concepts and Butter Book doesn’t skimp on this category. Boasting pastel yellow walls that stand out in the neighborhood, this cafe started as a 10-seater nook. They transferred to a bigger place now and if you want to get a photo of its exteriors, make sure to arrive early because there’s always a crowd outside! Here, you can enjoy coffee and non-coffee beverages, as well as pastries such as donuts and scones. For take-out, try their bottled lattes!
Oh! Range Cafe
Location: 390-71 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Oh! Range Cafe is a spot that would make Peanuts fans swoon because it’s its theme! Even if you’re not a fan, you’ll still find this cafe a feast for the eyes: minimalist interiors with pops of colors from its cups, decor, and food. Even the presentation of their cafe food is eye candy!
Cafe Layered
Location: 223-20 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Think of pretty pink laces, picnics, afternoon tea, and beautiful pastries when you visit Cafe Layered. This rustic cafe is completely open at its center, which adds a unique charm to its pastry display. It’s a must-visit for the sweet tooth, with their array of desserts best paired with a fresh cup of coffee.
Thanks, Oat
Location: 68 Seongmisan-ro 23-gil, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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If you’re heading to Coffee Nap Roasters, you might as well drop by Thanks, Oat because they’re just in the same area. This homey cafe is known for its healthier meal options — they specialize in yogurt and granola bowls! Its dreamy garden setting and wooden interiors are just as picturesque as its colorful food.
PS. Thanks, Oat has appeared in two dramas: Romance is a Bonus Book (2019) and Men Are Men (2020)!
Arari Ovene
Location: Seongsan 1 World Cup Buk-ro 12 An-gil, Il-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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There’s just something healing about minimalist cafes set in a garden, which is one thing you’ll love when you pay Arari Ovene a visit. They’re known for their mugwort desserts and drinks, perfect for those who are looking for something new to try during their trip. The cafe also serves a variety of desserts that are just too pretty to eat!
Chanibear Station
Location: 227-6 1-2, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Cute interiors, food, and stationery? If these are up your alley, you’ll love Chanibear Station. This minimalist cafe is based on its character Chanibear, and after you have servings of their cute food and drinks, splurge on their adorable merch! They have a great selection of stickers, phone cases, notebooks, and more. You’ve probably seen this cafe on Pinterest too!
BONUS
We Bake Love
Location: 26-24, Wonhyoro 1(iI)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
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We Bake Love isn’t a cafe but a bakery that serves some badass cookies. If you ever find yourself craving gigantic cookies, make sure to wake up extra early because they sell out fast!
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