LIST: 8 Must-Visit Cafes in Hongdae, Seoul
Planning to go cafe hopping in Seoul?
by Ina Louise Manto | November 22, 2023
Aside from living out your K-drama dreams by visiting filming locations and hoarding K-pop merch, Seoul is one the best places for cafe hopping. The cafe culture in this bustling city is a whole experience – there’s an array of interesting and unique cafes that you’d want to visit! If you’re staying in Hongdae area, here are aesthetic cafes where you can experience the diverse coffee culture in Seoul:
Cafe Pokpo
Location: 262-29 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Want to take a break from the city view? Cafe Pokpo will let you experience a scenic coffee break as its alfresco seating is adjacent to a picturesque waterfall. Pokpo means “waterfalls” in Korean, and this location is also one of the best places to witness colorful autumn foliage. The sounds of flowing water from the falls combined with great coffee make the best coffee experience.
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 12 NN to 8 PM
943 King’s Cross
Location: 24 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Heads up Potterheads. There’s no need to fly to London to experience the whimsical world of Harry Potter when you can witness it right in Hongdae. At 943 King’s Cross, every corner of the themed cafe doesn’t skimp on making you feel like you’re on the set of the famous movie series. Each floor has a different theme, from Ollivander’s to an area where you can rent costumes. Their menu is Harry Potter-themed as well.
Opening hours: Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Sinleedoga
Location: 20-12 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Sinleedoga is a cafe where the past and present meet. This Hanok-style Cafe will make you feel like you traveled back in time with its traditional architecture, made modern with huge windows and minimalist interiors. One of the best seats is around the scenic garden.
Opening hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM
Susanghan Bagel
Location: 20-12 Xandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Here’s to bagel-loving folks, we’ve got you covered. Set in a beautiful garden, Susanghan Bagel has an assortment of bagels you can think of: from savory to sweet. When the weather permits, snag a seat in the garden and feel like you’re on a dreamy picnic with yummy beverages and yummy pastry.
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Cafe Tora-b
Location: 24 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a knack for unique desserts, visit Cafe Tora-b and try their take on pavlova which originates from Australia. This cafe is known for its variety of pavlova flavors: from Nutella banana to injeolmi, a popular Korean rice cake. They also serve both coffee and non-coffee beverages here.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 12 NN to 9:30 PM
Thanks Nature Cafe
Location: 10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Thanks Nature Cafe offers a unique coffee experience with fluffy sheep you can pet in the cafe. You don’t need to head to a countryside farm when you can meet these adorable animals right in the city.
Opening hours: Open daily from 12 NN to 9 PM
C. Through Cafe
Location: 266-6 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Feast your eyes and tummy with C. Through Cafe’s snap-worthy drinks and pastries. This popular cafe offers both coffee and non-coffee beverages as well as the cutest pastries, such as this adorable cream puff pastry. The baristas also craft drinks that look like pieces of artwork (literally), like Van Gogh’s Starry Night latte.
Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM
Humming Bella
Location: 57 Dongmak-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Located near Hongik University Station, Humming Bella is a famous bakery and cafe in this neighborhood. It’s also one of the filming locations of the 2016 K-drama Cheese in the Trap, so if you’re a fan, it’s a must-visit! This cafe is famous for its selection of pastries and its relaxing outdoor seating. When ordering, don’t forget to try their best-selling chocolate croissant with chocolate cream.
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays from 11 AM to 11 PM; Sundays from 11 AM to 12 MN
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