Choose by region and atmosphere! Korea’s recommended café guide
When it comes to traveling in Korea, shopping and food are well-known attractions, but recently more people are visiting with the goal of exploring stylish and unique cafés. Korea is home to many cafés with outstanding design or shops where you can enjoy Instagram-worthy desserts.
This time, we introduce cafés in popular areas of Seoul, each with a different atmosphere and character. Find the one that suits your taste and enjoy Korea’s café culture.
1. Insadong Café Guide ~ A Healing Space Where Tradition Meets Modernity ~
Insadong is a street deeply rooted in Korea’s traditional culture and is popular among tourists. The cafés in this area are characterized by a traditional atmosphere, often utilizing hanok, Korea’s old-style houses. In these wooden buildings with tiled roofs and inner courtyards, you can feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to old Korea.
Here, it is recommended to enjoy Korean traditional teas such as omija tea or yuzu tea while quietly reading a book or having a conversation. Many cafés also serve traditional Korean sweets or rice cakes, making it perfect for those who love sweet treats.
With its relaxed atmosphere, this area is especially recommended for older travelers or anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful, leisurely time.
Around Insadong, you can also find shops selling traditional Korean crafts, as well as calligraphy and pottery experience classes. It is even possible to rent a hanbok and stroll through the streets, allowing you to experience Korean culture in between café visits—another attractive feature of the area. Nearby, Bukchon Hanok Village and Changdeokgung Palace are also within reach, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy a deeper sense of Korean history.
2. Seongsu Café Guide ~ A Cutting-Edge Trendy Street Born from an Industrial Zone ~
Seongsu, whose popularity among young people has been rapidly rising, is an area that was once an industrial zone but has been renovated into a district filled with cafés and shops. While the exteriors may appear rugged, stepping inside reveals modern and stylishly designed spaces—a contrast that adds to its charm.
Some cafés feature large indoor plants in spacious interiors, others display art like a gallery, and some are multi-purpose cafés combining bakeries and goods shops, allowing visitors to enjoy multiple experiences in one place.
This area is highly recommended for travelers in their 20s and 30s who are sensitive to trends, as well as those interested in fashion and design. It’s perfect for taking photos, and visitors can leisurely absorb the unique concept of each café, making it a must-visit spot for café enthusiasts.
In Seongsu, you can enjoy not only stylish cafés but also numerous independent select shops and design brand showrooms, making it a great area for shopping as well. Art exhibitions and pop-up events are frequently held, so just walking around can be a feast for the senses. Be sure to visit the trendy bakeries and perfume shops that are making headlines, too.
3. Yeonnam-dong Café Guide ~ A Neighborhood Full of Cozy, Sentimental Cafés ~
Located right next to the Hongdae area, Yeonnam-dong is known for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere. In its narrow alleys, you can find cafés tucked away or converted from houses, giving the entire area a “hidden gem” vibe.
Here, handmade cakes and original drinks are popular, and many cafés offer carefully crafted menus. Many café owners pay special attention to art and interior design, so each café has a distinct personality while providing a comfortable space.
This area is especially recommended for solo travelers or anyone seeking a peaceful break. It’s the perfect spot to pause during a busy sightseeing day and enjoy a moment of calm.
Around Yeonnam-dong, there is a green space called the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, which locals use for walking or picnicking. On nice days, it’s recommended to grab a takeout drink and relax amid the greenery. Additionally, the area has many independently run stationery and vintage shops, making a stroll through the streets feel like a fun treasure hunt.
4. Garosugil & Apgujeong Café Guide ~ A Sophisticated Café Time for Adults ~
In the Garosugil and Apgujeong area, lined with stylish boutiques and beauty salons, you’ll find many calm, luxurious cafés. With stylish interiors and high-end menu offerings, these cafés are perfect for enjoying a more refined, adult café experience.
The cafés are spacious and quiet, with attentive service, making them ideal for leisurely conversations. You can also experience seasonal desserts or dessert courses that aren’t available elsewhere, offering a unique treat.
They are great for stopping by between beauty treatments or shopping, making them ideal for adult travelers who want to spend time in a sophisticated setting.
This area is also a hotspot for experiencing the cutting edge of Korean fashion and beauty. Flagship stores of famous skincare brands and beauty salons offering makeup trials are abundant. For those interested in beauty, it’s recommended to get a Korean-style esthetic treatment or a personal color diagnosis before or after café time.
5. Ikseon-dong Café Guide ~ A Popular Spot Where Retro Meets Modern ~
Recently gaining attention on SNS, Ikseon-dong is a photogenic area filled with cafés and shops renovated from traditional hanok houses. The traditional Korean street scenery, combined with colorful decorations and unique signboards, makes it a perfect place for photos anywhere you look.
Cafés in this area preserve the charm of hanok architecture while offering modern interiors and unique menu items that captivate visitors. You can enjoy desserts served in retro-style dishes or lattes inspired by Korean flavors—menus that are hard to find elsewhere.
This area is especially popular with couples and groups of women, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy both “Korean authenticity” and “sophistication.” Weekends can be crowded, so visiting on a weekday is recommended.
Ikseon-dong also features shops with retro-style signboards, charming exteriors, and accessory stores, making it a must-visit area for photography enthusiasts. There are facilities where you can participate in activities like making traditional Korean desserts or practicing Korean calligraphy, allowing visitors to enjoy both sightseeing and cultural experiences at the same time.
6. Hangang Area Cafe Guide ~ Open-Air Cafes with Scenic Views ~
Along the Hangang River, there are rooftop cafes and open, glass-walled cafes scattered throughout the area. Especially during pleasant weather in spring and autumn, spending a relaxing time on an outdoor terrace while feeling the breeze is a true indulgence.
During the day, visitors can enjoy the blue sky and river views, in the evening the beautiful sunset, and at night the illuminated bridges and city lights. Many cafes offer not only drinks but also substantial food menus, so people can enjoy a light meal while relaxing.
This is the perfect spot for chatting with friends while taking in the scenery or for experiencing a slightly special atmosphere.
At Hangang, there are plenty of activities to relax in nature, such as renting bicycles for a riverside ride or using picnic mats to unwind on the grass. Taking an evening Hangang cruise to watch the sunset is also a popular experience. It’s a great way to escape the city bustle and enjoy a leisurely time.
Summary
Korea offers a wide variety of cafes, each with a unique charm depending on the area. From traditional tea houses that let you feel Korea’s heritage, to modern art-inspired spaces, and open, nature-filled cafes, there’s a joy in choosing a spot that matches your mood or travel theme for the day.
On your precious trip to Korea, be sure to include a cafe tour in addition to shopping and food. You’re sure to have a special and memorable experience.
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