South Korea is well known for its themed and trendy instagrammable cafes. The variety of these hidden gems always surprise me. The Cafe Culture of South Korea has popularised globally over the years, attracting several tourists. These cafes are not just to stop by for a snack or two but an attraction in itself.
The list is never-ending, but here, we have the trendiest cafes you have to visit on your trip to South Korea. So, dig in because we have got you covered from brunches to dinner.
1. Cafe Onion
Cafe Onion is in Anguk, Seoul. It is a Traditional Cafe with its architecture similar to the Hanok Village and ambience to an urban hippie cafe. It’s a remarkable experience, between history and modernisation of the society. It may appear as if you have stepped into the Joseon Dynasty.
2. Cafe Yeonnam Dong 223-14
This cafe in Mapo-gu is a dream for cartoon lovers. It was inspired by the show called, ‘W – Two Worlds’ and, as you step into the coffee shop, life turns into a three-dimensional black and white sketch. The details are so precise that you will notice the cutleries and food follow the theme with the ambience. It also gained popularity amongst tourists recently through the Netflix movie, “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” as it was featured in it.
3. Percent Cafe
Percent is one trendy cafe, in Daegu. It is a spacious cafe within a Hanok. The ambience is cozy and has several private rooms. It is like coming home if you ask me.
4. Lazy Pump
Lazy Pump is an Old Industrial Themed cafe in the Jeju Islands of South Korea. The contrasting appearance of the inside and outside of the Cafe provides a dual experience. On the outside, there is a sitting area. Here you can enjoy your beverages with the view of an ocean while the inside has a modern touch to it.
5. Style Nanda Pink Hotel
The Stylenanda Pink Hotel is in Myeongdong, as well as Hongdae has another outlet. It has a vintage hotel vibe painted in pink and has a pink tropical-themed rooftop with it. The one in Hongdae, however, is a pool-themed restaurant.
6. Remicone
Remicone is well known for its cotton candy drinks and soft serves. It is in one of the poshest neighbourhoods, Gangnam.
7. Orda Cafe
Orda Cafe is a three-storied Cafe in Daegu that offers a wonderful cup of coffee and dessert. Moreover, it is known for its beautiful rooftop which has a view of the Daegu skyline.
8. Zapangi
Zapangi is a secret cafe in the Mapo district of Seoul. Everything is the menu is served aesthetically in tin and cork bottles. The vibrance, ambience, fragrance, and flavour are captivating. The Cafe is hidden behind a vending machine, which is the entrance door.
9. Bomnal Cafe
Bomnal is situated on the oceanfront in the Jeju Islands, with several great cafes in the neighbourhood. The menu is wholesome, so is the view. Grab yourself a drink or a snack and take a stroll on the beach.
10. Billyworks
Billyworks is an industrial cafe with an open space. It is based in Daegu and is a great spot to celebrate, host a party and meet work deadlines.
11. Tree Farm
Hidden away in the countryside near Palgong Mountain, Tea Farm Cafe have spectacular sceneries. It is a calm and relaxing spot one should stop by. The Cafe is also the local’s favourite.
12. Cafe Cola
Cafe Cola, as the name suggests, is a Coca-Cola-themed Cafe in Jeju. The rooftop offers serene views. Cafe Cola is surrounded by mural walls which add to its aesthetics.
13. Jean Frigo
This Cafe is hidden behind a refrigerator door. Before this hidden entrance, it appears as if it’s a fruit and vegetable storage. But, it is an Underground Cafe. As you enter the underground Cafe, you will find one modern romantic sitting area with sunset lamps all across.
14. Terrace Room
Terrace Room is an elite place to dine in Gangnam. It is famous for its Italian and European cuisines and its delightful desserts.
15. Coffee Nap Roasters
The Cafe may have a modest exterior but consists of a hill of 7000 bricks. This Glasshouse Cafe is in the Mapo district of Seoul. It has a calming ambience with English Indie music always playing in the background.
16. Dreamy Camera Cafe
The Dreamy Camera Cafe is a two-storied building that appears like a vintage camera. It is located just outside Seoul in the neighbourhood called, Yongmun. The interiors of it are filled with tiny polaroids.
17. Wave On Coffee
Wave On Coffee is situated in Gijang, Busan, which is known for its breathtaking ocean views. The full-size windows give a panoramic view of the ocean. The outdoor sitting area is what we call a paradise.
18. Ongozisin
Ongozisin means looking at the past as the guide for the future. It is in the Bongcheon-dong neighbourhood of Seoul. It has a rusty touch to it with its iconic circular window.
19. Innisfree House
The Innisfree House is located inside the O’Sulloc tea fields of the Jeju Islands. The Cafe is well known for its vibrant and delicious beverages.
20. Perception
Perception is a cafe in Hongdae, with abstract wooden architecture. Its ceiling has an iconic range of wooden waves set in movement perfectly. It is a great spot to read.
21. Grain
Grain is another popular cafe in Hongdae known for its healthy menu. If you’re a fitness freak you should stop by here.
22. C-Through Cafe
The C-Through Cafe is located in Itaewon. It is known for its latte art and it’s not just leaves and hearts, but it appears more like acrylic canvases. The barista-owner here, Lee Kang Bin has creative skills for which he has a huge fan base. Van Gogh’s Starry Night Latte is his most popular work. Furthermore, you can get custom latte art drinks here as well.
23. Butterbook
Butter Book Cafe looks just like a block of butter. The Cafe is small and cozy and more of the takeout spot in town. They have a simple but delightful menu with quality products. The best part about this independent cafe is that everything is prepared in-house.
24. Arriate Cafe
Arriate is a Floral Cafe based in Hongdae. It is the most vivid and instagrammable spot in the city. This herb tea cafe offers beverages that taste as good as they look. You can also buy stunning bouquets here.