Korea’s cafe culture is something to be reckoned with and it’s only when you head elsewhere you realise quite how impressive it is. From themed cafes to hipster joints, to cosy nooks, you could easily make a top-ten list for every city in South Korea and you still wouldn’t scratch the surface.
Nonetheless, if you’re taking a trip through this caffeine wonderland then I hope a few of my favourite cute cafes in South Korea to brighten up your trip. If you’re interested in food then take a culinary trip around South Korea with us.
Cafe Onion | Seoul
A wonderful bakery and a rooftop to enjoy in the Summer, Cafe Onion offers artisanal coffee and desserts in a converted metal factory. Seongsu is a really fun part of Seoul and I discovered it way too late into my time there despite living next to the area dubbed ‘the Brooklyn of Seoul’. You can walk to Seoul Forest, exploring the street art on the way, after visiting.
Address: 8, Achasan-Ro, 9-Gil, Sungdong-Go, Seoul | 55, Solme-Ro, 50-Gil, Gangbuk-Gu, Seoul, Seongsu Station, Line 2, Exit 2.
Prama Coffeehouse | Daegu
With a llama logo, you already know this is going to be a cute stop for coffee when in Daegu. The desserts here are outstanding and so many of them are shaped like the resident coffeeshop doggy. With super friendly staff and delicious coffee, this is a favourite stop in Daegu.
Address: Daegu, Jung gu, Dongin Dong, 4 Ga, 197-1
Dreamy Camera Cafe | Yangpyeong
A little bit outside Seoul and not the easiest to get to on this list but very worth it if you can get there. Always check on their Facebook/Instagram first as they announce sudden closing times on there. Its owners, two former military pilots, opened the cafe to celebrate the pursuit of dreams and can always be found ready to greet with you a smile and a menu.
Address: 341-13, Jung-won-ri, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Read More: Discover South Korea’s Health and Wellness Spots
비루개 (Biluge) | Namyangju
A little difficult to get to but so worth it. A beautiful greenhouse cafe in Seoul. Such an amazing design and overlooking the mountains. There’s plenty of nature to enjoy in the surrounding area if you’re hoping to make a day of it.
Address: 227 Yongam-ri, Byeollae-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Fat Cat Neighbourhood Bistro | Seoul
We sent far too much time in this bistro while we were in Seoul. From pumpkin spice lattes to kombucha, there extensive drinks menu will keep anyone satisfied and the European style food is always welcome. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options here.
Oat Cafe | Jeonju
Oat Cafe may be small in size, but it packs in tons of charm with its beautiful and cosy interior. Stripped of pretences, this incredibly simple yet gorgeous coffee shop sits in front of an intersection, where you can people-watch all day long. It’s warm, homely, and its coffee and cakes will surely bring you comfort.
Scoff Bakehouse | Seoul
This bakery is helmed by a British chef turned baker, together with his Korean wife. Immensely popular they’ve now opened their second branch. The Seochon bakery is take-out only but the Buam branch has a lovely sit-in area.
Address: Scoff Bakehouse Seochon, 90-2 Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | Scoff Bakehouse Buam ,278-5 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Ordinary Flower & Cafe | Busan
One of the most well-known cafes in Busan among the locals, Ordinary Flower & Café serves as a flower shop/design studio/workshop space and café so you can anticipate a lovely, dreamy floral interior.
Address: 35-1 Jeonpo-daero 77beon-gil, Munhyeon 2(i)-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Read More: How to Visit Bosudong Book Alley in Busan.
La Mia Emily (라미아에밀리) | Daegu
A beautiful and tranquil cafe located down an unassuming alleyway in Daegu. It opens up to picturesque, traditional garden seating that’s perfect for autumn weather. They also offer fantastic coffee, brunch and desserts. In particular their bingsu which is to die for.
Read More: 7 Amazing things to Do in Daegu (By a Local)
Address: 2061-2 Dalgubeol-daero, Seongnae 2(i)-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
ZAPANGI (자판기) | Seoul
This striking café takes its name from the Korean word for “vending machine” – and it’s obvious why since your entrance to the goodies within lie behind the shocking pink machine in front of you. Inside is equally quirky with unicorn and pink themed desserts that change seasonally, adorable decor, and delicious coffee.
Learn More About Korea:
How to eat Korean BBQ like a local
How to enjoy yourself at the jimjilbang sauna
Learn about alcohol etiquette in Korea
Discover South Korea’s best tattoo artists
Find out where to drink in Seoul, and then how to get home safely afterwards
You can even take the Oh my Oppa tour and hang out with a local.