The Unusual World Of Korean Coffees

Cafes in Korea are present on every street corner. It is then difficult to stand out to attract customers without a particular concept. Indeed, it is customary in Korea to stop for a coffee when the weather is gloomy or on the contrary too hot. We could even say that it is rare to see a cafe where no one is inside! It is also common to grab a drink to go to continue our walk through the Korean streets.

If you plan a trip to Korea or are in Seoul now, it is essential to stop in a typical cafe. Here is a list of quirky cafes we recommend for a sunny afternoon in Seoul. Don't forget to bring a friend with you!

1. Greem Cafe

Greem is a cafe with all black and white decorations, plunging us directly into the heart of a comic strip. However, the impressive details of this cafe are hidden in the narrowness of the rooms, as the venue is relatively small. It is then complicated to take beautiful photos due to the presence of customers on every corner, but we have a good time there and the cakes are good!

Address: 161-10 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 성미산로 161-10)

2. Banana Tree Cafe

Banana Tree is a cafe small and plain in appearance, nevertheless hides a secret: its cakes can be eaten in flowerpots! Real trompe-l'oeil, with the help of a tiny shovel, we can eat our dessert, and it is the strong point of this place. This concept adapts to the seasons since it is also possible to eat ice cream in flower pots, and the drinks offered look just as delicious.

Address: 47 Seoul Forest Road, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 서울숲길 47)

3. Hanyakbang Cafe

Hanyakbang is a cafe that takes us back in time, with its charm of yesteryear. Small peculiarity: it is a former apothecary! We have the feeling of finding ourselves in a place that is several decades old, a reminder of the passing of time. The cafe is occasionally used for a few shootings, and the coffee is still brewed the old-fashioned way. There is also an aquarium!

Address: 16-6, Samil-daero, 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 삼일대로12길 16-6)

4. Tape Seoul Cafe

Tape Seoul is a cafe that has a space theme! Although the decoration is simplistic, the power of this concept lies in the cakes sporting a topping similar to galaxies and planets. It's a particularly popular place to celebrate birthdays and the drinks seem just as tasty as cakes. There is also a terrace for a bowl of fresh air.

Tape Instagram

Address: 212, Itaewon-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이태원로14길21)

5. Dore Dore Cafe

Dore Dore is a cafe showcasing the baking skills of the people working there. Would you like to taste a strangely decorated cake? This is the dream place for you! Flowers, animals, nature, Christmas trees, ghosts, rainbows, landscapes, gingerbread houses, etc. There is nothing impossible in this cafe! There is something for all tastes and all flavors.

Dore Dore Instagram

Address: 378 Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 청파로 378)

6. Vers Garden Cafe

Vers Garden is a perfect cafe for nature lovers. In each corner of the room, there are plants and trees, so that one would think of oneself lost in the middle of a garden or a forest. The cakes and drinks also respect this theme, since they are covered with flowers. The rural character of the place allows you to relax in peace and ease.

Vers Garden Instagram

Address: 44 Seongmisan-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 성미산로23길 44)

7. Pink Pool Cafe

Pink Pool is a pretty girly café with its entirely pink decor and its cotton candies. The real peculiarity of this place is that a swimming pool is right in the middle of the cafe. It is forbidden to swim there, but it is a nice place to take pictures. The cakes offered for sale are nicely decorated, and the armchairs are comfortable enough to want to stay there for several hours.

Pink Pool Instagram

Address: 23, Wausan-ro 29 da-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 와우산로29다길23)

8. Seoulism Cafe

Seoulism is a cafe located just in front of the Jamsil Tower, perfect for watching sunsets on its spacious terrace. The place also hosts brunches and other various events such as painting or yoga classes. It's also a great place to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks. The cafe offers seasonal meals, such as for Christmas or Halloween, and also a menu card for those who are a little hungry.

Seoulism Instagram

Address: 435, Baekje Ancient Tombs-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 백제고분로 435)

9. Cheongsudang Cafe

Cheongsudang is a cafe whose frontage immediately makes us want to enter this place. The vegetation as well as the various waterfalls and water areas make us forget that we are actually in Seoul, and there is nothing better than to taste the forest-like cakes. There is nothing better to relax than the sound of water! The ideal place to take many pictures.

Cheongsudang Instagram

Address: 31-9, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9)

10. Butterbook Cafe

Butterbook is a very cute cafe, whose flagship color is yellow. However, it is difficult to access since it is located on the side of a hill, not far from the Namsan Tower, but the donuts and ice cream that you can eat there are worth the detour. The cafe is small, but its retro decor gives it an old-world charm. The small terrace to enjoy your donut while taking a refreshing breath of air.

Butterbook Instagram

Address: 20 Sinheung-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 신흥로15길 20)

11. Aqua Garden Cafe

Aqua Garden is a cafe, just below the Jamsil Tower, right in the middle of aquariums. Nothing better to relax than to observe the fish surrounding us, while consuming the drinks and madeleines offered by the place. It is located just opposite an aquarium to visit, in the heart of a spacious shopping mall. You can find many species of fish there and even turtles!

Aqua Garden Instagram

Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 올림픽로 300)

Bonus. Jean Frigo bar

Jean Frigo is a special bar since it is hidden behind the doors of a fridge! The subdued atmosphere and shimmering colors give the place a chic and trendy look. The menu offers mainly fruit dishes and a large selection of cocktails. The storefront gives the feeling of being in a fruit merchant, and a little originality in addition: the dishes are ordered in a telephone booth!

Jean Frigo Instagram

Address: 9-8, Toegye-ro 62-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 퇴계로62길 9-8)

Which coffee surprises you the most? Have you visited any? Let us know in the comments!