Last Updated: April 12, 2022
Best Coffee Shops In Seoul
Coffee addicts who are traveling around Southeast Asia should make a point about stopping off in Seoul, South Korea. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in Seoul and there are some amazingly awesome independent coffee shops that coffee lovers will never forget.
Finding the best coffee shops in Seoul is another story, however, as there are literally thousands to choose from. But, with a little insider knowledge, which you’ll find in this article, you’re guaranteed to spend time in only the best coffee shops in Seoul.
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Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe
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The Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe is one of the most unique coffee shops in Seoul and probably one of the most instagrammable ones too.
You’ll find the coffee shop located inside the
The decor is pretty out of this world as everything is pink and blue and you can either sip an iced latte by the pink indoor pool or head to the roof for amazing views over the local area.
You’ll find a range of drinks and sweet treats at this cafe. Why not try their cotton candy specialty coffee which comes with a puff of cotton candy on top instead of whipped cream. Or you can have a simple juice, normally filtered coffee, and lots more.
While this doesn’t offer your typical coffee shop atmosphere it’s still one of the coffee shops in Seoul you have to see.
Poop Cafe
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Found in a very touristy area, the Poop Cafe is another rather unique and different coffee shop concept but since it’s on Insa-dong street which is packed with cafes, it had to do something to stand out.
You can probably guess the general theme of this coffee shop cafe and it is actually “poop”. Order a regular cup of coffee and it will be served in toilet-shaped cups. The cushions on the sofas are poo-shaped and poo colored, and you’ll find flowers growing out of repurposed toilets.
The atmosphere inside is actually very warm and has homey vibes to it and they serve great coffee too. It’s the perfect place to take a little break while walking around the super busy area.
The coffee shop also sells baked goods and has a specialty coffee or two that is worth trying. You can also go down the rabbit hole in the relaxing atmosphere and it’s a popular spot to meet up on a weekday morning for the locals.
Coffee Libre
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They started out as a single coffee shop in Yeonnam-dong and now have more coffee shops near Myeongdong Cathedral, Times Square in Yeongdeungpo Gu, and Famille Street in Gangnam.
Their concept is to bring in the highest quality coffee beans direct from coffee plantations they have chosen from around the world. Every Sunday they do a coffee tasting which involves seven different single-origin roasted beans brewed in a french press or aeropress. If you love coffee, a Sunday morning here will have your palette exploding.
If you pop into one of their coffee shops for a regular coffee you’ll be tasting their own special espresso blend which is nothing short of delicious.
You will never be outside of walking distance of one of their coffee shops while in central Seoul so head straight there any time you need a coffee fix.
Old Ferry Donut
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The Old Ferry Donut is another of the specialty coffee shops in Seoul and you will find it tucked away down the quiet residential street of Hannam-dong, away from the hustle and bustle.
This is a coffee shop that is all about amazing donut creations and who doesn’t love a donut with their coffee?!
You can get a tasting box with a range of donuts for just 10 bucks and it’s well worth trying some of their crazy creations like a basil and chocolate donut or their tiramisu donuts. They might sound weird but they work and you’ll only want more.
Their signature coffee is a Tube Latte which is actually iced and served with a little donut on top. Just be sure to eat the donut before it sinks into your coffee! You’ll also find a ton of regular coffees to order too as well as other beverages which are all of the great quality.
Mouse Rabbit
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The Mouse Rabbit café is situated near Konkuk University and it’s incredibly popular with university students and couples.
This coffee shop’s claim to fame is that it is run by the brother and mother of one of the members of the super famous boy band Super Junior and their famous track is bound to be playing while you’re in there.
If you’re a K-pop fan or want to experience K-pop, then this is the cafe to head to in Seoul. It has a young and happening vibe to it and there is always a hum of conversation and Korean pop music happening.
Head to the basement for a new experience as it is built to look like a rabbit warren, so if there is anywhere to “go down the rabbit hole” in Seoul, this is the coffee shop to do it in.
Felt Coffee
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Felt Coffee is one of the more hip coffee shops in Seoul and both the outside and inside have a minimalist vibe to it. The focus is on coffee not on the interior and the main coffee they serve at Felt includes espresso, Americano, and brewed hand drip coffee.
All their beans are hand chosen and then tend to use a Kenyan coffee bean that is grown in Costa Rica at the Herbazu coffee farm and is then roasted on-site. The result is a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and texture.
The Felt Special Latte is a coffee everyone has to try as it is made to be as close to perfect as possible. They use a Slayer espresso machine, the best one can get which allows them to control the temperature and the beans are ground in a conical grinder. The result is a coffee with the most beautiful aromas served with the perfect milk texture accompaniment.
Coffee Hanyakbang
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If you don’t know where Coffee Hanyakbang is, chances are you’re not going to find it. Sitting down a tiny passageway next to the Euljiro 3-ga mega station on Samil-daero is a coffee shop that will take you back in time.
Hanyakbang means medicine room in Korean and its interior is packed full of antiques, Chinese medicine, and old Korean pieces of cultural heritage. If you’re looking for an authentic setting for a coffee in Seoul then this is a great place to go.
The coffee shop hand roasts their coffee beans for maximum flavor and their focus is on hand-dripped or transitional coffees. Each coffee is strong and packs a punch of caffeine along with a ton of delicious aromas.
It’s not the coffee you go here for though, it’s about the traditional vibe so make sure you stop in and ask for directions if you can’t find it as it is not easy to spot.
Biroso Coffee
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You’ll find Biroso Coffee in Sinchon in central Seoul and if you have been looking for a coffee shop with a homey vibe then this is the one to head to.
The feeling inside is warm and relaxed, it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by from, do a bit of online work, or catch up with a friend.
The coffee is pretty fantastic too, don’t get me wrong, and you’ll find everything from espressos to mochas and cappuccinos served here. They are delicious and well made every time, plus the baristas speak a bit of English too.
It’s not just the coffee they serve either, you’ll also find some yummy extras like cookies, devil’s fruit cake, lemon cake, and lots more yummy things in the cafe to have with your coffee.
Honestly, for a place to relax, take a break from the city chaos, and just enjoy some chilled vibes, this is the cafe to spend your downtime in.
Sahara Cafe
If you’re looking for a quiet cafe to read a book in or do some work then the atmosphere at Sahara Café will have you spending the entire day there.
The decor is fantastic for peace of mind with walls of books that you can grab and read while you’re there, long wooden tables with study lamps, pillow-covered chairs, and lots more. Accompanied to the decor is great music which switches from classical to mellow indie, keeping you in a very relaxed zone.
The coffee in this cafe is great and you’ll find a pretty standard coffee menu along with lots of teas too plus they even serve lunch. If you have a full day of work to do on travels, they have got you covered.
You’ll find Sahara in the Soongsil University neighborhood of Sangdo-dong and thus your company will be students discussing their studies or doing some studies themselves.
Meerkat Café
Animal cafes are hugely popular throughout Korea and the rest of Asia and while they are usually cafes where you can go and hangout with cats or dogs, this one is a little different.
At Meerkat cafes, you can hang out with meerkats while you’re drinking a delicious cup of coffee. Your chances of bumping into a meerkat in the wild are close to zero but in Seoul you can have a coffee with them – how crazy is that!
There are quite a few different Meerkat coffee shops to choose from across Seoul and you’ll find them in Myeongdong, Hyehwa, Hongdae, and Kondae. There is nothing more instagrammable than being in a photo with some meerkats while sipping a letter is there?
While this kind of cafe is a bit gimmicky, it’s kind of got to be visited once in Seoul but it’s probably not where you’re going to sit back and read a book.
Seoulism
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Seoulism is one of the most famous coffee shops in Seoul and you’ll find it close to the Lotte Tower in Jamsil. The views from the coffee shop across Seoul are fantastic and you can even step out onto the photo zone terrace and get filmed next to a giant Seoul sign with the stunning tower in the background.
Most people tend to come in, order a drink, get their photo, and leave but the atmosphere inside is lovely with a lot of light but it is quite expensive compared to others. Getting onto the rooftop terrace on sunny days might also involve queueing but on cloudy rainy days, chances are you will find it empty.
The coffee isn’t bad too and they serve up a delicious brunch every day as well so it’s a great place to go in the mornings to enjoy the views and hangout on the rooftop.
943 Kings Cross
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On Seogyo-dong street is the
You can spend your time at the 9 ¾ platform of King’s Cross, have a coffee or a butterbeer, and experience everything you might have dreamed of across the 7 magically themed different rooms.
The basement is actually a pub and every floor is covered with props based on the books and films which you can pick up as you please, take photos with, and re-enact parts of the story if you please.
There is one rule you have to follow at this cafe and that is you have to order and pay for your drink at the entrance. They are very strict about this as buying a drink is pretty much your entrance fee to the cafe.
They have a huge range of great coffees to choose from too so the experience is as tasty as it is fun.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
