Over my month-long student exchange, I went on the hunt for all the best cafes in Seoul.
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you’d know that the reason I chose Seoul for my exchange was for the shopping (which I unfortunately ended up not loving). But another huge reason was because I’m a sucker for cute cafes and Seoul literally has the most aesthetic cafes in the world. So today I’ll be showing you all of my favorite cafes that I went to in Seoul (as well as ones I didn’t like so much).
Table of Contents
The Best Cafes in Seoul
Humming Bella Cafe
Humming Bella Cafe was the first ever cafe that I went to in Seoul, and it did not disappoint. Located in Hongdae, the cafe is super spacious with a very nice outdoor seating area, which I always appreciate. It’s also a bit further off of Hongdae’s main street, so the environment is very cozy and not as noisy.
This cafe would be a perfect people-watching spot on a warm summer afternoon. I ordered their pistachio latte, and although on the sweeter side, it is perfect for those with a sweet tooth like me. They also have the most beautiful chiffon cakes, the portions also quite big so I’d recommend sharing one with a friend.
Cafe Layered
Cafe Layered was hands down one of the best cafes in Seoul, arguably one of my favorites. Cafe Layered is known for their scones, they come in so many flavors I literally don’t know how people choose. I got a savory green onion cream cheese scone, which went perfectly with the red velvet cake.
I went to the cafe in Anguk, and everything was perfect except for the fact that the tables are a bit small and it is quite crowded inside. It’s a good place for a solo date or if you want to hang out with friends, but if you’re looking for a place to do some work, then this isn’t it. I also met a lovely Mexican girl here who was also on a solo trip, we spent many days together- cafes are a great place to meet friends!
Antique Cafe
Located in Yeonnam, Antique Cafe is another one of my favorite cafes in Seoul. The interior is mostly wooden with a very vintage and Christmas-sy vibe, which is perfect for Autumn and Winter. The way the pastries are assorted here make you feel like you’re royalty, low-key feels like Cafe Layered but even fancier. The Dirty&Cream coffee is absolutely delicious, and their basque cheesecake was one of the best I’ve ever had. The matcha croissant is a bit sweet and could’ve been more buttery and flaky- wouldn’t recommend.
Oats Cafe
Yeonnam truly is one of the best spots for cafe hopping, all the cutest cafes are located in this district. Oats Cafe is also located in Yeonnam and has been very popular recently due to their delicious einspanner. I can totally vouch for that, their einspanner is indeed very delicious. I would come every week just for the einspanner.
I also ordered a matcha scone to go with, and it was nice as well. I liked it more than the original scones. I also made friends with two lovely ladies from Macau here; again- cafes are a great place to make friends when you’re solo traveling!
Hakrim Dabang
If I could only recommend one cafe in Seoul, it has to be Hakrim Dabang. Being one of the oldest cafes in Seoul, the ambiance here is exceptionally old-schooled and unique. It is located in Hyehwa-dong, next to the Seoul National University Hospital, and has also made an appearance in many popular Kdramas, such as My Love From Another Star. I recommend coming here to try the Vienna coffee and their signature cheesecake.
Compose Coffee
I know, I know, Compose Coffee technically isn’t considered a cafe, but if you’re in Seoul you have to try their strawberry yogurt! Seoul has one of the craziest coffee cultures I’ve seen, which was actually very surprising to me at first. They’ve got all these coffee shop chains and every Korean you see on the street will have an iced americano in hand. But these coffee stores also have really good drinks besides their coffee- like the strawberry yogurt at Compose Coffee. Be sure you try that while you’re in Seoul!
Overrated Cafes in Seoul
Onion Cafe
Onion cafe has got to be one of the most overrated cafes in Seoul. The drinks here are terrible and the pastries are nothing special. I don’t know what else to say, I think the fact that the drinks here are terrible says enough.
Parole & Langue
Parole & Langue has been super popular for the past year due to their special variety of tarts, especially the corn tarts. If you’re a corn dessert lover then you might like it, but I personally don’t think corn belongs in dessert… I also tried the persimmon tarts, which were better than the corn tarts in my opinion, but there was a huge line and I personally don’t think it’s worth the wait.
Seoul has literally most of the best cafes that I’ve ever been to, and there are so many more beautiful cafes that I didn’t have the chance to visit. I definitely see myself going back to Seoul in the future just to explore their cafes. But for the meantime, I hope you enjoyed discovering the best cafes in Seoul that I’ve been to so far!
Let me know: what are your favorite cafes in Seoul? (or anywhere else in the world!)
Until next time,
Emi
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