19 Cutest and Most Unique Cafes to Visit in Seoul, South Korea

The sheer number of cafes in South Korea is mind blowing, with estimates of around 100,000 in the country - compare that to the 77,000 in the entire U.S. and that's a pretty big difference. Especially when South Korea is about the size of only 1 U.S. State. With so many cafes you can expect to find plenty of cute and unique ones to visit, and after spending plenty of time in local cafes myself, I've gathered some of my personal favorites cafes to visit in Seoul.

​My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
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For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates to South Korea.

Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to have a copy of your international driver's permit with you!

I always use AGODA's  easy-to-use platform for hotels in Asia.

To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required) - make sure to have NordVPN ready too while you surf random wifi connections.

For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

Lastly, my essential packing list when traveling.

Getting Around in Seoul & Cafe Etiquette

The easiest and cheapest way to get around Seoul is to use public transportation, either the subway system or the buses. Personally, I prefer using the subway, and have a full guide on using the subway in Seoul.

Cafe etiquette in Seoul is pretty standard across the board, and I'm sure is similar to wherever you're visiting from. At most cafes in Seoul you'll order first, nowadays most cafes have kiosks you can order from in whatever language is most comfortable for you. It's worth noting that sometimes cafes only accept card, so it's best to carry a card you can use internationally without fees. Once you order, you can find a spot to sit. Seoul can be crowded, so I recommend only taking seats you need and not spreading out (for example using a table for 5 if there's only 2 or 1 of you). Some cafes have also started implementing their "to-go" policies - meaning if you order a "to-go" coffee then you have to take it "to-go" and you aren't able to sit down inside.

Tipping is not implemented in Korea, whether you're at a restaurant or a cafe. Most restaurants and cafes in Korea are also self service, so there's usually a water stand and an area for utensils where you can help yourself.

My Favorite Activities in Seoul : 
- Full Day DMZ Tour from Seoul
- Lotte World Tower at Seoul Sky
​- Afternoon Tea on the Han River

Seoul's Cutest & Most Unique Cafes

1. 934 Kings Cross
If you've ever been a fan of Harry Potter you're going to want to make a stop at 934 Kings Cross - the Harry Potter themed cafe in Hongdae. You don't need a reservation to enter, but you are required to purchase a minimum of one drink to enter. Personally I think the ground floor is the best decorated, but throughout all 7 floors you'll find various photo spots and even some robes and wizard-ing props to use. On my visit, our group tried to focus on their themed food and drink items - and got a cheesecake, hot chocolate and a butter beer to try. I have a full review of 934 Kings Cross here.

2. Dongg Cafe (Poop Cafe)
The Dongg Cafe (or the poop cafe) became an internet favorite a few years ago. Even though it's a fun & unique stop in Insadong, personally I wasn't too impressed by their food or drink options. Inside, you can find all sorts of poop emoji themed decor, from stuffed squishies to the shape of their pastries. You'll even be served your drink of choice in a toilet bowl! The Poop Cafe is definitely one of the most unique cafes in Seoul.

3. Cafe Onion (Anguk Location)
Cafe Onion has a few locations in Seoul now, but my personal favorite is in Anguk - where their Hanok themed cafe intersects with the downtown buildings of Seoul, making it one of the most beautiful views. There's usually a line, but if you're lucky you'll be able to grab one of the court side traditional seating (floor seating) options. Once you're brought to your table, you'll have to head through the line to order, where you can pick up any pastries you want along the way. They have a lot of great options, but one of their most famous is the pandoro - a pastry piled insanely high with powdered sugar. Cafe Onion Anguk is a great stop to add to your itinerary if you're visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace.

4. Bong Brothers Dog Cafe
There are plenty of dog cafes in Seoul (you'll notice a few on this list) but that's because I honestly love them so much, and wish they were more popular in other parts of the world. Of the dog cafes I've visited in Seoul, this is one of the cleanest and best organized - they even gave us foam sitting pads and blankets to use. Basically, they run a doggy daycare/dog hotel and dog grooming salon, and after dogs are checked in they're free to run around and play with any cafe guests! You are required to buy one drink, otherwise you can enjoy the cute dogs for however long you want!

5. The Gwiyeowo Dog Cafe
Another dog cafe option in Seoul is the Gwiyeowo Dog Cafe near Hongdae. They have some adorable dogs here as well, and it works similarly to the Bong Brothers Dog Cafe. You'll need to buy a drink to enter, and typically at some point during your visit you'll also be given treats to share with the pups. If you're a cat lover, you'll also find a small room in the back where you can hang out with the few cats they have on site. They're also really good at making sure you get a great photo with the dogs during your stay, so expect a short photoshoot.

6. Cats Playground Cafe
In addition to dog cafes, you can find a number of cat cafes throughout Seoul. I visited the Cats Playground Cafe in Myeongdong, which was super busy. When I arrived there was a line out the door and we had to wait in the stairwell, but it went pretty quick and within 20 minutes we were in the cafe. They do encourage you to buy a drink, and they also have cat snacks available for purchase. Unlike the dog cafes I've visited, I've found that the cat cafes are a bit dirtier with a lot more hair in the guest areas, however, it was still a fun experience. They also have a few more rules about which cats to play with and which you're not supposed to touch, differentiated with the use of a bandana on the cats.

7. Meerkat Friends/Meerkat Cafe
Like I mentioned earlier, Seoul has a lot of animal themed cafes, including one for meerkats. I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed with the drink and snack options at this cafe - they basically had convenience store drinks, and snacks you could get from a vending machine, but the overall experience was fun. Once you arrive at the cafe and purchase a drink, you'll need to sign up for a time to play with the meerkats, which are separated from the rest of the cafe area. You won't be able to bring any drinks or food with you during your 15 minute time slot, but they will give you some treats to share and some of the meerkats toys. Be prepared though, the meerkats are very friendly, and will most likely climb all over you.

8. Greem 2D Cafe
Since originally posting this article, the Greem Cafe located in Seoul has unfortunately closed down - however there are still other locations throughout South Korea, like on Jeju Island, and on the east coast near Gangneung. The Greem Cafe is a 2-D café, with cartoonish features and an all black-and-white interior. They have some unique drink options as well, like their black sesame lattes. You can expect lots of people taking photos, and in the back room, you can find black-and-white 2-D props as well.

9. Matte Black Cafe (Lotte Tower)
The Matte Black Cafe has multiple locations throughout Seoul, including one located in Lotte Tower on the 4th floor, and is a great second option if you're looking to visit a 2-D cafe in Seoul. This 2-D cafe has lots of seating, and a pretty large menu with various drinks and pastries.

10. C. Through Cafe
The C. Through Cafe earns its' spot on this list due to the fact that they have the most beautiful latte art. Their newest location is in Itaewon, and you can choose from adorable face designs or more elaborate landscape foam art. It's a bit more expensive than other cafés in Seoul, but if you're looking for beautiful coffees that are definitely photo worthy, then this is the spot.

11. Thanks Nature Cafe
Seoul is known for having all kinds of animal cafes, but I've never seen another cafe with sheep than at Thanks Nature Cafe. Once you buy a drink, you can head into their sheep pen outside. You're not allowed to bring food in, but you can bring one of your to-go beverages with you. Inside you can find a spot on their bench, and enjoy your session with one of their sheep. If you're lucky, the owner will come out during one of their feeding times, and you'll even be able to help feed the sheep. Talk about unique. 

12. Pink Pool Hotel by Stylenada
Unfortunately, the Pink Pool Hotel cafe section has closed down since I originally published this post. However, it's still a unique stop. Featured on XOXO kitty on Netflix, this bright pink building is more of a boutique shop, but if you head up to the very top floor, you can find a secret cafe serving all kinds of cute, and of course pink, drinks.

13. Aqua Garden Cafe (Lotte Tower)
Located on the first floor of Lotte Tower, this unique cafe is exactly what it sounds like - an aqua garden. You'll need to buy a drink to enter, but personally, I think it's worth it, because it truly is one of the most unique cafés in Seoul. Once you enter, you'll be completely surrounded wall to wall by various fish aquariums. They hold all kinds of fish and even turtles, and if you're lucky you'll even be able to buy some fish food packets to feed them. Personally, I don't think their drinks and snacks are too impressive, but it's a really fun experience.

14. Cafe Awesome Picnic
Although Cafe Awesome Picnic isn't technically a sit-in cafe like the others on my list, it is one of the most unique cafes in Seoul. Here, you can grab a picnic basket to go, as long as you have a reservation, and bring it to one of the many public parks in Seoul to enjoy a day outside. Even though most people are probably renting one for a date, I rented one for Mother's Day, and it was the cutest little surprise. We grabbed coffees and some of their "croffles" (croissant-waffles) to go, and they included everything else for us. Think a blanket, basket, fake flowers, and even a little Bluetooth speaker - basically everything we needed for a perfect photo worthy picnic.

15. Seoul Sky Cafe
This cafe, located on the 123rd floor of Lotte Tower, is a cafe with one of the best views of Seoul. Because of it's high vantage point, you have some incredible views overlooking the Seoul skyline, and it's one of the only cafes on my list that has a view at all. They don't have a very large selection, but they do have some unique drink specials - like the blue drink I got with pop rocks in it. You'll only be able to enter if you have tickets to the observatory, but with the views and the outdoor observation decks, it's definitely worth it. I recommend trying to go on a clear day for the best views.

16. The Pie Hole
Located near the Syarosugill Trail behind Seoul National University, this adorable yellow building is tucked away in a little alleyway, right off a popular street known for cafes and shopping. Not too surprisingly, The Pie Hole is known for adorable and delicious pies. They have multiple floors, all decorated in a very vintage and retro style, making it a very unique and photo worthy spot - plus, their pies are delicious!

17. Le Alaska
Le Alaska is the newest café I've found on my list, and it's located near the Seongsudong area. Inside you'll find a very Parisian feel, with all kinds of fresh baked pastries and breads. They also have a good selection of coffees and warm or iced drinks, making it a perfect stop while you explore Seongsudong. It's a little cramped when you enter, but if you head towards the back, there's quite a bit more seating.

18. Picnic Bonbon
Located about one hour south of Seoul via subway, Picnic Bonbon is one of the dreamiest cafes and located right on the riverside. They have glamping tents onsite if you want to use one for the day, and the entire cafe is very retro themed. They're known for their adorable ice creams, and although they're good, they're also very pricey. The entire aesthetic makes it a unique place to stop in Seoul that you don't find in other places.

19. Dreamy Camera Cafe
Even though this cafe is located a little ways outside of Seoul, it's one of my personal favorites. The entire journey takes about 1-2 hours, and you'll need to first take the subway to Yongmun Station and then take a taxi the rest of the way to the cafe. We visited when no one else was there, and the exterior itself made this cafe one of the most unique cafes in Korea. Inside, you'll find an entire collection of vintage cameras, and I highly recommend browsing through their "Dream Books" upstairs before filling out your own dreams. The owner then takes a picture of your "dreams" and prints you a little polaroid you can carry with you - I still have mine in my wallet!

Watch my Seoul Cafe Adventures Here!

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Other Blog Posts you might be interested in : 
-> 25 Best Street Foods to Try in South Korea
-> Bojeong Dong Cafe Street Guide
-> Lotte World Guide (Best Rides & Eats)

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