The Best Cafes in Seoul: 7 Local Coffee Shops You Can’t Miss in Seoul (2026)

When I landed in Seoul, I showed up with about 30 “must-try” cafes pinned on my map and a very unrealistic sense of confidence that I’d try them all. That plan fell apart almost immediately. Seoul has an absurd number of good cafes, the kind where you could live here for years and still never run out of new places to sit down with a latte and a pastry.

It also didn’t take long to notice a pattern. The cafes I kept seeing all over Instagram and other blogs were packed. Long lines, crowded tables, and a lot of tourists. And while I love a good coffee, I refuse to wait more than ten minutes for one.

So I started going off-script. I wandered into cafes between sightseeing, slipped down quieter streets, and stopped choosing places based on what was trending. Every cafe on this list is somewhere I actually sat, ordered, and would highly recommend.

This isn’t a viral hit list of Cafes in Seoul. If that’s what you’re looking for, this probably isn’t your article. But if you want a cozy corner, genuinely good coffee, a pastry that’s worth it, and a perfect resting spot after wandering the city, you’re in the right place.

Cafes in Seoul to Visit – My Experience 

I absolutely love coffee. It’s a must in my day, not for the caffeine but for the feeling it gives me. The smell, the pastry, the vibey music playing in the cafe. When I got to Seoul, I quickly learned that finding good coffee was never the problem, but timing sometimes was.

A lot of cafes don’t open until 10 or even 11 a.m., which, as an early-morning explorer, felt borderline criminal. But don’t believe anyone who says you can’t find coffee before then, because that’s just not true. South Koreans love their coffee at all hours. There are plenty of chains open as early as 7 a.m., and if you do a quick search on Naver, aka the Korean version of Google Maps, you can find solid independent spots that open early too.

I never struggled to find a coffee, but some of the cafes I was most excited about definitely fell into the “opens later” category. That ended up shaping how I explored the city, saving certain cafes for slower mornings or afternoon breaks and letting the neighborhoods guide the rest.

I was lucky enough to have six full days in Seoul, which means a lot of trial and error. Each neighborhood has its own personality, and the cafes reflect that in the best way. Not once did I end up with bad coffee or a disappointing pastry, and honestly, everything tastes better when you don’t have to wait in line for it, ha.

So this list is a roundup of my favorite cafes in Seoul, spread across different neighborhoods. 

7 Must Visit Seoul Cafes

These local gems will absolutely give you your caffeine fix and more. From easy stops near popular tourist areas to spots a little off the beaten path, these are the cafes you’ll be glad you made time for.

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Perment Bakeshop Anguk // Best Cafe in Ikseon Dong

Opening Hours: 8:30AM-7PM
Menu & Location

This was my favorite cafe for pastries. They had so many options that I genuinely didn’t know how to choose, so naturally, I picked three different items. The fig and cream cheese baguette was out of this world. Real chunks of fig, the thickest cream cheese spread, and a baguette that was perfectly soft on the inside with just the right crisp on the outside.

The cafe has three levels, which makes it easy to find a spot to actually sit and enjoy your coffee and treat. We sat outside on a sunny day, and it ended up being the perfect stop. There are two locations, but I went to the one near the palaces and the Bukchon Hanok Village after realizing the Cafe Onion Anguk line was absolutely atrocious.

In-between // My Favorite Cafe in Seoul

Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM, Closed on Mondays 
Menu & Location

I found this cafe on my last day wandering around Mangwon-dong. If you don’t know this area in Seoul, you really need to check it out. It’s definitely up and coming, but still feels super chill and local. I instantly fell in love with this spot. Maybe it was the way the sun was hitting just right, but the whole place looked effortlessly cool.

Inside, it’s very retro in the best way. Cool posters on the walls, an old-school vinyl player, and mismatched chairs that somehow all work together. It felt curated without trying too hard. It was easily one of the best iced lattes I had in Seoul, and Oliver loved the flat white.

For me, this is such a “hipster” kind of place… if hipster is still a word. It reminded me of those cool local cafes that don’t get nearly enough love, and honestly, that’s exactly why it stood out.

Kindly // Best Hidden Cafes in Seoul

Opening Hours: 11AM-7:30PM, Closed on Mondays
Menu & Location

This was another epic find in Mangwon-dong, and once again, the aesthetic was just so cool. Think old-school cafeteria vibes with green and white stripes, mixed with fun posters and drapery that elevated the whole space.

The real standout here was the madeleines. They had so many unique flavors that it was genuinely hard to decide. We ended up going with lemon and fig, plus a peanut butter one, and both were incredible. The coffee was good and strong, and it easily became one of the most memorable cafe experiences we had in Seoul.

We were the only people there, with a few locals popping in for takeaway, which made it feel even more special. Honestly, a 12/10 experience.

Artist Bakery // Most Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul

Opening Hours: 7:30AM-8PM
Menu & Location

Okay, I know I said no lines and no viral spots… and I’m kind of not lying, promise. The first time we passed Artist Bakery, I was immediately drawn in. They had their Christmas decor going all out, plus a little wraparound patio that looked like the perfect place to sip a coffee and eat salt bread. And yes, that instinct was correct.

We noted the location and decided to come back another day. When we did, the guy at the front told us the wait was three hours. Three. Hours. Absolutely not. But because it was cold, sitting outside was only a five-minute wait, and takeaway was around ten.

So here’s my recommendation: don’t wait inside. Get it to go or grab a table outside if you can, because the pastries are genuinely next-level. I ordered four different ones, and my favorite was the fresh milk cream soft bread… I still can’t get over how good this pastry was. Oliver’s favorite was the chocolate one, and the coffee was also excellent.

They heated up the pastries, brought out our coffees, and we enjoyed every single bite.

Browner // Unique Cafes in Seoul

Opening Hours: 8AM – 8PM 
Menu & Location

I just love stumbling upon good places, and that’s exactly what Browner was. It was our first day in Seoul, and we spent the morning eating our way through Namdaemun Market before heading toward Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower. We were walking along the most picturesque road, lined with yellow ginkgo trees, blue skies overhead, and the kind of breeze that practically begs you to stop for a coffee.

That’s when we spotted this tiny little shop with the cutest window and two small benches outside. We ordered coffee, which came out in traditional mugs, and just sat there watching the cars pass by. A few more people showed up, pulled out small camping chairs, and set them up right on the sidewalk. It instantly turned into a vibe.

Honestly, these are the experiences I’m hoping for when exploring a new place. Not standing in line with 30 other tourists, but finding a simple, perfect pause in the middle of the city.

Daelim Changgo // Coolest Cafe in Seoungsu

Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM
Menu & Location

Alright, alright, another one you may have seen on Instagram… but let me finish. Daelim Changgo is in the popular Seongsu neighborhood, which is absolutely packed with great coffee shops. I’m not even going to say this is the best one in the area, it’s just the one I went to and can confidently recommend.

The space instantly reminded us of Brooklyn or Melbourne. It’s set inside a massive warehouse filled with funky art installations and has this rustic, laid-back feel that just works. The building itself is huge, with an open-plan layout, a back warehouse area, and an upstairs space that gives you plenty of room to spread out.

We waited about ten minutes in line to order, which honestly felt reasonable, and were able to grab pastries while we waited. The coffee was really good, music videos were playing throughout the space, and overall, it was well worth the short wait.

Rewire Coffee // Best Coffee Shop in Myeongdong 

Opening Hours: 7:30AM – 6PM
Menu & Location

If you’re looking for an early morning specialty coffee, this is your spot! 

To be honest, I’m still not quite sure what Korea’s obsession with Portuguese egg tarts is, but they’re everywhere. And the ones at Rewire Coffee were so good. Located right in the heart of Myeongdong, this cafe felt like the perfect escape from the busy streets and nonstop shopping.

We grabbed our coffees and sat outside to people watch. It’s a small, cozy spot, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. Along with excellent traditional coffee, they also offer fun flavors like brown sugar, vanilla, and a cream-top iced latte. The vibe is warm and relaxed, and it was exactly the kind of place we wanted to slow down for a bit before heading back into the chaos, AKA Olive Young, haha!

Final Thoughts on the Top Cafes in Seoul South Korea

I would never say these are the absolute best cafes Seoul has. There are just way too many incredible spots to ever crown a single list. But every cafe here is a solid alternative to the overly popular, viral places that everyone and their mom seems to be lining up for right now.

I personally tried all of these and can vouch for the quality of the coffee and pastries. If you’re over the Instagram trends or just want to feel a little cooler than your friends, add at least one of these Seoul cafes to visit. And if you want help getting them to fit seamlessly into your plans, make sure to check out my 3-day Seoul travel guide here.

FAQ: Best Cafes in Seoul Korea

What is the most famous coffee shop in Seoul?

Some of the most famous coffee shops in Seoul include Cafe Onion, Fritz Coffee Company, and Anthracite. They’re popular for a reason, but they also tend to come with long lines and crowded spaces. If you’re short on time or hate waiting, it’s worth seeking out smaller neighborhood cafes where the coffee is just as good and the experience is way more relaxed.

What are some fun cafes in Seoul?

If you’re looking for fun cafes in Seoul, I recommend checking out Daelim Changgo, Nuldam, and Kindly. Each one has its own personality, from warehouse-style spaces to cozy sidewalk cafes, and they’re the kind of places that feel cool without trying too hard. These were some of my favorite stops for both the vibe and the coffee.

Are themed cafes in Seoul worth visiting?

Themed cafes in Seoul can be fun, especially if it’s your first trip or you’re traveling with kids. Popular options include Roof Cat Me, Hello Kitty Apple Cafe in Myeongdong, and 943 King’s Cross, the Harry Potter–themed cafe. Just keep in mind that most themed cafes focus more on the experience than the coffee itself, so it’s best to go for the novelty and not expect a life-changing Seoul coffee.

Are there cafes in Seoul with a view?

Yes, and some of them are genuinely special. Noop Cafe and Sanmotunggi Coffee both offer great views and are worth visiting for the setting alone. Nuldam Space is another standout, with views over traditional hanok rooftops. You can also write a letter to your future self while you’re there, which is honestly such a cool and unexpected experience.

Is Fritz Coffee Company worth visiting?

Fritz Coffee Company is worth visiting if you’re curious about Seoul’s specialty coffee scene and don’t mind a bit of a crowd. Their coffee is consistently good, and they have multiple locations, some of which are less hectic than others. If you go, aim for a quieter location or off-peak hours for the best experience.

Check Out My Other Seoul Travel Guides

Is Seoul Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

The Best Time to Visit Seoul: My Weather in Seoul Guide

Seoul Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Days in Seoul South Korea

Cafes in Seoul: My Favorite Cafes in Seoul

Things to Do in Seoul: My Top Activities in Seoul