Seoul Cafe Hopping
- yujinchoiris
- Mar 31, 2023
- 3 min read
South Korea is famous for its cafe culture, and it is near impossible to walk down a single street in Seoul without running into a cute coffee shop. Over the past few years, cafes have steadily risen in popularity in Korea, and now, the city of Seoul alone boasts thousands of cafes ranging from small, little-known gems to huge establishments that draws lines of people. In addition to their size, cafes in Seoul differ greatly in their menus and interior concepts. Ranging from cute, cottage themed cake cafes to chic, minimalistic espresso bars, the themes are endless, and the menus even more varied. With that said, I have decided to feature some of Seoul's trendiest cafes in this article to give a glimpse of Korea's unique cafe culture.
1, Ginger Bear Pie Shop
This cute pie shop in Songridan-gil, a trendy neighbourhood in Seoul, draws throngs of people for their delectable, freshly-baked pies. Although there is a large selection of pies on their menu, Ginger Bear is known for its meat pies. The flaky crust is filled to bursting with juicy, tender meat perfectly seasoned with warm spices. In addition, Ginger Bear is known for attracting celebrities, such as Suga of BTS and actor Lee Jae hoon. If you ever find yourself in Songridan-gil, make sure to visit this adorable, Europe-themed pie shop. Make sure to get there early though, as pies sell out fast!
2. Dotori Cafe
Dotori Cafe is a unique place known for its adorable, Studio Ghibli inspired interior. It is set in a pretty blue house, decorated with cozy chairs and all-wood paneling. This cafe offers a variety of baked goods, such as pound cake and acorn-shaped madeleines, which include some vegan options. However, Dotori Cafe is most famous for their yogurt bowls, topped with house-made granola and raw honeycomb. They have a wide variety of granola flavours to choose from, such as Cinnamon Banana and Cacao Double Double. In addition, Dotori Cafe also offers house-made juices, which are the perfect combination of sweet and refreshing. With their fairy-tale interior and mouth-watering treats, its no wonder Dotori Cafe has taken Korean social media by storm!
3. Chani Bear Station
Looking for a cute spot to visit with your girlfriends? Chani Bear Station is the perfect place for a girl's day out. This cafe, located in Yeonnam-dong, is decorated entirely with Chani Bear, a popular bear character in Korea. It also has a stationery store on the first floor, which offers a large variety Chani Bear themed goods, such as postcards, notepads, stickers, and pouches. On the second floor, there is a cafe which offers bear themed treats such as cookies and cupcakes, decorated with colourful icing in the shape of a bear. Everything on the menu incorporates the signature Chani Bear in some way, and even the drinks come in glass cups printed with a bear design or with a bear adornment on the straw. With their adorable treats and amazing array of stationary, Chani Bear Station is perfect for those who love all things cutesy!
4. NUDAKE Haus
Launched by the trendy eyewear brand Gentle Monster, NUDAKE Haus is a cafe with an interesting, avant-garde concept. The shop is set up like an art gallery, where visitors can view the many dessert items displayed on a sleek black table. All of the dessert items are in interesting shapes, such as art sculptures, cauliflower, and dogs. As well, they are all black and white, with the occasional splash of green, giving the desserts a unique, elegant look. In addition, the cafe has four signature drinks, all with the same unique theme of the desserts. Consistent with the aesthetic of the parent company, NUDAKE Haus has an innovative and creative theme that will have visitors gaping at the many visual attractions in awe. If you are in the mood for both amazing treats and a fresh, eye-opening experience, NUDAKE Haus is the place for you!
5. Cheongsudang
Cheongsudang is a beautiful, Hanok-style cafe located in Ikseon-dong, a neighbourhood popular for their trendy cafes. The name "Cheongsudong" means "clear water room," and the aquatic theme of the cafe remains consistent with its name, bringing a sense of tranquility and peace to visitors. The entire cafe is surrounded by luscious greenery, invoking the feeling of being in a forest. In addition to the breathtaking interior design, Cheongsudang is famous for their Soufflé Castella, which are made fresh to order. The warm, spongy cake melts in your mouth and has a smooth, milky texture, making a perfect treat on a cold winter day. In addition to the cakes, Cheongsudang has a small selection of hand-crafted drinks, which are just as beautiful and delicious. With its aesthetic interior to its drool-worthy dessert menu, Cheongsudang is a definite must-visit spot in Seoul.
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