When traveling to Seoul, Korea, visiting cafes is a must. However, in addition to European, industrial-style, or creatively decorated coffee shops, or paying homage to cafes owned by celebrities, you can also experience the unique atmosphere of traditional Korean-style cafes. Why not bookmark these IG-able Korean-style cafes and add them to your itinerary for your trip to Seoul?
1. Seoul Coffee
In recent years, there have been many coffee shops opening in the area around Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. It has become a popular spot for trendy individuals to visit and take photos. One of these coffee shops is Seoul Coffee, designed by the Korean company Labotory. The cafe preserves the traditional features of a Hanok house, such as the roof, beams, and entrance, while incorporating elements like brass and granite. Some of the ceilings have been removed and replaced with large glass windows to let in natural sunlight. The cafe’s sign is a round-shaped lightbox, giving it a vintage and elegant feel. The space of the coffee shop is spacious, with both indoor seating and a corridor. In addition to long and round seats, there are also traditional Korean-style seating options, which are popular photo spots in the shop.
In terms of food, Seoul Coffee specializes in thick butter toast, which can be paired with milk or squid flavors. The thick layer of butter is sinful and enticing! The signature dish in the store is the square ice cream brick, which comes in various flavors. Pair it with a cup of rich and creamy Vienna coffee to experience a leisurely afternoon.
Address: 33-3, Suido-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Special City
2. One person, one cup
To choose a Hanok café with excellent scenery, we must mention “One Person, One Cup” in the Enpyeong Hanok Village in the suburbs of Seoul. The environment is quiet and elegant, and you can also overlook the panoramic view of the Hanok Village and the lush green mountain scenery of Bukhansan. The view is expansive, making it not only a beautiful spot for taking photos, but also giving people a feeling of being in a historical Korean drama.
The coffee shop is 5 stories high, and its exterior gives a modern and minimalist impression, while the interior decoration, tables, chairs, and furnishings are filled with Korean traditional house style. The 1st and 2nd floors are coffee shops, the 3rd floor is a furniture display room, and the restaurant is located on the 4th and 5th floors, with an outdoor space on the 5th floor. In addition to coffee and Western pastries, the “one person, one cup” concept also offers a variety of Korean traditional pastries. Both the environment and the food are filled with Korean flavor.
Address: 534 Yanshu Road, Enping District, Seoul City
3. Shen Li Dao Jia
“Shinido House” is a Hanok-style café located in Hongdae. It’s a nice place to take a break after shopping nearby! The interior design incorporates traditional Korean elements, such as clear water motifs, and contrasts them with clean white walls, creating a blend of old and new. The café also has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy coffee and pastries while admiring the courtyard view, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
In addition to cakes, caramel pudding, and jelly, as well as various sweet desserts and baked bread, you can also use the fire in the yard to roast marshmallows. Additionally, you can also try the popular “corn latte” and “black sesame latte”!
Address: Jandari-ro 20-12, Mapo-gu, Seoul Special City
4. Shimizu Hall
Yishan Cave’s Hanok Café “Cheongsudang” is filled with green plants, and with the addition of a small stream at the entrance, a round stone pathway, bamboo lanterns, and other decorations, it creates a serene and elegant courtyard. It gives you the feeling of being in a hidden bamboo forest, and you can take IG-worthy photos here.
Must-try dishes in the store include “Matcha Tiramisu”, with a rich tea flavor and smooth texture, its appearance resembling a delicate potted plant. There is also a black sesame flavored cake, paired with a cup of drip coffee, allowing you to quietly savor a leisurely moment.
Address: 31-9, 11NA Street, Dunhua Gate Road, Jongno-gu, Seoul
5. Cafe Onion
Cafe Onion, located near Anguk Station and close to Jingfu Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, is also a popular Hanok cafe on Instagram. Many people even come dressed in Hanbok to take photos! This coffee shop, with its courtyard layout, offers both seating and the option to sit on the floor, allowing customers to enjoy coffee and food while experiencing the rich atmosphere of a Hanok and the outdoor sunlight.
In addition to offering a variety of desserts, the coffee shop also specializes in freshly baked bread. Must-try items include the sugar-coated snow mountain bread, the red bean cream pineapple bun with a thick layer of butter, strawberry tart, and sea salt butter roll. With a wide selection of styles, don’t miss out if you’re a bread lover.
Address: 146-1 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Special City
圖片來源：instagram@seoulcoffee1945、1in_official、sinleedoga、cafe.onion、cheongsudang_
