Explore Seoul’s Unique Cafe Culture with Our Top 3 Picks

It’s no big secret that Korea’s cafe culture is next level. Not only do Korean’s love their tea and coffee, but foreigners and tourists flock to Seoul just to experience it. Making “cafe hopping” a popular item on most Korea itineraries these days.

Trendy cafes are a dime a dozen here, each with their own unique aesthetic, signature drinks and unforgettable desserts. And if you want something pretty for the gram, you won’t be hard pressed to find something anywhere you go. But if you want a cafe experience truly unique to Korea that will elevate your trip, then I’ve got you covered.

These three cafes offer distinctive styles that set them apart from others in Seoul while also serving up delicious cups of coffee and snacks on the side.

Cafe Eero (카페 이로)

Cafe Eero is a gorgeous space that embraces modern architecture and traditional Korean culture. The aesthetic revolves around the Haechi, a protective Korean mythical animal, able to tell good from evil and also able to ward off misfortune and prevent fire. The cafe has both a first floor and basement. And while both floors embrace a serene ambiance and balance of the elements of earth, fire, water and wind they are still very different. The first floor floods with natural sunlight and a view of the beautiful garden. While the basement is dim and candle lit with a secret art installation that is not to be missed.

As beautiful as the cafe is, what really drew my attention was their Haechi inspired dessert menu. They have basque cheesecakes, mousse cakes, sable cookies and soft pound cakes all infused with traditional Korean flavors and ingredients. However only the mousse cakes and sable cookies feature the whimsical Haechi motifs. Even their drinks are are infused with traditional flavors giving everything a nice balance of texture and flavor without being overly sweet.

• Address:
  • 서울 서초구 반포대로30길 32 1층, 지하1층 (Naver Map)
  • 32 Banpo-daero 30-gil, Seocho District, Seoul (Google Maps)

Hangwawarak (한과와락)

There are hanok cafes and then there’s Hangwawarak. Located near Gangnam, this three-story cafe feels like stepping into a beautifully curated hanok meets vintage modern gallery. Each level offers its own vibe—from the cozy, wood-toned first floor to a peaceful second-floor reading corner with sunlight glazing over traditional decor, and a plush third-floor tatami and rooftop seating that feels like a mini urban hideaway.

What sets Hangwawarak apart is its dessert menu, that takes 한과 (traditional Korean confections) and elevates them for modern consumers while still keeping traditional flavors and ingredients at the heart of it. Think crispy gaeseong juak (honey-coated, fried rice treats) and chewy yakgwa, alongside modern touches like roll-rice-cake and flower-latte blends. Many dishes are beautifully packaged too, making for perfect souvenirs or thoughtful gifts. My mom is pretty picky about her desserts and she was absolutely head over heels for these carefully crafted delicacies.

• Address:
  • 서울 강남구 역삼동 812-6 (Naver Map)
  • 31-5 Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul (Google Maps)

Hakrim Dabang (학림다방)

Tucked away on Daehak-ro since 1956, Hakrim Dabang is the city’s oldest surviving dabang (traditional café), where time seems to slow down the moment you climb that creaky wooden staircase. Inside, vintage LP records, sepia-toned photos of literary icons, and cozy wooden booths surround you, giving off a nostalgic vibe that echoes decades of artists, writers, and university students pondering life over Vienna coffee. It’s earned the title of a Seoul Future Heritage site, partly because it was a go-to hideout for student activists during the democracy movements and played a real role in Korea’s history.

As for the menu, Hakrim Dabang stays true to its roots. Their Vienna coffee is the must have item, served in an old-fashioned cup with a thick, creamy layer of whipped cream floating on top of strong, slightly bitter coffee. It’s the perfect “sip slowly and linger” kind of drink. They’re also known for their insanely creamy homemade cheesecake, which pairs beautifully with the coffee’s richness. You won’t find trendy lattes with rainbow foam here. Hakrim is all about preserving “old-school” cafe vibes and keeping coffee simple, bold, and elegant.

• Address:
  • 명륜4가 94-2 (Naver Map)
  • 119 Daehak-ro, Jongno District, Seoul (Google Maps)