The internet hype-train is a real thing and it’s hard to distinguish between good cafes and cafes that only look good on social media. That’s especially true for Seoul where trends change quickly and we’re all left behind trying to catch up while fighting off the FOMO.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of three cafes that are worth the hype and certainly worth your time.
Cafe Pokpo (📍Hongdae adjacent)
- Address: 262-29 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Naver Map, Google Maps)
Is Cafe Pokpo overhyped? Yes. Is it still worth the visit? Also, yes.
There are tons of blogs, Instagram posts and TikToks talking about the good and bad of Cafe Pokpo. But the view is hard to beat and it’s position as Seoul’s only waterfall cafe makes it unique. It can be a hassle trying to get seats, but once you’ve got them, you can take a break from the brick and concrete streets of Seoul.
And, if you’re visiting in spring, make sure to check out Yeonhui forest for some beautiful sights that make for great photos on your reel. Check out our post for more details.
Dotori Garden (📍Anguk)
- Address: 19-8 Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul (Naver Map, Google Maps)
Dotori Garden is one of those trendy Seoul cafes that’s super popular with Asian tourists (i.e. Japan and China), but less so for anyone coming from the west. So while it may not be on your itinerary, it should be.
While the nearby Cafe Onion might be THE favored tourist hotspot, Dotori Garden is the real hidden gem in this neighborhood. It’s Ghibli-vibes are pure magic and their bakery selection will have you going back for more. The outdoor seating is beautiful and vibrant during spring and summer, but the interior is full of those cozy cottage-core vibes and equally inviting. You might expect a cafe that works this hard on establishing a vibe to skimp on the noms, but Dotori Garden does not.
Dotori Garden is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of downtown Seoul. It is 100% worth the visit and if you don’t believe us, check out our post to see why this cafe vibes so hard.
Dalim Bread Cafe (📍Seongsu)
- Address: Yeonmujang-gil 38-2 (Naver Map, Google Maps)
This is another controversial opinion thanks to a few haters on the internet. Dalim Bread Cafe is a very simple bakery with one item on the menu and a small selection of drinks. Yes, the prices are higher than you’d expect for bread and spread but you can’t argue with the taste.
The cute bear bread rolls will bring you in, but the price will make you think twice. For those of us who braved through and made the jump, the combination of the bread and the dipping sauce are hard to argue with. At the very least, you can snap a few pics for the gram and walk away with some of the cutest photos you’ll ever take.
If you’re still not convinced, check out the pictures from our visit to Dalim Bread Cafe. And believe when we say the experience was worth every penny.
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