Don’t make the same mistake as me and just show up to that cute café you saw on Instagram.
Seoul is renowned for having some of the best cafés in the world, but despite this, they can open and close within months. However, as a self-described café connoisseur, I’ve gathered up a quick list of some of my faves (open for now!).
As a busy student at Korea University, I know how hectic it can be to fit every single place you want to hit during your short stay, so I’ve also included the distance by its fastest route for your convenience. Unfortunately, they are not all within walking distance, but if cafés are as important to you as they are to me, this list is guaranteed to satisfy both your aesthetic and palate tastes. Making the trek is completely worth it!
Savor & Favor
Address: 서울 성동구 성수일로 28
Distance: 40-minute train ride
This list is unranked, but I knew my absolute number one spot had to be Savor & Favor. For all my bookish people, this café is surrounded by books stacked upon books, with chill and relaxing music always playing in the background. There are large windows for optimal lighting, making the atmosphere so cozy and great for a quick read or a lock-in study session. I have zero complaints about this café!
The news is out that the café unfortunately closes on May 29th, so if you’re in Korea now, go as soon as possible.
Reading Cat
Address: 서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 18-2 책읽는고양이
Distance: 32-minute train ride
For book and cat fans, this café is located in one of the most scenic spots I’ve seen in Seoul. I stumbled upon this place when randomly searching up my two favorite words in Naver Maps, book and café >.<, and it didn’t hurt that cats were involved!
The café is themed around the local stray cats in the area and has an entire upstairs area that I completely forgot to see, but I instantly fell in love with the café’s calm vibes. Guess I’ll just have to go back!
Isle Bakery
Address: 서울 성북구 삼선교로11길 34 1층
Distance: 22-minute bus ride
Early April brings the best cherry blossoms in Seoul, and that means cherry blossom-themed café items!
From baked breads to pink-colored drinks, cafés in Seoul take cherry blossom season seriously. It’s the perfect time for photo ops and sightseeing from both inside and outside the café with everything in bloom.
Reserve a spot early, though, as waits can last as long as 1–2 hours. Fortunately, my language-exchange buddy that I met through the school was able to reserve a spot for us, which made us only wait for about 30 minutes.
Saeraul
Address: 서울 서대문구 연희로27길 99
Distance: 55-minute bus ride
In Korea, I have learned that it’s a compliment to say a dessert is “not too sweet,” and if that’s what you’re looking for, look no further! As someone who prefers dessert that isn’t too overbearing, it came as a surprise to me how similar my taste ended up being to most café menus. This café has it all: pretty decor and great desserts.
A misty outdoor and indoor café, this spot is famous for its social media-worthy decor. The café itself looks almost like a home, but upon further entrance, there’s so much to see! It is quite popular for its looks, but I was pleasantly surprised that the desserts were delicious as well. A definite must-try for anyone who wants both an Instagram-worthy spot and great food.
Seoul has so many cafés that it’s impossible to go to them all, but here’s my tip: save your time and T-Money swipe by 1. checking if they are still open on the Naver Maps app, and 2. seeing if they have an active social media. Almost, if not all, businesses in Korea that you see posted on social media will have a page of their own.
Despite the occasional mishap when I showed up at a place and it ended up being closed, I also found that this was one of the happiest mishaps I could go through.
While going to a new place can seem daunting, it’s just as exciting to explore some new spots along the way!