The Six Best Coffee Shops In Seoul
Allow the Japanese to handle the art of tea, as the modern Koreans of today have fully embraced the culture of coffee.
Written by Ryan Walters for My Guide Seoul
When contemplating a journey to Asia and the desire to immerse oneself in Asian culture, certain stereotypical images immediately come to mind. Images of golden Buddhas, traditional homes with slanted roofs, and tea, all representing the essence of Far-East Asian culture. While these elements can indeed be found in Seoul and throughout Korea, they have become...outdated.
Seoul is a vibrant, fast-paced, and ultra-modern metropolis.
Leave the art of tea to the Japanese, for today's Koreans are fully dedicated to the pursuit of coffee. In every neighborhood, one can find a Starbucks, but why waste your money on overpriced, mediocre brew? Seoul is brimming with a multitude of incredible cafes and extraordinary coffee shops, each district (or "dong") boasting its own distinctive gems of local coffee excellence.
Here are six highly recommended destinations for the discerning coffee lover...
Flat 274 in Buam-dong
Flat 274 exudes a unique ambiance. It is not merely a coffee shop, but also a gallery and functional art studio. Upon entering, you are greeted by a small gallery showcasing a collection of captivating photographs taken in Indian villages. The artwork is regularly changed, ensuring that each visit offers a new visual experience.
If you seek live music in Seoul, Flat 274 will not disappoint. In line with its artsy and cozy atmosphere, this establishment regularly hosts performances by local Korean singers and guitarists. Furthermore, they occasionally hold book signings for talented local authors.
The interior design creates the comforting sensation of stepping into your own mother's kitchen. A kitchen counter with a sink and fully stocked refrigerator takes center stage. Various glasses for coffee, wine, beer, and tea adorn the kitchen walls, providing a comfortable and homely atmosphere. Even your mother's sewing machine can be found tucked away in a corner.
While at Flat 274, indulge in one of their signature "Longbo" drinks. This fascinating beverage combines the bold intensity of espresso with the lightness of drip coffee. Unlike the notoriously weak Americanos commonly found in Seoul, the Longbo is a delightfully rich and flavorful alternative. It easily surpasses the offerings of more mainstream establishments like Starbucks.
Directions to Buam-dong: Take the Gyeongbukgung Station and board city bus 7022, 721 or 1020 to Buam-dong Community Center. Flat 274 is located directly across the street from the bus stop.
Address: 274-1 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, 2nd floor
Telephone: +82-2-379-2741
Hours: 11 am - 10 pm.
Situated on the main street of Samcheongdong, Jamggodae (translated as "Talk and Sleep" in Korean) boasts perhaps the finest cup of coffee in all of Seoul.
Jamggodae is renowned for its specialty in hand-drip coffee, offered at incredibly reasonable prices. With three distinct coffee beans originating from India, Guatemala, and Mexico, the owner of Jamggodae takes exceptional care in preparing each cup, meticulously pouring water through the filter to create a remarkably robust brew. This devotion to craft is evident in the outstanding quality of the coffee.
Furthermore, Jamggodae offers Dutch iced coffee, a delightful beverage that must be sampled. Refreshing and bursting with flavor, the Dutch coffee at Jamggodae even possesses hints of chocolate. The prices are also commendable, with the Dutch coffee and hand-drip varieties costing no more than 7,000 won.
The decor at Jamggodae resembles a combination of an art studio and a child's bedroom, cultivating an atmosphere that is both intellectual and relaxing, with a touch of whimsy. Shelves adorned with children's toys and vintage Casablanca posters add to the quirky charm. A bookshelf filled with literary treasures, comprising selections in both Korean and English, lines one wall near the entrance.
For those who appreciate the taste of rich, flavorful coffee, a visit to Jamggodae is an absolute necessity.
Directions to Samcheongdong: Take the Gyeongbukgung Station and board city bus 11 to Samcheongdong Community Center. From there, a short uphill walk will lead you to Jamggodae on the right side of the street, situated on the second floor.
Address: 22-Beonji Samcheongdong, Jongno-gu, 2nd floor
Telephone: +82-70-4101-7869
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 11 pm; Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 12 am.
Sahara Café is nestled within the tranquil university neighborhood adjacent to Soongsil University. While this area may not possess the same level of excitement as other university districts in Seoul, it is home to a hidden gem worth seeking out: Sahara Café.
What distinguishes this café are the countless books lining its walls, free for visitors to peruse at their leisure. Long tables equipped with study lamps complement the extensive selection of books, creating a perfect environment for an afternoon of reading. The quiet and scholarly atmosphere has made Sahara Café a preferred meeting place for small groups of Soongsil University students as they engage in discussions or tackle their academic assignments.
Sahara Café boasts a beautiful and comfortable interior, featuring wooden tables, cushioned chairs, and alternating music that ranges from low-key indie rock to classical melodies.
The menu at Sahara Café is typical, offering the usual selection of Americano, espresso, and various teas. Additionally, they recently introduced a lunch menu, which includes delectable bulgogi paninis that are reasonably priced. Almost every beverage at Sahara Café costs less than 5,000 won.
Visit Sahara Café for a serene, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere. Bring along your favorite books, as once you settle into one of their cushioned seats with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, you won't want to leave.
Directions to Sahara Café: Take Line 7 (Dark Green) to Soongsil University Entrance Station. From Exit 4, walk uphill with Soongsil University across the street on your left. Sahara Café is less than a minute's walk from the station, situated on the second floor.
Address: 501-2Beonji Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, 2nd floor
Telephone: +82-2-822-0111
Hours: 11 am - 11 pm (1 pm - 11 pm on Sundays).
Are you in search of an exceptional coffee sanctuary, a local secret that is on its way to becoming a legendary staple? Look no further than Coffee Libre.
The name Coffee Libre draws inspiration from the Spanish word "libre," which is often associated with Mexican "luchador" wrestlers. This unique name is proudly displayed on the shop's walls, tote bags, and even in adorable plush takeaway pins. However, there's more that sets Coffee Libre apart: it occupies a former Chinese apothecary, and the owners have preserved the medicine shelves as a quirky feature. Thus, as you savor your coffee, a wall adorned with drawers of Chinese medicine serves as a reminder of the shop's history.
This café truly embodies the essence of local traditions. Tucked away on a side street off the main road, Coffee Libre remains largely untouched by passersby, known only to those who have been informed of its existence. Contrary to its limited opening hours (4 pm to 9 pm), the small space inside is beyond extraordinary. The coffee machine itself occupies nearly half the room, leaving enough space for just two small tables and a small bar, offering a total of approximately eight seats.
Do not allow the compact size to discourage you, as the owner is a friendly individual proficient in English. The beans used in the shop are all roasted at an external location and brought in specifically for Coffee Libre. Every coffee served is unique to the establishment, and customers can even purchase bags of coffee beans to enjoy at home. Coffee Libre is unquestionably worth a visit for its delectable blends and intimate setting.
Directions to Coffee Libre: Depart from Hongdae University Entrance Station via Line 2 (Green) and exit through Exit 3. As Exit 3 is slightly situated to the side of the main road, realign yourself with the main road and walk away from the station. A three-way intersection will quickly come into sight; follow the sidewalk as it veers left and continue walking for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Turn left into an alleyway just before the next major intersection, and you will find Coffee Libre with its colourful luchador painting at the front.
Address: 252-15 Yeonnam-dong, Mapu-gu
Telephone: +82-10-4506-9461
Hours: 4 pm - 9 pm.
In the areas of Samcheongdong and Anguk-dong, there exist an abundance of remarkable coffee shops, cafes, and art galleries. With so many choices, it becomes nearly impossible to recommend just one. However, when forced to choose, understand that Coffee Mashineun Goyangi (translated as "The Coffee Drinking Cat" in Korean) is a truly exceptional café that stands above the rest in Seoul.
The menu at Goyangi caters to even the most refined palate. While it includes the usual fare of Americanos, espressos, and lattes, it extends far beyond those boundaries. Goyangi offers hand-drip coffee with a diverse array of bean selections, such as Kenya, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ethiopia.
This café also presents unique gourmet lattes that are unparalleled in their creativity, featuring options like Kahlua Choco and Marshmallow Latte. Moreover, a variety of blended juices, including flavors like strawberry/banana and kiwi/banana, are available. Not to be forgotten, Goyangi offers three distinct varieties of chai tea; the cinnamon chai is particularly recommended.
Coffee Mashineun Goyangi also boasts an extensive food menu, offering brunch sets that include coffee and a choice of croquet monsier for 7,800 won or a "wine melting cheese panini" for 8,800 won.
For a delightful date, Coffee Mashineun Goyangi is an ideal destination. It is housed within a two-story building, providing seating on both the first floor and in the attic. With its wooden tables, charming decorations, and soft music, this café offers a romantic setting for starting or concluding a rendezvous with that special someone.
Located amidst art galleries, specialty shops, and cozy cafes, let Coffee Mashineun Goyangi serve as the centerpiece of a memorable evening out in Seoul.
Directions to Coffee Mashineun Goyangi: From Gyeongbukgung Station, take bus 11 in the direction of Samcheongdong or walk east along the fortress wall and turn left onto Samcheongdong-gil at the corner. Once you reach the entrance of the National Folk Museum of Korea, turn right onto Bukchonro 5-gil. Continue walking straight and take your next right. Coffee Mashineun Goyangi will be on your left.
Address: 19-1 Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu
Telephone: +82-2-720-8162
Hours: 10 am - 11 pm.
Garosu-gil has long been hailed as a haven for exceptional cafes, coffee, and shopping. While many smaller, independent coffee shops have been displaced by larger establishments in recent years, one can still discover dozens of charming, small-scale coffee shops tucked away on the side streets branching off of the main Garosu-gil road. Ikovox is one such hidden gem.
Upon entering Ikovox, one cannot help but feel transported into a coffee laboratory, the domain of craft and expertise. The employees take extraordinary care when preparing hand-drip coffee, weighing the beans meticulously for each cup and utilizing a combination of beakers and glass funnels to brew the coffee slowly and methodically. Should you develop a taste for it, the equipment used in the shop is available for purchase, allowing you to continue making hand-drip coffee at home. Ikovox offers a Costa Rican bean that they take great pride in, though it carries a slightly higher price tag of 7,800 won per cup.
One compelling reason to visit Ikovox Coffee is the opportunity to purchase the beans they use in-store. The prices are quite reasonable, with their own bean blend available for 8,000 won per 100g. For those seeking to indulge in the Costa Rican variety, expect to pay 19,000 won per 100g.
Directions to Garosu-gil: Take Line 3 (Orange) to Sinsa Station and use Exit 3. Proceed straight for approximately two blocks, then make a left turn at Missa (look for the sign that says 'Garosugil'). To find Ikovox Coffee, walk downhill along Garosu-gil and turn left onto a sidestreet at Cloth Dictionary. Take your next right, and you will find Ikovox on the right-hand side.
Address: 534-10 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Telephone: +82-2-545-2010
Hours: 8 am - 12 am.
