The Quest for the Cutest Cafes in Seoul
In today’s social media-obsessed world, the quest for the most aesthetically pleasing places is an absolute must-do. If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable cafes in Seoul, look no further – I’ve got you covered for the best spots in the city.
As a former expat who lived in South Korea for over five and a half years, I’ve had the pleasure of becoming intimately familiar with Seoul’s incredible cafe culture. During the pandemic, when I was feeling particularly bored, I took up photography as a hobby and got to know the city like the back of my hand. So you can trust that I know what I’m talking about when it comes to finding the perfect photo opp.
Korean cafe culture is a huge part of daily life there. Since Koreans don’t typically hang out at each other’s homes, cafes are the go-to places to spend time with friends. This is why there are so many amazing and visually-stunning cafes in Korea, just waiting to be discovered and photographed.
From hidden gems with breathtaking views to trendy spots that have been featured in K-pop music videos, Seoul has no shortage of Instagrammable cafes that will satisfy your need for great photos and great treats. So let’s dive in and explore some of the most eye-catching spots the city has to offer!
Cafes with Stunning Views
Rather than be part of the hustle and bustle of one of Seoul’s busiest tourist attractions, I highly suggest heading to Urban Cliff Cafe. Located on Namsan Mountain, you’ll get an insanely picturesque view of the iconic Namsan Tower.
To avoid the crowds, I recommend going in the middle of the week, like I did. I visited around 3pm on a weekday and there was barely anyone there, allowing me to snap some uninterrupted photos. The view alone makes this cafe a must-visit for any Seoul cafe hopper.
Another cafe with a stunning vista is Seoulism. This cozy spot offers sweeping views of the city skyline, including the majestic Lotte World Tower. The incense-infused atmosphere and seasonal decor make it a true visual delight.
I’d suggest visiting Seoulism in the evening during the week to catch the sunset and dramatic lighting. Weekends can get pretty crowded, so try to time your visit earlier in the day if you can. The pricey but delectable drinks are well worth it for the breathtaking ambiance.
Cafes with Unique Concepts
One of the newest crazes in Seoul’s cafe scene is Knotted World Cafe. With several locations around the city, the biggest one is in the Jamsil Lotte World Mall.
This cafe is especially popular during cherry blossom season in Korea and fall foliage season, when the decor is absolutely stunning. They serve up great flat whites and yummy cupcakes, but the real draw is the Instagrammable atmosphere. To avoid the crowds, I recommend making a reservation and visiting during the week.
Speaking of unique concepts, have you ever heard of a cafe that’s designed to look like a 2D comic book? Well, CAFE연남동223-14 is that and more. Every single piece of furniture and the walls are painted to make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a graphic novel.
I visited this cafe before noon on a weekend and was able to take tons of cool photos without too many people around. But you can really come at any time during the week and it won’t be crowded, so you can enjoy the comic book vibes to your heart’s content.
Cafes with Themed Decor
If you’re a fan of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Kings Cross Harry Potter Cafe in the Hongdae neighborhood. This place is the next best thing if you haven’t made it to the Universal Studios parks.
The attention to detail is truly impressive, from the Platform 9 3/4 sign to the Hogwarts Express decor. And the best part? You can come at any time and still get great photos, since the cafe is absolutely massive.
For the Disney fans out there, Smore Market is a must-visit. This cafe features different pop-ups depending on the latest Disney releases, with the Toy Story decor being the most popular.
The great thing about Smore Market is that the photo zones are respected, so you can enjoy taking pictures without feeling rushed or crowded, even on colder days when the cozy atmosphere really shines.
Cafes with Unique Offerings
While Seoul’s cafes are often known for their stunning aesthetics, some also have truly unique offerings that set them apart. Take DThrone, for example. This cafe’s signature feature is the motor scooter cars that even adults can ride on.
I recommend visiting around noon to take advantage of their delicious lunch specials, and you can snap photos with the cars right on the sidewalk. It’s a cafe experience unlike any other in the city.
Another one-of-a-kind spot is Jade Mug & Yumis Dress Room. Here, you can rent dresses from all your favorite Disney movies, from the classic animations to the live-action remakes. It’s a dream come true for any Disney lover looking to elevate their cafe experience and their Instagram feed.
To avoid the crowds, I’d recommend making a reservation for the weekends. But during the week, you can simply stroll in and enjoy the magical atmosphere at your leisure.
Cafes with Unique Beverages
Of course, Seoul’s cafes aren’t just about the aesthetics – the drinks and treats are often just as impressive. Take Greenmile Cafe, for example. Here, they blend matcha and coffee together to create some of the most unique (and delicious) beverages I’ve ever tried.
Located in the charming Bukchon Hanok Village, Greenmile Cafe offers the perfect mid-afternoon energy boost, with the added bonus of a stunning view of the traditional Korean homes. You can visit at any time, but I recommend going during the day or late afternoon to catch that golden hour glow.
Another cafe with truly incredible drinks is Appi Forest. While the jungle-themed decor is certainly Instagrammable, their gelato takes the cake (pun intended). It’s some of the creamiest and most flavorful I’ve ever had.
The best time to visit Appi Forest is during the week, as it tends to get quite crowded on the weekends. But if you find yourself there on a Saturday or Sunday, try to go when the cafe opens at 10am to beat the rush.
Cafes with Unique Experiences
Sometimes, the most Instagrammable cafes in Seoul offer more than just great photos – they provide a truly unique experience. Take Thanks Nature Cafe, for example. This spot features a couple of resident sheep that you can interact with before they head back to the countryside.
I had a hilarious time trying to take photos with the curious sheep, using my tripod to capture the perfect shot. Just be prepared for them to possibly knock over your equipment, as they were very interested in what I was doing.
For an even more whimsical experience, check out Melting Pom. This cafe is a bit out of the way, but it’s worth the trek for any Pomeranian lovers out there. You can cuddle up with the adorable pups on a bed surrounded by rainbows and take the cutest photos imaginable.
The great thing about both of these experiences is that you can visit at any time and get amazing photos, as they’re not overly crowded spots.
Cafes with Seasonal Flair
One of my personal favorites is Mamma Mis Dosan, a trendy cafe in the Gangnam district. Not only do they have a variety of delectable desserts, but the outside garden is decorated with wisteria or ornaments depending on the time of year. And the building itself is a stunning hot pink!
To ensure you get those perfect shots, I recommend visiting Mamma Mis Dosan first thing in the morning when they open at 10am. It’s always busy, even during the week, so the early bird definitely gets the worm (or in this case, the Instagram-worthy photo).
Another cafe that really embraces the seasons is Knotted World Cafe. As I mentioned earlier, this spot is particularly popular during cherry blossom season and fall foliage. The stunning floral decor and cozy atmosphere make it a must-visit no matter when you go.
Cafes with Traditional Flair
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience some traditional Korean charm, there are plenty of Instagrammable cafes that fit the bill. One of my favorites is the Oyat Kkot Hanok Cafe, located in the lovely Ikseon-dong neighborhood.
This hanok-style cafe features a beautiful courtyard where you can sip on refreshing green tea and enjoy the tranquil outdoors. Their scones are also absolutely delicious. To beat the crowds, I’d suggest visiting right when they open at 10am.
Another traditional gem is Cafe Onion, which is actually located inside a hanok building. The sloped roofs, low tables, and calming atmosphere make it the perfect place to recharge after exploring the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village.
Whether you’re in the mood for a modern, themed cafe or a more authentic, traditional experience, Seoul has no shortage of visually stunning spots that will elevate your Instagram game. And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite treat or beverage along the way.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Seoul cafe-hopping adventure today! And don’t forget to use the hashtag #hotelstayinnseoul when you share your photos on social media. I can’t wait to see where your Instagrammable cafe explorations take you.
