Traveling to South Korea was delightfully disorienting. Everything felt fresh, charming, and wildly creative. Yet, amidst the novelty, in Seoul I stumbled upon little echoes of Paris – especially in the café culture. I found myself doing the very Parisian thing of losing hours in conversation over coffee, perched on a café terrace … but with a twist.
Unlike the often interchangeable bistros of Paris, Korean cafés are next-level imaginative – each one a world of its own, with its own vibe, theme,and aesthetic.
It’s like café culture got a wildly fun makeover.
So, after endlessly wandering the streets of Seoul in search of cafés to perch in and watch the world go by, here are my Top 5 favorites.
(PS: I’ve added the Korean names so you can copy-paste them directly into Naver – also, check out my Korea Travel Starter Pack post for a totally seamless trip.)
Before I dive in, I have a small (and slightly shameful) confession to make: I think Koreans might actually be better at pastries than the French. I know – I’m horrified too. But the layers! The textures! The flaky, buttery precision! It’s like they took French patisserie, studied it meticulously … and then somehow made it even better.
Cheongsudang 청수당
Nestled in the heart of Ikseon-dong, Cheongsudang is a serene escape from the city’s hustle. The café is renowned for its picturesque entrance, featuring a bamboo-lined path and a tranquil pon making it a favorite among Instagram enthusiasts. Inside, the traditional Hanok architecture creates a cozy ambiance, perfect for savoring their signature soufflés and matcha lattes.
Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Phone: +82 50-71318-8215
Soha Salt Pond 소하염전
Also located in Ikseon-dong, Soha Salt Pond stands out with its unique theme centered around salt. The café’s design incorporates elements reminiscent of salt mining, complete with a central “salt pond'” feature. Their specialty lies in salt-infused breads, offering a delightful twist on traditional pastries.
Address: 21-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Phone: +82 50-71353-8215
Café Nagwonjang 낙원장
Café Nagwonjang, a multi-story establishment in Ikseon-dong, combines retro aesthetics with modern comforts. Each floor offers a unique ambiance, culminating in a rooftop terrace that provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The furniture is exclusively vintage designers, with Bruno Rey, Ettore Sottsas and Charlotte Perriand. Their menu includes handcrafted pastries and a variety of beverages, making it a versatile spot for both relaxation and social gatherings.
Address: 25 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Phone: +82 2-743-7767
Cafe Gaeppul 개뿔
Cafe Gaeppul feels like a secret garden perched above the city. Surrounded by trees and overlooking a peaceful hillside, it’s part café, part design sanctuary. With its mix of concrete, wood and glass, it has an earthy, minimalist vibe. Come for the coffee, stay for the view, and maybe a quiet existential moment. Have a walk in the park after, the view on Seoul’s skyline is breathtaking.
Address: 26 Naksanseonggwakseo 1-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Phone: +82 2-517-2525
Café Onion
With multiple locations, Café Onion has become a Seoul staple — but the Seongsu branch is iconic. Housed in a raw, industrial building that used to be a metal factory, it somehow feels both edgy and peaceful. Think exposed brick, rustic beams, and a courtyard where time slows down. The pastries (the onion scone is legendary) are phenomenal, and the coffee is always on point.
It’s where brutalism meets butter.
Address: 8 Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
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Read more about Korea here in Dispatches’ archives.
Charlotte Laborie grew up in England, Belgium and Switzerland. Charlotte then moved to Paris and graduated from Sciences Po Paris. She is still based in Paris, where she works in marketing.
