The Best Modern Coffee Shops in Seoul
Seoul’s coffee game is on a different level. With aesthetic vibes and great-tasting specialty cup of joe, I’d firmly say that Koreans take their cups seriously.
From hanok-style to eye-catching modern cafe interior designs, many of these spots are more than meets the eye, offering delightful specialty brew, alongside classic selections, and a perfect pastry or bread to pair it with. It’s both a taste and visual treat!
Here’s a list of beautiful modern designed cafes with great tasting brews that I visited during my 11-day coffee trip in South Korea’s Capital! Please take note that these are my personal picks. Please feel free to add your list on the comment section.
- Gwehdo Coffee Roasters
Address: 2F, 18 Yeonhui-ro 8-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
If you’re using Google Maps/Naver, pin this : 궤도 연희
From Hongik University Station, Take Exit 3. Check Naver for walking directions.
The conveyor belt cafe near Hongdae offers an Einspanner that’s to die for! The house-specialty Injeolmi Einspanner is made to taste local with the infusion of “gomul” in the cream then topped with injeolmi on a stick. A bit on the sweet-side, so you might want to have water on the side if you’re not much a fan of sweet coffee.
Ordered the Nougat Glace (Yeonhui / Yunhee branch exclusive dessert) with the house specialty drink. It’s French ice cream, that interestingly had a light bread-like texture with nuts and berries.
An intriguing pairing for sure. 😉
Other branches:
1st Floor, 19 Yeonam-ro
2. NUDAKE SEONGSU-DONG
ADDRESS: 26 Seongsuiro 7 (chil)-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
From Seongsu Line 2 Station, take exit 3 and walk 7 minutes. Check Naver for walking directions.
The artisanal dessert house adds art to their brews and desserts which you just can’t say no to. Ordered the Signature Dutch Latte (9,000 won) with the junior Peak Cake (23,000won).
The Signature Iced Dutch Latte is Pieta shaped iced Dutch coffee served with milk, while the Peak Cake is squid ink pastry with rich matcha cream. It was such a delicious experience – not to mention a pricey one! Teehee.
Other branches in Seoul:
1. House Dosan
2. Starfield Hanam
3. Lotte Dongtan
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3. BETTER THAN YOURS COFFEE (베러댄유어스)
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Yeonmujang 7(chil)-gil, 5 1층
From Seongsu Station, take exit 6 and walk 12 mins. Check Naver for walking directions.
This self-order to-go AI Cafe has no human staff. You order through the screen and robots brew the order for you. With automated precision, every cup served is consistent according to barista-set standard.
It’s a few minute walk from Seoungsu Subway Station, and from Nudake Seongsu branch, which is convenient to swing by to get a good cup of joe, and a second caffeine serving if you just had one at Nudake. 😉
I had the espresso shot which tasted nutty and chocolatey. Just the way I want it!
4. CERULEAN INSA / KOTTON SEOUL (코튼서울)
Address: 17 Insadong 12-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
From Anguk Station, take Exit 5, and walk for about 14 minutes. Check Naver for walking directions.
Set in a modern-hanok style cafe, it has a past meets the future feels to it. Warm espresso scent greets you as you enter the coffee bar which sets the mood to a fantastic coffee experience ahead.
Had the house specialty Camouflage – which is made with milk, ice, matcha syrup, heavy cream and espresso. Strawberries were in season and the Strawberry Matcha Einspanner was delightful too!
Coffee-wise, the Camouflage is my favorite on the list.
Have you visited these contemporary cafes in Soul already? Anything to add to the list? Appreciate if you’d drop your personal list on the comment section.
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