5 Hip And Cool Cafes To Visit In Seoul
Schedule a visit to up your Instagram game.
By Yumi Bing
Catchy K-pop tunes. Endless barbecue feasts. Non-stop late-night shopping. If you thought that's what Seoul only has to offer, well, think again. The epicentre of the Hallyu wave and thriving metropolis of more than 10 million people has plenty of tricks up its sleeves to further cement its popularity as one of Asia's top vacation destinations.
Seoul's cafe scene, for example, is especially renowned. Besides the usual coffeehouse chains operated by international corporations, scores of small and independently-run joints have sprouted in the city's quiet alleyways and quaint corners to quench the thirst of a caffeine-addicted crowd. Better yet, many of these cafes are visual spectacles themselves—they've been thoughtfully designed to offer not just a decent cup of coffee, but plenty of photo ops as well. Here are five to check out the next time you're in the city:
ANTHRACITE COFFEE ROASTERS
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Anthracite Coffee Roasters has built a name among locals and tourists alike for its line-up of cafes that take the industrial chic concept to new heights. Its outpost in Itaewon, for example, contrasts concrete walls with plenty of greenery, while another in Hapjeong is housed within an abandoned warehouse. The newest addition to its roster of cafes is situated in Yeonhui, and it's a hidden gem that features a giant communal table flanked by chairs dipped in a shade of electric orange.
Address: 135, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
COFFEE NAP ROASTERS
Don't be fooled by this tiny establishment located in the neighbourhood of Yeonnam-dong—it packs plenty of style and substance despite its size. The centrepiece of the cafe's design is an undulating brick mound which not only serves as a seating area, but also doubles up as an arresting backdrop for your Instagram shot.
Address: 453-32 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
DAECHUNG PARK
With an interior drenched entirely in shades of brown, Daechung Park boasts an aesthetic that melds retro and contemporary codes with stylish ease. The cafe takes its moniker from a nickname that South Koreans have given to the tiger, an animal of importance in their culture. Graphic interpretations of the striped beast turn up as coasters or posters that line the wall. Wood is also used generously throughout the space, resulting in an artisanal vibe that also extends to its food and drinks menu.
Address: 37 World Cup buk-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
LIGHTNESSINSOL
From the moment you enter its premises, Lightnessinsol offers a visual experience unlike any other. Be it the white walls or stark decor, the cafe is a minimalist's dream come true. Almost every aspect of the cafe has been reduced to the very essence of their being: Clear acrylic cubes, for example, provide seating for guests, while mirrored versions function as tables.
Address: Seongmisan-ro 151-1, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
PROJECT ON THE ROAD
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Located just beside Gyeongbukgong palace, Project On The Road best exemplifies the saying that Nature makes the best art canvas. The biggest draw of this cosy outfit are the big windows that open up to serene views of the historic palace, perfectly framing the trees that line the towering walls. Autumn is perhaps the best season to visit the cafe: Imagine sipping on a cup of hot, hand-drip coffee while admiring the lush golden foliage in front of you—there's no better way to relax the mind, body and soul.
Address: 27 Hyoja-ro, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Have you been to any of these cafes in Seoul? What are your thoughts? If you have any other recommendations, let us know in the comments below!