Kevin 
Looking for a nice coffee shop for the weekend? Visit this hanok cafe in Seoul!
Highlights
- If you want to experience the vibrant cafe scene in Hapjeong, check out this coffee shop that offers the best blends and a real cozy interior!
- Want to camp out with a friend or two? Visit this study cafe in Hongdae that’s recommended by locals!
- Other great cafes in Seoul that you can book online are Bluish Brew Coffee and Order Espresso near COEX!
Explore more: 5 Reasons Why This Joseon-Themed Restaurant in Hongdae is a Hit
Best Neighborhood Cafes in Seoul
Those of us who frequent coffee shops know how frustrating it is to be in a store that fails to meet the standards. We like a place where there’s good customer service, enough space, a standard number of amenities (like plugs and tables), and, of course, great coffee and food. Take away one or two of these elements, and the mood just breaks.
While Seoul has one of the most lauded coffee scenes in the world, some stores are still amiss. Since I can’t drop names despite having the urge to, let me just recommend some of the good ones. If you’re a resident in Korea who’s searching for cafes in Seoul where you can work or study, or if you’re a first-time visitor who’s looking for Insta-worthy spots to chill in, consider visiting the following coffee shops that you can book at a discount here:
1. Cafe Nieun in Jongro
Cafe Nieun near Anguk Station is a hanok coffee shop in Seoul that doesn’t fail to impress. With its traditional Korean design and a lawn where you can get laid-back, many locals love hanging out here (usually after visiting the nearby Changdeokgung or Changdeok Palace). It’s a good alternative to the usually-packed Onion Cafe, especially if you need a table where you can rest your laptop and an area where you can concentrate on reading.
Some of the must-try menu items here are their Cafe Americano, Ginger Latte, sikhye (sweet Korean rice drink), and their carrot cake, which you can book below at a discount.
This cafe in Seoul is located in 102 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. They are open from 11am-8pm on weekdays and 10am-8pm on weekends.
2. Bluish Brew Coffee in Bangbae-dong
Not to be confused with Blue Bottle Coffee, Bluish Brew is one of Seoul’s specialty cafes that offer single-origin beans with bold flavors. They source them from Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, and Guatemala, which they roast in varying techniques to achieve the ideal taste and density. They also make Salted Caramel Latte here, which is great if you prefer your coffee sweet.
Interior-wise, Bluish Brew is an eye candy. Its cobalt blue tone is perfect for an after-meal date, especially if you want to make a good impression. Find out more about Bluish Brew’s menu by clicking below:
This cafe in Seoul is located in Seocho-daero 25-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul. They are open from 10am-10pm on weekdays (except Monday) and 11am-10pm on weekends.
3. Square Garden in Seocho-gu
A vintage hideaway. This is what Square Garden is all about. If you’re looking for unique cafes in Seoul, then this is the place. Like the previous option, Square Garden offers single-origin coffee (they have bags of beans for sale), but they also have premium coffee blends and delectable bingsu. You can book their menu at a discount on WAUG below, starting at ₩4,000 or $3.4.
This coffee shop in Seoul is located in 26, Seorae-ro 5-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. They are open daily from 11:30am-10pm, except on Sundays when they open shop at noon and close at 8pm.
4. Glyn Coffee in Gangnam
Situated in a quiet neighborhood in Gangnam, Glyn provides an intimate place where you and your friends can enjoy some chit-chat and aromatic coffee. Their drip is the best, but you will not regret getting their Flat White and Mocha Latte. They also have delicious French butter cookies here (Sablé Breton), which you can order with your drink of choice below (starts at ₩7,000 or $6):
This cafe in Seoul is located in 101, 7, Gaepo-ro 21-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. They are open from 9am-6pm on weekdays and 11am-7pm on Saturday’s.
5. Order Espresso Cafe in Gangnam
If you like spacious and bright coffee shops, Order Espresso in Gangnam is for you! Pop open your laptop in this cafe and enjoy their signature bottled Strawberry Milk (₩6,100 or $5), Americano (₩ 3,800 or $3.6), or French Vanilla Latte (₩ 5,200 or $4.5). They also serve fresh scones, cookies, and various breads here, so visiting this place will be very delightful!
This modern cafe in Seoul is located in 27, Bongeunsa-ro 82-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. They are open from 8:30am-10:30pm on weekdays and 11:30am-9:30pm on weekends.
6. Picky Papa Cafe in Gangnam
Picky Papa Cafe is one of the best community cafes in Seoul for three reasons. First, they make great coffee, pizza, breads, and gelato here. Second, they offer a very conducive place to study and work (I’m writing this article from here!). Finally, they have a garden space that’s very well-adorned. Many coffee and gelato lovers often visit this place, but it’s also popular among fans of Kang Daniel, who has a special spot here.
If you come visit Picky Papa Cafe in Gangnam, make sure to try their Red Bean Bread, Gelato, and brick-oven Pizza! You can book one of their vouchers below:
This cafe in Seoul is located in 35, Gangnam-daero 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. They are open from 11am-10pm on weekdays and 11am-11pm on weekends.
As a university district, Hongdae has several specialty cafes and a couple of coffee shops that are open 24/7. However, if you’re looking for a really conducive place in the area where you can study or work, you’ll find Social Factory a commendable option. Here, you and your study partners will enjoy the room filled with books and homey ornaments. The menu options are budget-friendly too; you can have two Americanos and a slice of cake for only ₩10,000 by booking below:
This cafe in Seoul is located in 19-19, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. They are open from 9am-11pm.
BONUS: Saint Ives Cafe in Hapjeong
St. Ives Cafe in Hapjeong (near Hongdae) is arguably one of the popular coffee shops in the capital. You may find it hard to find a spot here, but if you’re able to, you’d feel most delighted. This is one the cafes in Seoul that are recommended for travelers, and you can book their menu offerings at a discount below:
How to Book Cafes in Seoul on WAUG
If you’re unfamiliar with using WAUG, you can follow these steps to book any of the cafes listed in this blog post!
- Log in or sign up for an account here. (New users get a discount coupon!)
- Proceed to the booking page of your preferred cafe in Seoul.
- Choose the date of your visit and provide the other information.
- Check out using your Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX.**
- Wait for your voucher/s that we’ll send through the WAUG app.
Is your method-of-payment issued in South Korea? You can switch the page’s currency to KRW so you can see the other local payment options, like phone payment.
Enjoy you cafe experience in Seoul!
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