Coffee for the Seoul

A guide to my favorite cafe's in South Korea's capital

My fascination with Korean culture was sparked back in 2017 following a trip to Japan. Having been captivated by dramas like “Boys over Flowers” (2009) and “City Hunter” (2011) due to my tiny crush for lead actor Lee Min Ho, it was the Korean drama “Goblin” featuring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun that further deepened my interest. From that point, my yearning to visit Seoul and just explore the enchanting locales showcased in my favorite series grew because I was obsessed with K dramas! It basically had me on a choke hold!

Despite my limited grasp of Hangul and understanding of the language, I absorbed phrases, especially related to food. Having Korean colleagues was a stroke of luck, as they passionately shared their culture, fueling my obsession. The desire to immerse myself in this newfound fascination led my spouse (who is equally obsessed) and me to plan a trip to Seoul from Manila, choosing the peak of winter, a decision we soon realized was weather wise, quite challenging.

Seoul surprised me with its immense coffee culture, boasting charming cafes and exquisite pastries. The struggle to pick a favorite was real, as we indulged in approximately three cups a day, exploring an abundance of bakeries on my must-visit list. Our culinary journey was equally delightful, featuring numerous eateries, street food stalls, and of course cafes. To streamline the narrative, I’ll share highlights of a select few cafes and bakeries that left a lasting impression during our memorable trip.

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Cafe Layered

There are quite a few Cafe Layered locations, but the one we visited was in Bukchon Village which is a lovely neighborhood. The cafe is tucked amidst traditional Korean hanok houses. Its aesthetic seamlessly blends modern minimalism with the historical ambiance of the area. Patrons can enjoy a variety of specialty coffees, teas, and artisanal pastries. As you can see by the photos, it was quite overwhelming to choose because everything looked so delectable.

2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nuldam Space

Nuldam space had a distinctive feature aside from their coffee and pastries- a unique cafe concept that involved writing a letter to yourself and mailing it to arrive exactly a year later. They had a dedicated wall space displaying a calendar grid where you could choose any meaningful date, like your birthday or an anniversary, to send a letter. It was a thoughtful experience to pen your thoughts for your future self, providing a reflective glimpse into your life and plans a year later. We opted to receive our letters on the same day next year as the day we enjoyed our visit to the cafe.

24 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Cheonsang Gaok

Nestled on the 3rd floor in Seongsu Yeonbang, Seongsu-dong is the picturesque rooftop bakery cafe, Cheonsang Gaok. Immerse yourself in an airy atmosphere, surrounded by glass ceilings and abundant natural light. Don’t miss their standout offering- the signature Pepper honey coffee which I personally enjoyed. It was by far the best cup of coffee I had during this trip because it was so unique in flavor, and I knew it was something I was never going to encounter again. The latte is infused with a sprinkle of pepper, delivering a delightful spicy undertone to complement its inherent sweetness. A beloved choice for those seeking a unique and flavorful coffee experience.

3rd fl., 14, Seongsui-ro 14-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nudake

While Cafe Nudake boasts multiple outlets, the Seongsu location stands out since it is their most recent opening. It’s an artistic dessert cafe owned by Gentle monster, a luxury Korean eyewear brand that’s made waves in the Asian Market. Their ever- evolving concept at Nudake keeps things fresh; during our visit, K-pop sensation New Jeans collaborated for a charming pop-up, showcasing adorable bunny-shaped cakes. Alongside, charcoal-themed pastries added a delightful twist. Truly, its a cafe experience unlike any other I’ve encountered before.

26 Seongsui-ro 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Cheong su dang

Nestled in the vintage neighborhood of Ikseon-dong, Cheongsudang (translated to “Garden in the city”) is among the most aesthetically pleasing Hanok-style cafes. Its design revolves around an aquatic theme, reflecting the cafe’s commitment to embracing a slow-paced experience. This inviting atmosphere allows you to leisurely soak in the peaceful ambiance and truly appreciate the essence of the surroundings.

Customers have the option to either occupy tables in the central dining area or opt for a shoes-off experience on tatami mats, providing a serene view of the inner garden. Their standout offerings are the Castella and Fromage Cakes, expertly baked within square cast iron. The Soufflé Castella is prepared fresh upon order, requiring a waiting time of 20-30 minutes.

31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

While I did enjoy a couple of other spots, these are the places that truly captured my heart. Fellow coffee enthusiasts who have explored Seoul, please share your top picks for fellow readers to savor! GAMSAHABNIDA!!!!