Exploring cafés in South Korea can be an incredible way to relax and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the country.

South Korea is known for its vibrant café scene, with a variety of unique and themed cafés that offer not only delicious beverages but also a distinct ambiance that reflects different aspects of Korean culture. Here are some cafés you might want to consider adding to your itinerary when you go to South Korea to enhance your cultural experience:

Insider Tip: People in Korea love their cafes and are willing to wait hours in line. We’ve included the estimated wait times for you to account for this in your itinerary!

Cafe Knotted Anguk

Cafe Knotted Anguk is a popular cafe known for its delicious donuts and pastries. The cafe is located in a traditional Korean hanok (house), and the interior is decorated with a modern twist. The most popular item is the Knotted donut, which is a fluffy donut with a variety of toppings. The cafe is also known for its friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere.

• Address: 27, Samcheong-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Access: 10-minute walk from Anguk Station (Exit 3)

• Specialty items: Donuts, pastries

• Most popular item: Knotted donut

• Expected wait time: 15-30 minutes

Chacha Tea Club

Chacha Tea Club is a teahouse that specializes in traditional Korean teas. The teahouse is located in the Insadong neighbourhood, which is known for its traditional Korean shops and restaurants. The most popular item is the ssanghwa cha, which is a blend of two different types of Korean tea. The teahouse also offers a variety of other teas, as well as snacks and light meals. The interior of the teahouse is decorated with traditional Korean elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Address: 13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Access: 5-minute walk from Insadong Station (Exit 6)

• Specialty items: Traditional Korean teas

• Most popular item: Ssanghwa cha

• Expected wait time: 10-20 minutes

Coffee It House

Coffee It House is a popular cafe known for its specialty coffee drinks. The cafe is located in the Hongdae neighbourhood, which is near Hongik University and has a youthful and trendy atmosphere. The most popular item is the affogato, a scoop of ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. The cafe also offers a variety of other coffee drinks, as well as pastries and snacks. The interior of the cafe is decorated with a modern and minimalist style.

• Address: 32, Hongdae-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Access: 5-minute walk from Hongdae Station (Exit 8)

• Specialty items: Specialty coffee drinks

• Most popular item: Affogato

• Expected wait time: 30-60 minutes

Bichkkuli

Bichkkuli is a cafe known for its unique and colourful desserts. The cafe is located in the Myeongdong neighbourhood, which is known for its shopping and tourist attractions. This spot is an Instagrammable beauty. The most popular item is the rainbow rice cake, which is an assortment of 6 rice cakes, each in a different colour. They also come with a honey dipping sauce to compliment this snack. The cafe also offers a variety of other desserts, as well as coffee and tea. The interior of the cafe is decorated with a bright and cheerful style.

• Address: 14 Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Access: 5-minute walk from Myeongdong Station (Exit 6)

• Specialty items: Unique and colourful desserts

• Most popular item: Rainbow bagel

• Expected wait time: 15-30 minutes

Poop Café

It’s true when they say you can find any type of cafe you can dream up in Seoul. Poop Café is a unique cafe that has a toilet-themed interior. The cafe is located in the Insadong neighbourhood, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The most popular item is poop coffee, which is a coffee drink served in a toilet-shaped cup. The cafe also offers a variety of other drinks and snacks, all of which are toilet-themed. The interior of the cafe is decorated with toilet-shaped furniture and decorations, creating a unique and quirky atmosphere.

• Address: Insadong, Seoul

• Access: top floor of a shopping center on Insadong Culture Street

• Specialty items: Toilet-themed interior

• Most popular item: Poop coffee

• Expected wait time: 30-60 minutes

The Lounge

The Lounge is a popular cafe known for its relaxing atmosphere. The cafe is located in the Gangnam neighbourhood, which is known for its high-end shops and restaurants. The most popular item is the lavender latte, which is a latte made with lavender syrup. The cafe also offers a variety of other coffee drinks, as well as pastries and light meals. The interior of the cafe is decorated in a warm and inviting style, with comfortable seating and soft lighting.

• Address: 671, Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Access: 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station (Exit 8)

• Specialty items: Relaxing atmosphere

• Most popular item: Lavender latte

• Expected wait time: 10-20 minutes

Samoyed Cafe

Samoyed Cafe is a cafe known for its friendly Samoyed dogs. The cafe is located in the Gangnam neighbourhood, and it is a popular spot for dog lovers. The most popular item is dog-friendly coffee, which is a coffee drink that is safe for dogs to drink. This means you can truly hang out with your new cute, fluffy friends and grab coffee together. The cafe also offers a variety of other drinks and snacks, as well as dog treats. The interior of the cafe is decorated with a warm and inviting style, and there are plenty of places for dogs to play and relax.

• Address: 644-14, Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Access: 5-minute walk from Nonhyeon Station (Exit 8)

• Specialty items: Friendly Samoyed dogs

• Most popular item: Dog-friendly coffee

• Expected wait time: 30-60 minutes

Remember that the café scene in South Korea is always evolving, so there might be new and exciting options to explore. Whether you're interested in modern aesthetics, traditional charm, or quirky themes, South Korea's cafés have something for everyone to enjoy while immersing themselves in the country's vibrant culture.