8 Cafe Streets in Seoul for Coffee Lovers – Page 2 – Seoulistic

Yangjaecheon Cafe/Wine Street 

It seems like most tourists know of the very famous Cheonggyecheon Stream near Gyeongbokgung Palace even before they land. And they should! It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Seoul. But not too many tourists venture to Yangjaecheon Stream, Cheonggyecheon’s cousin on the other side of the Han River. And although they’re similar in so many ways (great for walks on nice days, nice lighting at night, good date places, etc.), Yangjaecheon is the rich cousin with the nice apartments and of course a whole street dedicated to more upscale cafes and wine bars that overlook the stream. But if you’re going to hang out with the rich cousin, you’ll have to spend some money! (Coffee is reasonable, but food is pricier than other parts of town.) So think about this place if you’re trying to impress that hottie you’re working on ;).

Popular Cafes: m comme macaron, brunch coffee, cafe 1.618
How to get there: Yangjae Station, Line 3, Exit 8

If you’re looking for more great date spots, we got 25 of date spots in Seoul here!

 

Seoraemaeul Cafe Street

Because Seoraemaeul is the location of one of Seoul’s French schools, it’s considered Seoul’s “French quarter.” And you know what they say about French people and their cafes! (Actually, I don’t. Does anyone know? :P). Either way it’s a European part of town that has a large concentration of cafes that are modern, hip, and have a European flair. Even Paris Baguette, a Korean bakery chain that sells distinctly Korean styled baked goods, opened a store here that is more true to the European style of good bread. Oh and strangly enough, there’s a lot of Japanese Izakayas, too. *shrug* C’est la vie!

Popular Cafes: O’Fete, 담장옆에 국화꽃, CharLee
How to get there (Click for map): Express Bus Terminal Station, Line 3, 7 & 9, Exit 5

 

Jeongja-dong Cafe Street

Cafe Drawing (Source)

This Seoul suburb (Bundang) was one of the first cafe streets to ever appear. When the area was first built back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, the homes in the area were quickly filled with the more wealthy citizens of Seoul who sought a quieter and more refined atmosphere than what Seoul had to offer. And that resulted in wealthy housewives that had a penchant for quiet places with some class (read: bored housewives that want to gossip in nice looking cafes). And one way to make them happy is with lots of caffeine at European style cafes with outdoor seating. Come here for the great people watching, delicious brunches, less hectic crowds, and afternoon lattes with gossiping bobble-head housewives.

Popular Cafes: Cafe Drawing, The Brown, 월화수목금토일
How to get there: Jeongja Station, Bundang Line 

 

Jukjeon Cafe Street

Jukjeon Cafe Street is also located on the outskirts of Seoul, and that means similar things. Rich & bored housewives, smaller & quieter crowds, and nicely designed cafes with great ambiance. But Jukjeon Cafe Street seems to have one of the highest concentrations of cafes in any area. It’s simply packed with 8+ blocks of cafes, restaurants and other eateries/bars. And although Seoraemaeul is considered the “French Quarter” of Seoul, these streets look and feel distinctly more European, as if they were transplanted from some small village in Switzerland. But it’s still very Korean for you can find lots of great design, good food, and of course, good coffee in a conveniently packed coffee street :).

Popular Cafes: Cafe Complet, I’m Home, Anuk
How to get there (click for map): Jukjeon Station, Bundang Line

Keith
Keith
Keith Kim is a Korean-American who has been living in Korea for almost a decade. Being in a unique position as both a Korean and a non-Korean, he's put all his experience and knowledge for surviving in Korea in Survival Korean . Read it to learn how you can survive in Korea. Follow him on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

1 Comment

  1. Max says:

    Hi! Thank you so much for this article, I’m an immense coffee lover, and the cafes in Seoul are one of the things I’m looking forward to the most on my trip. If it’s alright, I was wondering if cafe etiquette is any similar to restaurants there, in the sense that you usually find a place to sit, then order, and they bring it to you, or if it’s similar to the US where you order, then sit, and go get your order when it’s announced. I’d appreciate any help, please and thanks! I’m sorry if this is a silly question!

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