When looking for unique cafes in Seoul, some of the best independent coffee shops are in Hongdae. Simply put college students in Korea need their coffee. At the same time, it is easy to grab a quick cup of coffee from one of the popular global brands like Starbucks. Many students know where the best independent coffee shops in Hongdae are located.
The best coffee in Seoul can only be found in independent coffee shops. Therefore, for this article, we will focus on Hongdae. Hongdae is not only a place to go for clubbing; it offers some of the best restaurants and independent coffee shops. We selected the top 10 based on their uniqueness as well as their amazing brews. Some of those living in Hongdae might have walked past them but never went in. After reading this article, you will hopefully try a cup of coffee at these unforgettable caffeine gems.
For those living or visiting Itaewon check out our article on the best coffee shops in Itaewon.
Yeonnam 223 Cafe
One of the most famous cafes in Seoul is Yeonnam 223 Cafe. It is great for those who love taking pictures on Instagram, as the cafe is a visual work of art. You feel you walked into an illustration of an artist’s imagination. It seems like a Korean webtoon has come to life. It is the brainchild of J.S. Lee and takes its inspiration from the Korean drama W: Two Worlds. If you must visit one coffee shop when you come to Korea, check out this one.
Address: 223-14 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu
5 Brewing
5 Brewing won the 2017 World Barista Championships, Do Hyung Soo. The coffee shop offers outdoor seating as well as workspaces. However, remember to get the award-winning signature drinks that Do Hyung Soo himself invented. It would not be a full experience unless you order the signature drinks.
Address: 55-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince
The most famous coffee shop in Korea is by far The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince. Coffee Prince was one of the best Korean dramas of all time. The overall exterior and interior of the cafe are a bit run down, but those who are a fan of the show will remember the setting once they are there. The cafe is located near Hongik University Station. You can take as many pictures as you want as it is one of the top tourist spots in Seoul. Fans of the drama will appreciate this space more than others.
Address: 327-17 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Arari Ovene
This is the best dessert cafe in Hongdae for those who love desserts. Usually, there will be a line out the door. While they are not known for their coffee, they have an amazing selection of creative teas. However, the top attractions are the cakes, cupcakes, and tarts, which all made the order. This is why you will have to wait a while but trust us, it is worth the wait. Our top recommendation is strawberry milk tea served in a pink coffee cup and topped with cut strawberries.
Address: 487-375, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Felt Coffee
While their interior is minimalistic, Felt Coffee’s coffee is fantastic. They pride themselves on the coffee-making process. They only use specialty-grade coffee beans. You can enjoy a simple cup of high-quality coffee while listening to music from a record player. It is a great place to relax and have great quality coffee.
Address: 23 Seogang-ro 11-gil, Changjeon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Zapangi
One of the hardest coffee shop locations to find is Zapangi. The cafe’s entrance looks like a vending machine along the street. You can’t miss it as it is in bright pink. Inside they have a large selection of lattes, teas, and specialty lattes. However, have your drink with one of their famous cakes or doughnuts. Our recommendation is the mermaid tin cake or the unicorn doughnut. Avoid going during peak hours (7-9 pm) as it will be very crowded.
Address: 400-2 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Coffee Nap Roaster
Coffee Nap Roaster is one of the top up-and-coming coffee shops in Hongdae for teens. The interior is very interesting as the floor is tiled with red bricks. It feels like you are standing on top of a roof of an old house. They also offer a wide selection of brews at a reasonable price.
Address: 453-32 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Rally Point
Korean celebrity Bora Lim founded this coffee shop in Hongdae. Rally Point has a unique interior and great desserts. The walls of the interior are made of glass, so you will be able to see the cafe from the outside. The atmosphere is on the fancier side, which is different from the hip, trendy coffee shops mentioned above. There is usually a place to sit which is great for meetings and meetups.
Address:174-11, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 1F
Table a Cat Cafe
For those that love cats, Table a Cat Cafe is one of the best you will find when traveling to Seoul. It has around ten cats of different breeds. You will need to order and drink and sanitize your hands. Once inside, you can drink while the cats walk around the cafe. Inside, you’ll find a chart that includes the cats’ photos with their profile, like name, breed, and gender. Compared to other cat cafes in Seoul, this cat cafe in Hongdae has a lot of space, is very clean, and has a very friendly staff that can speak a little bit of English. There are a lot of cat cafes in Korea, but if you had to go to one, we recommend Table a Cat Cafe.
Address: 162-17 Wausan-ro, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Bau House (Dog Cafe)
While Seoul has a lot of cat cafes, there are not many dog cafes. However, if you want to go to a dog cafe, check out Bau House. They have around 20 big and small dogs that are very tame. The cafe is clean and does not smell too bad. You can choose whether to spend time in the small or big dog area. You will need to purchase one drink, but you can play with the dogs for as long as possible. It might not be easy to get work done, but you will have a lot of fun.
Address: 64 Yanghwa-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
For those looking for the best independent coffee shops in Gangnam, check out our article here.
