12 Best Cafes Near Hongdae With Y2K Vibes, Monochrome Decor And More

Seoul is a cafe hotspot—cafe-hopping is a must for many locals and travellers alike. Here, we’re compiled a guide to the best cafes near Hongdae, Seoul, with snap-worthy interiors, gorgeous desserts, and delicious coffee.

For those who are unaware, these cafes are located in the broader Yeonnam-dong district, an up-and-coming area that’s near Hongdae with plenty of aesthetic cafes. Do note that many of the desserts are created based on the availability of seasonal fruits, which means the menu changes now and then. The current exchange rate is KRW1,000 = ~S$0.95 as of 28 October 2024.

• 1. Always August Roasters

In terms of ambience, Always August Roasters really hit the spot with their minimalist yet trendy interior. Add a bunch of beautiful potted plants and a breezy space, and you get a haven perfect for reading or having heart-to-heart conversations with your friends. We got their Oat Latte (KRW6,000) in Blend Number Eight.

It featured a pistachio base with a hint of caramel and was one of the most satisfying oat lattes we’ve had to this date. To go along with our coffee, we opted for the popular Hoji Moncblanc (KRW9,500). This work of art consists of Korean pear mousse, hojicha sponge cake, hojicha wafer biscuit, and chestnut boiled in rum.

Address: 71 Yeonnam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03975 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm

Website

Always August Roasters is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 2. Peace Piece

Peace Piece is a second-level cafe with seats by the window, great for people-watching and enjoying the scenery. They specialise in pies, so we knew we had to get one.

After much thought, we decided on their Blueberry Nights Pie (KRW7,200) as it was recommended by the staff. The combination of the slightly charred, crumbly crust and sufficiently sweet blueberry filling was to our liking.

We also got their Cherry Ade (KRW6,500) and Citrus Sunset Ade (KRW6,500) to quench our thirst after walking around all day. Address: 91 Donggyo-ro 51-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03980

Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm

Website

Peace Piece is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 3. Oats Coffee

If you love einspanner AKA cream coffee, you’ll surely fancy Oats Coffee. They have garnered more than 10K followers on their Instagram page over the years, and thanks to their successful growth, they recently opened a second branch at Yeonnam-dong.

We recommend their Einspanner (KRW6,000) for a sweet-savoury combination, and a good balance of coffee and cream without one overpowering the other. Desserts are a must when cafe-hopping, so we got their bestselling Cranberry Scone (KRW4,000) and Choco Financier (KRW3,500) as well. Address: 29-8 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03979

Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm

Website

Oats Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 4. Turndown Service

Turndown Service is a vinyl cafe ideal for those with a penchant for retro vibes and old-school tunes. There’s a good variety of vinyl records for you to browse through while waiting for your drinks and desserts.

Get their signature Kernel Latte (KRW6,500), which is essentially a latte topped with peanut cream. For desserts, give their Basque Cheesecake (KRW7,500) a try.

Do note that every customer must order at least a drink to get a seat. Address: 7 Donggyo-ro 50-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03981 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 11pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 11pm

Website

Turndown Service is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 5. Braun Haus

Braun Haus is a trendy cafe that doubles as a lifestyle shop selling adorable utensils, posters, furniture and more. Their Braun Coffee (KRW6,500) is a constant favourite among locals. This signature drink features latte topped with sweet cream.

Another item that sells like hotcakes is the Sweet Pumpkin Cheesecake (KRW7,800). The smooth pumpkin filling makes the cheesecake creamy and moreish, and is the perfect snack to have especially during autumn. Address: 25 Donggyo-ro 50-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03981

Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10pm

Website

Braun Haus is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 6. Earth Us

Earth Us is an environmentally conscious cafe that specialises in seasonal desserts. Do note that you have to bring your own container if you’d like to opt for takeout.

What’s fun about visiting Earth Us is that you can expect a different set of desserts when the season changes. Currently, they have Fig Parfait (KRW12,000) and Banana Cream Cheese Cake (KRW9,000) on the menu.

The former is made using handmade granola and ricotta cheese, and is topped with figs and shine muscat, while the latter features a combination of thick cream cheese and sweet banana cream. There’s also Strawberry Herb Ade (KRW7,500) as a non-caffeinated option. Address: 150 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03983

Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 12pm to 9pm

Website

Earth Us is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 7. Cafe JAMJAM

Monochrome-themed Cafe JAMJAM provides a hip space with drinks and desserts that are in trend with the younger generation. Aligned with their monochrome-themed interior, there’s the Black Sesame Latte (KRW6,500) and Signature Crumble (KRW11,000) in black sesame flavour. You can also get the dessert in Nutella and matcha flavours!

This crumbly mess comprises a soft, thick toast drenched in black sesame sauce, and topped with vanilla ice cream. If you’re still peckish, get the Basil Pesto Pasta (KRW16,000) and Prawn Avocado Salad (KRW14,000) instead.

Address: 24 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03980 Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

Website

Cafe JAMJAM is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 8. Daechung Park

Pay a visit to Daechung Park if you’re serious about your daily caffeine intake. You can find a good range of drinks here, including coffee, tea, wine, cocktails and more.

The tranquil ambience makes for an ideal spot for me-time, reading, and working. A cup of Americano here is priced at KRW5,500, while their Vanilla Latte costs KRW6,500.

For something unique, try their Kyoho Grape Green Tea (KRW6,000) instead. Address: 37 World Cup buk-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03991

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 8:30pm, Sat 12pm to 10pm, Sun 12pm to 7pm

Website

Daechung Park is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 9. Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee needs no introduction; the popular coffee chain has more than 10 stores across Korea, with one standing in Yeonnam-dong. The two-storey cafe boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with spacious interiors for coffee lovers to unwind and enjoy their cup of joe.

From classics such as Cold Brew (KRW6,000) and Latte (KRW6,600) to pour-over blends (from KRW6,000) and New Orleans-style coffee, you’re spoilt for choice here. What also makes Blue Bottle Coffee unique is their seasonal coffee bean options such as Cherry Blossom Nola (KRW7,000), which you’ll find in spring. Depending on the season you visit Korea, this gives you something to look forward to.

Check out our Blue Coffee Singapore pop-up feature! Address: Seongmisan-ro 32-gil, 52 B1F-1F, Mapo-gu, Seoul Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9am to 9:30pm, Fri-Sun 8:30am to 9:30pm

Website

Blue Bottle Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 10. Chanibear Station

Chanibear Station is the perfect destination for those who love anything adorable. The Chanibear-themed cafe serves up a variety of drinks and desserts adorned with the character.

What sets them apart is that the cafe doubles as a stationery store selling all kinds of goods: keychains, postcards, and stickers. Address: Donggyo-ro 46-gil, 42-4 1, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening hours: Daily 1pm to 8:30pm

Website

Chanibear Station is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 11. Thanks Oat

Thanks Oat is another popular cafe on this list. At the point of writing, they have garnered more than 15K followers on their Instagram page!

The brand is known for using clean, healthy ingredients to whip up sandwiches, Greek yoghurt bowls and more. It’d be remiss of you not to try their yoghurts as customers swear on these bowls.

If you don’t know what to get, their Seasonal Fruits Greek Yogurt (KRW12,800) is a safe start. Plus, there’s fun in trying different toppings during your visits as the fruits change up depending on what’s available. For something heartier, we recommend the Truffle Mushroom Sandwich (KRW12,800) paired with a cup of their Oatmeal Grain Latte (KRW6,500).

Address: 68 Seongmisan-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Opening hours: Daily 10am to 7pm

Website

Thanks Oat is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 12. Coffee Nap Roasters

If you ever come across a glasshouse cafe in Yeonnam-dong, it’s most likely Coffee Nap Roasters, brimming with locals and tourists throughout the day and night. It’s a must to try their coffee, where you can choose from three flavour profiles, including one that leans chocolatey with a hint of almond and berry, as well as a fruity-acidic option with sweet notes of honey, peach, and strawberry.

For something more well-balanced, opt for their third coffee blend, where you get citrus, biscuit, and milk chocolate flavours. A cup of their Flat White (KRW5,000) is great for a start, but if you’re not a fan of coffee, opt for the Milk Tea (KRW8,500) instead. Address: 70 Seongmisan-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 8pm

Website

Coffee Nap Roasters Yeonnam is not a halal-certified eatery.

Cafes you must visit at Yeonnam-dong in Korea

You’ll never run out of cafes to visit if you’re around Hongdae or Yeonnam-dong AKA one of my favourite spots to go for cafe-hopping in Korea.

For more overseas food guides, check out our Chiang Mai food guide for Michelin-approved Wagyu pasta and more. Otherwise, read our London food guide for places that are different from your usual tourist spots. Photos taken by John Lery Villanueva.

Feature image adapted from @earth__us, @thanksoat and @bluebottlekorea

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.