Best cafes in Seoul, Korea

Seoul’s cafe culture is unlike anything else in the world. With over 20,000 cafes packed into the capital alone, finding the best cafes in Seoul, Korea, is no small feat. From trendy Seongsu-dong warehouse spots to the charming hanok courtyards of Anguk and Ikseon-dong, each neighbourhood offers something unique. Whether you’re a coffee lover or dessert hunter, this guide features the 20 best cafes in Seoul that are highly rated on Google Maps (at least 4 stars), sorted by neighbourhood, sourced from local experts, including Siksinhot and Naver blogs.

While you’re here, read our related Korea articles: Gangnam food guide and Jeju Island cafe guide!

The current exchange rate is ₩1000 = ~S$0.85 as of 15 May 2026.

Seongsu-dong

1. Daelim Changgo

Image credit: Jun Seong Jeong via Google Maps

Before Seongsu-dong became Seoul’s Brooklyn, there was Daelim Changgo. This is the cafe that essentially started the Seongsu cafe revolution. Originally a rice mill from the 1970s, the space was transformed by local architect-designer Hong Dong-hee into a soaring café-gallery with cathedral-high ceilings, exposed brick, and rotating art exhibitions you can actually browse and purchase. Creatrip Korea, South Korea Hallyu, and Naver’s most-viewed travel blogs credit this as the landmark that put Seongsu-dong on the map.

The Geisha coffee programme here is a particular highlight for anyone who takes specialty coffee seriously. Order the Geishaspanner (₩17,000), prepared in th...