Are cute things really just for kids? Do you have to be under the age of 12 for it to be socially acceptable to have teddy bears on your notebooks, cute ducks on the tip of your pens and sassy rabbit stuffed animals? As I was wandering around in Seoul and pondering the meaning of these questions, I found the popular Line Friends Cafe. I thought, “Oh my gosh, should I really be in here?” The answer is yes, yes, and always yes. What exactly is in here that’s so alluring?
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What To Expect
The store is really easy to find. Line’s friends pop out at you from their sign. Right when you walk in, there’s a huge Brown Teddy. During winter, he’s all decked out as Santa. Be expecting to wait in line just to take a picture with him during any holiday high times. There’s plenty of Line character statues to take photos with so be sure to bring your selfie stick or camera buddy. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon. My favorite part of the store was the wall filled with Brown teddy bears decked out in cute sweaters. Feel free to take as many photos to your heart’s content, but unfortunately, these adorable big headed mascots are not for sale. The downstairs can be quite crowded as it’s the most visually aesthetic. if you venture upstairs to the children’s section there are more Line friends statues and less people. Of course the characters are less popular than Brown and Cony, but totally worth the look.
Cafe Experience
The cafe is located in the basement. When I went, there were a lot of people and limited space to sit. I have to admit, I wasn’t impressed with the cafe experience. When I came at 4pm on Saturday, a lot of the food had been sold out for the day. I realize it takes awhile to make these cute creations, but the cafe should meet the demand, especially on the weekends. With the changing seasons, brings dessert changes. The speciality on the menu was cupcakes and I was fortunate enough to eat a Sally cupcake which was super delicious, by the way. If you go to the cafe, go during the week and I’m sure you can enjoy the place all to yourself.
While Kakaotalk dominates most of Korea’s chatting, Line is slowly creeping into the hearts of most with their lovable characters. After all, Line is made by Naver and that’s the number one search engine in this small country. When you walk out of the store with a Sally mug or a Brown teddy, fret not. Get down with your bad self and display those photos with James. Always say yes to a relaxing and cute afternoon. I’d say the Line Friends Store is totally worth a visit for all you first timers out there.
How To Get There: Get off at Sinsa Station, Line 3. Get out at exit 8. It’s a bit of a walk so be prepared. Walk about 5-8 minutes down the street until you see a Paris Baguette. Make a left (the street name is called Dosan-daero 13-gil) and walk up the street for another 5-8 minutes. You’ll see it on your left.
Address: 535-15 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 12pm- 9pm
14 Comments on Line Friends Store and Cafe
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I went to the one in Myeongdong recently. Loads of people queue-ing to take photos. Of course I did the same too. There’s one in Hongdae area but it is pretty small.
Have you been to the Hello Kitty ones? š
I was going to stand in the line, and then I decided a photo of the bear was just fine. Hahaha. I’ve definitely been to the Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae. Have you?
Ha! I have absolutely no idea what ‘Line Friends’ are! Even after two years of living in Korea! Shows how closely I follow pop culture-y things! It does look very cute and like a delicious cupcake. I probably won’t go out of my way to visit this shop, but if I happen to pass by I would probably pop in!
The only reason I knew about Line was because I lived in Japan for 3 years and it’s all the rage. Line is made by Naver and I’m surprised Koreans would still rather use KakaoTalk! I only know about pop culture because my kids always tell me about it whether I like it or not! Ha.
Very interesting! I had no idea what Line Friends were, but they seem to be quite popular. This is exactly the kind of thing that catches on in Korea…very amusing. Looked like a fun time…good post!
If it’s cute and obnoxiously adorable it’s a hit in Korea or Japan. š
Haha I think its ok to do/wear/enjoy cutesy things while in Korea/Japan/where it is commonly accepted, but one should err on a side of caution when back in our native countries. Sometimes I think wearing a couple’s outfit in a place like Montana, USA may not go over so well, but than again, it might just start a trend lol Who is with me?
Right? I love the couple clothes and cutesy stuff in Asia! I love how it’s okay to let out your inner dork and no one cares. I think we should definitely start this trend in America! Pick me! Pick me! I’ll start it with you!
What the heck is this Line Friends thing? I feel like I completely missed out on these characters while i was in Korea (or maybe they just swirled into the same generic cute caricatures on all the stationery.) I have to admit though, that cupcake is hella cute! Maybe I just ignored them because I’m a Kakao Talk die-hard and those emoticons were the stuff of legend. I’m like emojis have nothing on the peach butt guy in a onesie. Keep finding all these cute cafes! I love reading about them!
I am actually a big fan of Line because I used that first when I went to Japan. I like it more than Kakao but since I’m in Korea I gotta blend in and I use Kakao. Hahaha. I like the sounds Kakao makes better than Line. The cupcake definitely tasted as good as it looked. Gina Bear is on a mission to find all the cute cafes in Seoul!
Oh my goodness! Isn’t Korea amazing with all the cutesy cafe’s and stores they have! And this cafe and store is no exception! Look at all those bears…what a fun place to visit!
I think there is another one in Itaewon, I was there a few months ago and it had 4 levels to the store! Unfortunately we were there just before closing time so we didn’t get to visit the cafe inside but it was so much fun just strolling around and looking at all the cute things for sale.
Thanks for sharing!
You are correct! There’s another one in Itaewon and it’s just as awesome! In the cafe, they have giant figures of the Line characters that you can actually sit down with and have your desserts or coffee. I hope the next time you go, you can enjoy more time at the cafe! š
There’s also one at Itaewon. It’s at this new corner building going to the foreign mart. Too cute but since I have sons only, I can’t relate much…lol.
That’s too bad! I think you should go and enjoy all the cuteness! Hahaha š