The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul

In today’s social media obsessed world, the quest for the cutest most aesthetically pleasing places is in order. If you’re looking for the most instagrammable cafes in Seoul, look no further. I’ve got you covered for the best places in Seoul for cafes. I’m constantly updating this post because trends change so be sure to bookmark it!

Not only that, cafe culture in Korea is a huge part of daily life. Since Koreans don’t hang out at each others homes, cafes are places they go to spend time together. This is why there are so many amazing and aesthetic cafes in Korea to take pictures at. Cafes in Seoul, South Korea are legit next level.

Why should you trust me above all other bloggers? Simple. I lived in South Korea for five and a half years. I was super bored during the pandemic, took up photography as a hobby, and got to know Seoul like the back of my hand. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect photo opp, look no further because these top Seoul cafes are sure to satiate your need for great photos and great treats.

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Map of The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul

1. Urban Cliff Cafe

Rather than be part of the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest tourist attractions in Seoul, I highly suggest going to Urban Cliff Cafe. Located on the Namsan Mountain, you’ll get an insanely picturesque view of the ever iconic Namsan Tower.

Photo Tip: Urban Cliff is really popular on the weekends. I recommend going in the middle of the week like I did to get this photo. I went late afternoon around 3pm and there was barely anyone there.

2. ARC-N-BOOK in Jamsil

Arc-N-Book is one of the most notable Seoul Instagram spots. This was the second location after the one in Myeongdong opened. Sadly, the OG closed down due to the pandemic. You can find this location at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. It’s most popular for its lit up book arches. Make sure you get coffee in Seoul while you’re here because it is pretty darn good.

Photo Tip: For uninterrupted photos, go during the week. On the weekends, it gets very packed.

3. Knotted World Cafe Jamsil

The newest craze in Seoul cafes is the new Knotted World Cafe. There’s several around the city, but the biggest one is in the Jamsil Lotte World Mall. This cafe is especially popular during cherry blossom season in Korea and fall foliage in Seoul. They have great flat whites and really yummy cupcakes.

Photo Tip: Go in the middle of the week and make a reservation. The seats by the windows get super crowded really quickly.

4. Basilur Sunset Avenue Cafe

Instagram in Korea was how I found the amazing Basilur Cafe. It is located on the top floor of the Lotte World Mall. Their teas are absolutely delicious and the little tins they come in are very Victorian themed. I honestly love them! Cute cafes in Seoul are a must!

Photo Tip: Come here during the week after you take photos at Arc & Book Jamsil Branch.

5. CAFE연남동223-14

You may have seen this cafe making its rounds via Facebook and Instagram because it’s literally that photo worthy. Whoever thought of turning a cafe into a 2D space has my standing ovation. The concept makes this a unique Korean cafe in Seoul. CAFE연남동223-14 is all black and white and every piece of furniture and wall is painted to make it seem like you’re in a comic book. You have to visit this cafe to believe it because it’s just that cool.

Photo Tip: If you come before noon on the weekend, you can take a lot of cool pictures. Additionally you can go at any time during the week and it won’t be crowded.

6. Chegro Bookstore (채그로)

The Chegro Bookstore is also a coffee shop in South Korea. As always Korean cafe aesthetic has to have amazing views and the Chegro Bookstore definitely delivers. From this nook, you have a breathtaking view of the Han River.

Photo Tip: This cafe is insanely popular. Try to come during the week during sunset to watch the sun set along the Han River.

7. Dae-O Bookstore Cafe

Cafes in Korea are so unique. The Dae-O Bookstore is a second hand shop. It is the oldest book store in Seoul. It had a surge in popularity after Rapmon from BTS paid a visit. The front of the store is a tiny little cafe and the rooms are traditional Korean style where you can enjoy privacy with your drinks.

Photo Tip: If you want the same photo as me and Kim Namjoon, then this spot is located at the corner of the main courtyard.

8. Dinga Cake House

If you’re a fan of Kpop, you might recognize this adorably Instagrammable cafe from Zico’s music video, She’s a Baby, and GainxJeff Bernaut’s Pray video. Since the cakes are so unique they have been featured in a lot of photoshoots and videos. I’m not sure about the taste, but I will for sure be visiting this cafe over the summer!

It’s super popular with Japanese tourists, so you might catch a few merrily enjoying their time there. Also, judging by the prices drinks range from 5,000-8,000 won and a slice of cake is about 7,500 won. But it looks soooooo worth it.

Photo Tip: Come right when the cafe opens at 11am if you’re visiting on the weekend. If visiting during the week, you can come at any time.

9. DThrone Cafe

DThrone is one of the most unique cafes in Seoul. Cafes in South Korea are bountiful so they’re constantly coming up with creative ways to bring people in. This cafe’s signature are the motor scooter cars even adults can ride on. A Seoul coffee signature is the Americano (ironic) but make sure you try it here because it’s especially tasty!

Photo Tip: You can come at any time, but I would come around noon for the lunch specials. You can take pictures with the cars anywhere on the side walk.

10. Jade Mug & Yumi’s Dress Room

Another super cute dress up cafe in Seoul, Jade Mug & Yumi’s Dress Room have set themselves apart as you can rent dresses from all your favorite Disney movies. They have the classic dresses from the animations and also live action. Some of the dresses include Jasmine, Anna, Elsa, Cinderella, and Aurora. If you need a cute cafe in Seoul for your Instagram feed, you can’t go wrong with anything Disney inspired.

Photo Tip: Make a reservation when you’re going on the weekends. If you go during the week, you can come at any time. People are respectful of your photo zone so you can enjoy the cafe at your leisure.

11. 943 King’s Cross Harry Potter Cafe Seoul

Are you a fan of the wizarding world of Harry Potter? If you don’t know Harry, then I’m pretty sure you grew up under a rock for the last twenty years. In any case, the King’s Cross Harry Potter Cafe in Hongdae is legit one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. If you haven’t been able to make it to Universal Studios Japan or Universal Studios in America, then this is definitely the next best thing.

Photo Tip: You can come to this cafe at any time. Since its huge, you’re not gonna get tons of people in your photos.

12. Appi Forest Cafe Ikseondong

One thing I love about South Korea is the ever popping cafe culture. When it comes to cafes setting themselves apart, I love the creativity and thought that goes into each one. I also truly miss the cafe culture of hanging out with your friends and enjoying a fancy coffee with desserts. Appi Forest has some of the tastiest and creamiest gelato ever. While I was walking around Ikseondong, I came across this beautiful jungle themed cafe in Seoul.

Photo Tip: Go during the week as it gets super packed on weekends. If you find yourself here during the weekend go when the cafe opens at 10am.

13. Melting Pom

In my not so humble opinion, Melting Pom is one of the cutest cafes in Seoul. This cafe is a bit out of the way because it is located on the Northeast corner of the city. Is it worth it? Hell yeah! Who doesn’t love dogs? I’m partial to Pomeranians since I have one myself.

Photo Tip: You can go at any time because there won’t be a lot of people there. Snap a photo on the bed with a puppy and a rainbow for the cutest Seoul picture!

14. Mamma Mia Dosan

This is literally my favorite cafe in all of Gangnam. They have a variety of desserts inside and the outside garden is decorated with wisteria or ornaments depending on the time of year. Not only that, the building itself is hot pink and they have the most delicious cake pops I’ve ever had in Seoul. Mamma Mis Dosan is one of the trendiest cafes in Seoul. After all, did you really visit the big city if you didn’t snap a photo here?

Photo Tip: Always go when the cafe opens at 10am. It’s always busy even during the week.

15. Oyatt Kkot Hanok Cafe | 오얏꽃

I’m a huge sucker for drinking tea in traditional places. While walking around Ikseon-dong, I stumbled upon the Oyat Kkot Hanok Cafe and I fell head over heels. If you’re looking for amazing Korean cafes in Seoul, I cannot recommend this one enough! The outside features a beautiful courtyard where you can drink tea and enjoy the outdoors. Their green tea is absolutely refreshing and goes great with a scone. You can find this delectable hanok cafe on the Hyatt Knot Instagram.

Photo Tip: Go right when this cafe opens at 10am. It gets super crowded in the afternoon and late evenings.

16. Greenmile Cafe Bukchon Hanok Village

Greenmile Cafe has the absolute most unique coffee I’ve ever had. They blend matcha and coffee so seamlessly the drinks there are incredible. If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon energy boost, this drink will definitely have you bouncing off the walls. I love how the cafe is located in Bukchon Hanok Village and you can get an awesome view of the Korean traditional homes.

Photo Tip: You can go here at any time. However, I recommend you go during the day or late afternoon for that sunset glow.

17. Salon De Ddalki with Barbie

One of my favorite pop up cafes and buffets, the JW Marriott hosts Barbie Salon De Ddalki every year. You can go and stuff your face with the most delicious strawberry flavored desserts. It’s only available December – March every year so go and dine with your favorite betch before it’s over. You can easily book your afternoon or evening buffet session here.

18. Style Nanda Pink Hotel in Myeongdong

An Instagram worthy cafe in Seoul you seek, and you shall reap. Love my rhymes? This is the third flagship store that consists of seven floors. Yup. You read right. These floors consist of the lobby, spa, accessories, apparel, pool, and rooftop cafe. Each floor has a unique and artsy signature and is sure to make any pink lover squeal with excitement. Besides, who doesn’t need a pink pool cafe for Instagram? You need the Style Nanda Pink Cafe Seoul in your life. It’s located in Myeongdong making this another stop on your Seoul shopping spree. Of course check out the cute Korean cafe upstairs that looks like a pink summer pool.

Photo Tip: If you want a photo outside facing the hotel portion, go early in the morning before people start filtering in. The staff for the most part are really nice. I set up my tripod here and they didn’t really mind me taking pictures.

19. Style Nanda Pink Pool Cafe in Hongdae

Located in Hongdae, you’ll also get a dose of super cute pink everything along with “lounging” by a pool…. No matter what time of year it is. Who doesn’t like a cafe in South Korea where you can feel like its summer all year long? Get your fill of delicious desserts upstairs and then make your way down shopping each floor as you go. As you all know, I don’t care much for Korean fashion, but I love the Stylenanda makeup and accesories.

Photo Tip: Go early. I went on the weekend when it opened at 10am there weren’t that many people here. I took tons of photos and I still love them.

20. Sikmulgwan PH

Botanical gardens literally never go out of style. Located in a more foresty area of Seoul, this is one of the best trends to hit the city. For 10,000 won you can go into the galleries of art, take photos and enjoy a nice drink. This is one of the best cafes in Korea if you’re looking to escape the smog and get some fresh air.

Photo Tip: This cafe is not dependent on time. You can go whenever since its huge and take lots of photo undisturbed.

20. Seoulism

This place is a complete gem and I wish I would have discovered Seoulism a lot quicker. If you want a cafe with one of the best views in Seoul, you don’t want to miss out. Because of the location and how popular this cafe is, the drinks are expensive. I paid 9,000 won for a tea; however, I think the atmosphere is so worth it. It has two floors and a very cozy atmosphere. Without a doubt, Seoulism is the best cafe in Seoul.

Photo Tip: Go in the evening during the week before the sun sets to get a dramatic photo like this one. Weekends are always crowded. If you do go during the week, go when it opens at 1pm.

21. S’More Market (스모어마켓)

Korean coffee shop aesthetic must of course always have an amazing view of hanok houses. S’more Market is a Disney themed cafe. They feature different popups depending on the newest Disney releases. Their Toy Story decor is the most popular so that stays up the majority of the year. Check out more information on the official S’more Market Instagram here. Also be aware they have two pop up locations. The Summer House and The Winter House. Both are charming and lovely.

Photo Tip: Since this cafe is built to take photos and enjoy yourself, people respect the photo zones. This is a particularly great cafe to visit on colder days.

22. Sala Daeng Bangkok

This is by far one of my favorite Seoul cafes to visit. It was inspired by the the architecture, culture, and tropical vibes of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. Sadly, I’ve only been to Thailand once, but this cafe does a great job of making you feel like its summer time. Sala Daeng is the best cafe in Korea in terms of Southeast Asian influence and decor.

Photo Tip: Even during the pandemic, Sala Daeng was popping. It’s always popular and crowded. Get creative and play with your angles.

23. Cheongsudang Cafe Ikseondong

If you didn’t know, I lived in Japan for ages. Sometimes I miss it and this beautiful Ikseondong cafe has it all. They have beautiful spongecakes and of course tasty Americanos.

Photo Tip: Since this cafe is super popular, it is busy at all times of the day. You can get a good photo in the early morning during the weekends or in the afternoon during the week.

24. Thanks Nature Cafe in Seoul

The Thanks Nature Cafe in Seoul is so much fun. South Korea Cafes are so interesting because honestly, I would never see this in America. Coffee shops in Seoul make the economy go round since Koreans are always working long hours. Why not make them fun too? Thanks Nature brings a couple resident sheep to hang out before they go back to the country for their wool.

Photo Tip: Bring a friend here to help you take photos. I used my tripod and the sheep almost knocked it over because they were so curious! lol.

I hope you will enjoy the best Instagrammable cafes in Seoul with this list. Because let’s be real. Nothing beats grabbing your gal or guy pals and bonding over delicious food and drinks in a cute location. I hope you enjoy all the Korean aesthetic cafes on the list!

So in all seriousness, which cafe are you guys headed to first? Be sure you use the hashtag #ginabearcafefinds on Instagram so I can see what you all are doing and how you’re taking your photos! Also, don’t forget to bookmark this post and check back frequently because I will be updating it with more Instagram worthy places!

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