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7 Brutalist Cafes in Seoul: The Raw Beauty of Concrete

Brutalism, an architectural style emerging in the mid-1950s, is characterized by exposed concrete, bold forms, and simple geometry. During Seoul's rapid industrialization after the Korean War, many brutalist buildings were constructed. Today, these structures are finding new life as transformed cafes.

Discover how once-considered rough concrete has evolved into contemporary, sophisticated spaces through these seven exceptional brutalist cafes in Seoul.

1. Concrete Cathedral

Location: Seongsu-dong 263-21

Opened in 2019, Concrete Cathedral lives up to its name with church-like high ceilings and massive concrete walls. This cafe, renovated from a 30-year-old factory, preserves the original structure while adding contemporary sensibilities.

Spatial Characteristics: The 8-meter-high ceiling appears endlessly tall through skylights that bring in natural light. The concrete walls retain the imprints of wooden formwork, showing traces of time. The barista counter, combining black steel and concrete, enhances the space's tension.

Coffee & Experience: Exclusively serving single-origin coffees, this cafe offers flavors as profound as its space's majesty. The signature 'Concrete Blend' particularly expresses brutalism's intensity through its rich body and long finish.

2. Subterranean Oasis

Location: Yeonnam-dong 541-15

Located on basement level B2, this cafe redefines underground spatial possibilities. Transformed from a 1970s underground parking lot, it elevates the darkness and enclosure of underground spaces into advantages.

Spatial Characteristics: Exposed ventilation ducts and pipes on the ceiling showcase industrial era remnants. Benches along concrete walls balance coldness and warmth through concrete-wood harmony. The widening space from entrance to back cleverly utilizes underground pressure.

Coffee & Experience: Utilizing the dark space's character, only candles and indirect lighting create completely different atmospheres at night. Famous for cold brew and decaf options, it's perfect for those seeking quiet concentration.

3. Geometric Garden

Location: Ikseon-dong 137-2

This Ikseon-dong alley cafe is an architectural textbook of bold geometric forms realized on a small site. The combination of cylindrical and cubic forms, plus horizontal-vertical contrasts, creates striking impressions.

Spatial Characteristics: While appearing closed from outside, the interior reveals unexpectedly open structure. The spiral staircase to the second floor demonstrates concrete's flexibility, providing changing perspectives while ascending. Light through front windows draws varied shadows on concrete walls throughout the day.

Coffee & Experience: Co-planned by an architect and barista, this cafe's menu follows spatial forms. Geometrically named items like 'Cube Latte' and 'Cylinder Affogato' add visual delight.

4. Rainbow Tunnel

Location: Mangwon-dong 430-17

Built on a narrow 20-meter lot, this cafe's tunnel-like form is its most distinctive feature. Wide at both ends and narrow in the middle, it naturally guides passing pedestrians' gaze.

Spatial Characteristics: The arched ceiling inspired by Roman aqueducts showcases technical achievement in overcoming concrete's material limitations. When noon sun enters through skylights, rainbow-like colors on concrete walls earned the cafe its name.

Coffee & Experience: The narrow space features mainly counter seats, which actually encourages active barista interaction. Takeaway-focused menus cater to this mobile neighborhood's transient nature.

5. Concrete Monolith

Location: Seongsu-dong 324-1

Beginning as a single massive concrete block, this architect-designed cafe faithfully realizes brutalist philosophy. As one of Seoul's most authentic brutalist spaces, it maintains pure architectural integrity.

Spatial Characteristics: Designed to avoid stairs or doors, preserving single-space unity. Concrete walls alternate rough and smooth textures, creating visual rhythm. Monolithic structure connecting floor, wall, and ceiling emphasizes spatial unity. Minimal furniture directs focus to the space itself.

Coffee & Experience: Like its minimalism, the menu is simple: only espresso, americano, and cappuccino—each perfected. The espresso offers dense flavors matching concrete's weightiness.

6. Floating Concrete

Location: Hannam-dong 735-11

Built in the narrow space between buildings, this cafe features a unique structure appearing to float. The entire second floor is one massive concrete slab, while the first floor remains glass, creating the illusion of suspension.

Spatial Characteristics: Engineered for structural feasibility, the 15-meter concrete slab is supported by a single central column. The open first floor serves as an aerial garden, contrasting with the second floor's concrete mass. The ramp connecting floors emphasizes spatial continuity.

Coffee & Experience: The first floor specializes in takeaway, while the second floor offers seating. Window seats best experience the floating sensation, overlooking the Han River and Seoul skyline.

7. Concrete & Nature

Location: Bukchon-dong 143-3

Located in traditional hanok village, this cafe bravely experiments with harmonizing brutalism and nature. The dialogue between concrete artificiality and Bukchon's traditional landscape creates new conversations.

Spatial Characteristics: The exterior is finished in perfectly smooth concrete, while an internal courtyard preserves a 500-year-old zelkova tree. Irregular concrete wall openings draw natural light, constantly changing interior atmosphere. Rain water tracing concrete walls against interior trees creates poetic experiences.

Coffee & Experience: Emphasizing harmony with nature, only organic coffees are used. Seasonal special menus reflect natural changes—'Forsythia Latte' in spring, 'Maple Syrup Macchiato' in autumn.

Before You Visit

1. Photography Restrictions: Some cafes limit flash photography to protect concrete textures.

2. Temperature: Concrete buildings have poor insulation—dress warmly in winter and lightly in summer.

3. Parking: Most renovated old buildings have limited parking. Public transportation is recommended.

4. Acoustics: Concrete reflects sound significantly; weekdays offer quieter experiences.

Conclusion

Seoul's brutalist cafes transcend simple coffee-drinking spaces to become venues for experiencing urban architectural history and exploring contemporary design possibilities. Discover how raw concrete transforms into artistic spaces at these exceptional locations.

@minjicurates @visitseoul.kr

This article was written in January 2025. Business hours and menus may change—please verify before visiting.