7 Terrace & Garden Cafes in Seoul: Where Open-Air Design Excels
Seoul's cafe culture has evolved beyond interior walls into outdoor spaces.
Terraces, gardens, rooftops. These aren't mere add-ons. They're spatial design achievements. European-style fountain courtyards, secret urban gardens, skyline-viewing rooftops.
These seven venues create distinct experiences through outdoor design. Each location demonstrates clear design intent and spatial philosophy.
Reinterpreting European Romance
1. Dalmatian Apgujeong - Where Fountains and Terraces Create European Mornings
42 Apgujeong-ro 42-gil, Gangnam-gu
At the heart of Apgujeong Rodeo sits a European-style brunch cafe. Dalmatian isn't just a cafe—it's an aesthetic declaration.
Spatial Characteristics: An outdoor terrace centered around a fountain. Floral arrangements surrounding it. This layout translates the classical European garden into an urban brunch space. White parasols and wood furniture create harmony. Inside, high ceilings and large windows draw in natural light.
The interior borrows from French chic vocabulary. Molding details, chandeliers, velvet sofas. But the overall tone stays bright and airy. Not heavy classical beauty, but contemporary European sensibility.
Menu & Experience: Warm shakshuka, fluffy ricotta pancakes, signature wines. The food follows European brunch orthodoxy. Terrace seating is first-come, first-served. On sunny days, sitting here feels like a Parisian brunch in the middle of Apgujeong.
Open daily 09:00-23:00. Catch Table reservations recommended. @minjicurates
2. Growers - The Quietude of Forest Gardens
52 Yeonhui-ro 27-gil, Seodaemun-gu
Hidden in Yeonhui-dong's residential alleys, this garden cafe greets visitors with flowers and trees from the entrance.
Spatial Characteristics: The expansive garden defines this cafe's identity. Outdoor tables nestle among flowers and trees. Seasonal plants transform the space—spring blossoms, summer green shade, autumn foliage.
The interior extends the garden. Large windows frame outdoor views, potted plants punctuate indoor spaces. The boundary between nature and architecture blurs.
Menu & Experience: Fresh, seasonal ingredients drive the brunch menu. The peaceful garden experience is paramount. Weekend reservations via Catch Table recommended.
Open daily 10:00-20:00. Your escape from Hongdae's crowds.
The Power of Rooftop Perspectives
3. Green Mile Coffee - Seoul Above Bukchon Hanok Tiles
64 Bukchon-ro, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu
A hidden rooftop cafe within Bukchon Hanok Village. The third-floor terrace offers panoramic views of traditional Korean house rooftops.
Spatial Characteristics: A hanok-style building with rooftop access. Climb the narrow stairs and discover an open terrace. Traditional tile rooftops spread out like a panorama.
The marriage of traditional architecture and contemporary cafe culture intrigues. Maintaining hanok structure while perfectly executing rooftop cafe functionality. Green tea beverages and desserts add traditional context.
Coffee & Experience: Green tea-based drinks and handmade desserts are signatures. The third-floor rooftop offers optimal viewpoints. Perfect after exploring Bukchon Hanok Village.
Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. 10-minute walk from Anguk Station Exit 2.
4. 5TO7 Seongsu - Contemporary Terrace Facing Seoul Forest
44-13 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu
Where Seongsu trendiness meets Seoul Forest nature. Large windows and outdoor seating face the forest.
Spatial Characteristics: Modern interiors with oversized windows framing Seoul Forest. Outdoor terrace directly faces the greenery. Antique-inspired furniture harmonizes with contemporary space.
The function as a Japanese souffle pancake specialist clarifies the space's identity. The combination of dessert and outdoor experience achieves perfection.
Menu & Experience: Five signature souffles—fruit, Earl Grey, crème brûlée, matcha, tiramisu. Orders require 15-20 minutes preparation. Perfect post-Seoul Forest walk destination.
Daily 12:00-21:00 (souffle last order 20:30). Visit before 2pm on weekends.
5. Choso Chaekbang - Urban Vista from Mountain Terrace
172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu
A bookstore cafe midway up Inwangsan Mountain. A converted 1968 police station.
Spatial Characteristics: Glass walls frame Seoul's skyline like artwork. The second-floor terrace particularly impresses. The mid-mountain location creates unique perspectives.
Preserving the old police station structure while transforming it into a contemporary bookstore cafe. Books, bakery, and panoramic views converge in this cultural complex.
Experience: Freshly baked bread and desserts earn recognition. Book talks and intimate concerts occasionally occur. Reading by window seats while gazing at Seoul's panorama offers special moments.
Daily 8:00-21:00 (Dec-Jan until 20:00). Combine with Inwangsan hiking. Taxi or bus recommended.
Contemporary Reinterpretation of Traditional Courtyards
6. DongBaek - Hanok Courtyard with Bamboo Forest
17-24 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu (Ikseon-dong)
A hanok cafe in Ikseon-dong's alleys. The bamboo forest courtyard defines the space.
Spatial Characteristics: Maintaining traditional hanok structure while modernizing interiors. Bamboo planted in the courtyard reinforces traditional atmosphere.
The harmony between ambient lighting and hanok wood structures impresses. The courtyard-surrounding layout ensures outdoor spaces remain visible from every seat.
Menu & Experience: Souffle pancake specialist. Matcha and strawberry souffles particularly popular. Featured on Korean television multiple times.
Daily 9:00-22:00 (last order 21:30). Essential stop on Ikseon-dong hanok cafe tours. Expect waits during peak hours.
7. Amazing Brewing Company - 1959 Building's Beer Garden
27-12 Seongsu-dong 1-ga, Seongdong-gu
A craft brewery established in Seongsu since 2016. Renovated 1959 wooden building.
Spatial Characteristics: Both indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden. The vintage wooden building's warmth harmonizes with industrial brewery equipment.
The beer garden occupies a quiet back alley. Feels like a secret urban garden. Enjoy 50+ house-brewed craft beers outdoors.
Beer & Experience: Annual production capacity of 60 tons from the on-site brewery. Sample flights allow tasting multiple beers. Located in the heart of Seongsu's industrial-chic district.
Weekdays 17:00-24:00, Weekends 15:00-24:00. Experience Seoul's craft beer culture.
Before You Visit
Seasonal Recommendations:
- Spring: Growers (blossoms), DongBaek (new greenery)
- Summer: Choso Chaekbang (mountain breeze), Amazing Brewing (beer garden)
- Fall: Green Mile Coffee (hanok foliage views), 5TO7 (Seoul Forest autumn)
- Winter: Dalmatian (heated terrace)
Reservation Tips:
- Weekend Catch Table reservations essential (Dalmatian, Growers)
- Weekday afternoons 2-4pm least crowded
- Outdoor seating competition fierce on beautiful weather days
Photography:
- Dalmatian: Center on fountain, afternoon light
- Green Mile: Third-floor terrace panorama
- Choso Chaekbang: Second-floor terrace, sunset timing
- DongBaek: Bamboo forest backdrop
Transportation:
- Most locations within 10-minute walk from subway stations
- Choso Chaekbang: Taxi recommended (mid-mountain location)
- Parking difficult at most venues—public transportation suggested
Common Questions
Q: Worth visiting on rainy days? A: Indoor spaces equally excellent. Choso Chaekbang, 5TO7, and Dalmatian especially offer outdoor views from inside.
Q: Outdoor seating available in winter? A: Dalmatian and Amazing Brewing provide heating for winter outdoor use. Other venues vary seasonally—confirm before visiting.
Q: Child-friendly? A: Growers, Dalmatian, and 5TO7 welcome families. Amazing Brewing skews adult-oriented after 5pm.
Q: Pet-friendly? A: Dalmatian terrace and Amazing Brewing beer garden allow small dogs. Most indoor spaces prohibit pets.
Q: Most Instagram-worthy? A: Dalmatian (European aesthetic), DongBaek (hanok aesthetic), Green Mile (traditional views) offer exceptional photo opportunities.
Q: Time to allocate per venue? A: Budget 1-2 hours. Souffle cafes (5TO7, DongBaek) require additional 20 minutes cooking time.
Closing Thoughts
These seven cafes each approach outdoor spatial design differently.
European fountain terraces, forest gardens, rooftops above hanok tiles, Seoul Forest vistas, mountain observation decks, bamboo courtyards, beer gardens. All different philosophies, yet one commonality. Outdoor space isn't an add-on—it's the experience itself.
If you seek outdoor design excellence in Seoul, visit these seven.
