Beekend
Hongdae
Beekend is a cozy neighborhood cafe near Mangwon Market that has become famous throughout Seoul for serving some of the best brioche French toast in the city. This small, light-filled cafe with minimalist wood interiors offers various French toast flavors including Crème Brûlée, seasonal fig and peach, matcha, chestnut, and sweet potato. The cafe's laid-back atmosphere and exceptional brunch items have made it a destination spot, drawing weekend crowds willing to queue for their signature French toast.
Cafe Comma Hapjeong
Hongdae
Cafe Comma Hapjeong is a multi-story book cafe operated by Literary Town Publishing Company (문학동네), creating a unique literary haven in the vibrant Hongdae-Hapjeong area. Spanning 6 floors including a basement, this expansive cultural space combines a carefully curated bookstore with a cafe, workspace, and exhibition areas. The highlight is the rooftop terrace on the 6th floor, offering panoramic views of the neighborhood. The quiet and clean environment makes it an excellent spot for reading, working on your laptop, or simply enjoying a peaceful coffee break. With its vast collection of books and comfortable seating, Cafe Comma has become a beloved destination for book lovers and digital nomads alike.
Coffee Libre
Hongdae
An award-winning independent coffee shop that started as a small hole-in-the-wall in Yeonnam-dong and has become a beloved destination for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Coffee Libre's dedication to quality and simplicity has earned them annual Blue Ribbon awards, making them one of Seoul's most respected coffee destinations.
Deep Blue Lake Coffee
Hongdae
A striking blue three-story roastery cafe in Mangwon-dong, renowned for Nordic-style light roasting and specialty coffee. The distinctive exterior matches the bright, minimalist interior where coffee enthusiasts can enjoy "tea-like" light roasted beans. Located near Mangwon Market, this neighborhood favorite embodies the trendy Mangridan-gil cafe culture.
Growers
Hongdae
A serene brunch cafe in the quiet Yeonhui-dong neighborhood, featuring beautiful flowers and trees at its entrance and a spacious garden that makes it perfect for dates. This cafe offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling crowds of nearby Hongdae.
Ichizen
Hongdae
A beloved tendon specialist in Mangwon-dong's trendy Mangridangil street, Ichizen has built a devoted following since opening in May 2017. This small, 14-seat restaurant serves authentic Japanese-style tendon (tempura rice bowls) that rivals anything you'd find in Japan itself. The restaurant's commitment to quality has made it one of Seoul's top two tendon destinations, drawing long queues especially during meal times.
IMMU Bake Shop
Hongdae
A beloved neighborhood bakery in Hongdae known for its exceptional French-style pastries and artisan breads. IMMU Bake Shop creates fresh-baked goods daily using premium ingredients and traditional techniques, offering everything from flaky croissants and pain au chocolat to seasonal fruit tarts and savory sandwiches.
Jinuh Tuna (진어참치)
Hongdae
A hidden gem in Yeonnam-dong's residential alleys, run by a "tuna doctor" with 30 years of experience, serving premium bluefin tuna with various rare cuts including belly, gills, and reproductive organs.
943 King's Cross
Hongdae
Step into the magical world of wizardry at 943 King's Cross, Asia's largest Harry Potter themed cafe located in the heart of Hongdae. This enchanting establishment brings the beloved Harry Potter universe to life with its meticulously designed interior and magical atmosphere.
Koriko Cafe
Hongdae
Step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli's "Kiki's Delivery Service" at this officially licensed themed cafe in Yeonnam-dong. Koriko Cafe meticulously recreates the enchanting atmosphere of the beloved animated film across three whimsical floors, making it a must-visit destination for Ghibli fans and cafe enthusiasts alike.
Cafe Layered Yeonnam
Hongdae
One of the most massive and popular cafes in Yeonnam-dong, Cafe Layered has become a destination for scone lovers and vintage French aesthetic enthusiasts. This spacious cafe features charming vintage French-style decor with warm wooden elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Parisian patisserie.
Nishimuramen
Hongdae
A Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen restaurant from Fukuoka that uniquely blends Japanese ramen with French cooking techniques. The signature Kyokai Paitan ramen features a rich chicken-based broth, tender char siu, and aromatic seaweed oil.