Cafes- Hidden Gems in Seoul

Exploring cafes in Seoul brings me a lot of joy. Cafe owners bring so much innovation and creativity to their cafes, hoping that their reputation may sky rocket into a profitable business. The popular Greem (black-and-white drawing) Cafe, Harry Potter Cafe, Poop Cafe, and Sheep Cafe are excellent examples of this admirable success. But beyond these standard spots, there are countless more off-the-radar cafes worthy of acknowledgment. These hidden gems are great cafes to check out during your time in Korea.

For Creativity- Le Montblanc (Knit Cafe)

As a knitter, my interest was piqued when I found a yarn themed cafe in Seoul, offering the cutest knit sweater pastries. Too pretty to eat? Most definitely. I sat at the cafe for a good bit, before I was brave enough to start in on the rich, mousse dessert. Upon tasting the tiny sweater, I was quite pleased! Despite the cafe’s touted Le Cordon Bleu certificate, I was skeptical that something so pretty could also taste delicious. Let me tell you, it’s possible! The coffee flavored sweater alternated layers of mousse, cream, and coffee cake for a decadent and yummy treat.

Le Montblanc‘s interior is tastefully, yet minimally decorated. The knit details around the cafe are charming and create a clean and tidy atmosphere. When visiting, make sure you check out their rooftop for an eye-catching view of the Seoul Tower and the surrounding area. On a warm day, you can sit on the rooftop and enjoy your knit creation paired with an impressive view. For cafe fanatics, what could be better?

Le Montblanc is tucked away on an alley, so you’ll need to do a bit of looking around to find it! But no fear, I was able to pinpoint the exact location by using a phone app. Additionally, the area around the cafe is quite hilly. Be prepared to do some minor trekking to get to Le Montblanc.

For Aesthetic- Perception

I was enticed by Perception‘s gorgeous, wavy ceiling and knew I had to make a visit. During my time at the cafe, I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the interesting way the ceiling undulated and flowed. It is a truly remarkable design and I think everyone should stop in for a coffee when in the area!

For High Quality Coffee- 5 Brewing

5 Brewing is one of the hidden gems hidden in the back alleys of Hongdae. Its aesthetic is cool and the coffee beans are roasted in-house. If you are seeking a high-quality coffee experience head to 5 Brewing! The environment is a great place to sip delicious coffee while catching up with friends or doing work.