Samoyed Dog Cafe in Hongdae

Are you a dog lover? Addicted to animal cafes? Is the Samoyed your favourite dog breed? If so, you should head over to gyeo-uri meo-mu-neun jip (“the house where Gyeoul stays.”) This Samoyed dog cafe is named after one of the eldest dogs of the pack, Gyeoul, which means ‘winter’ in Korean.

This cozy cafe is located down an alley just off the main Hongdae University Street. Despite its key location, many people do not know about it. In fact, the other animal cafes in Hongdae seem to get a lot more recognition… However, Gyeoul’s House is the only Samoyed cafe in Seoul. Furthermore, unlike other animal cafes, the owner really does value his dog’s wellbeing above all else. You can rest assured that these pups are happy and have plenty of space for themselves.

At the entrance, you will be greeted by the friendly staff, whom will go through the rules of the cafe with you and process your payment. They will store your coats and bags at the front desk and give you a key so you can reclaim them. You’ll need to take your shoes off and put sandals on. Then, they will lead you upstairs to meet the dogs!

At this point you may be wondering, how do I tell them apart? Thankfully, the staff thought of that. Each dog is tagged with hair pastels so you can tell them apart. Moreover, some of them have pasteled tails, while others have pasteled cheeks. So adorable! You will then have free time with the dogs and may be given special snacks to feed them with. Furthermore, the dogs are well-trained in special tricks, so be prepared for a real show!

The cafe is designated by two floors. The first floors have many young and playful dogs, while the second floor is for the older, more calmer individuals, including Gyeoul herself! Therefore, each dog is in a comfortable space that suits them.

You can stay at the cafe as long as you like. However, its worth noting that the drinks range is not as grand as in other cafes. The fee to enter is 11,000 and there is a self-service drinks machine where you can get coffee, soda etc. As I previously mentioned, you are paying for an experience, so in my opinion it is worth the money.

I would definitely add this to your list of must-see places in Seoul! You will leave this cafe with such a warm feeling, from both the dogs and the staff. Gyeoul’s House Samoyed dog cafe is the perfect uplifting experience for any day of the week.

Gyeoul's House Cafe

Address: 19-5 Wausan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 1:00pm - 10:00pm everyday
Directions: Sangsu Station (Subway Line 6) Exit 1. Take the first right and then go left around the bend. Walk straight for 3 min until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road. Turn right again and veer left at the fork. Keep straight again until you reach Gyeoul's House Cafe on your right.