Seoul’s cafe scene is insane.

Seriously… Coffee shop hangs and iced Americanos are a way of life around here.

Don't believe me? - Try walking a single city block without running in to one.

This vibrant and bustling industry that has been rapidly growing over the past few decades, and, today, Seoul is home to a diverse range of cafes and coffee shops, each with their own unique atmosphere and style.

Sometimes they're themed, most times they've got insta-worthy desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth... other times they have booze, or are full of your favorite furry legged friends. No matter what, they're absolutely EVERYWHERE.

While you're in the city, you have to visit at least one of Seoul's cute, colorful, and quirky coffee shops! — Here are some of my favorites!

All That Sweets

Located in Sadang-dong near Namseong station, All That Sweets is a must for all you cafe lovers looking to satisfy your sweet tooth.

All That Sweets is known for their holiday themed drinks and desserts in the winter time, and other adorable treats available year-round. Their cakes are baked fresh daily, and, they are so cute that you almost feel bad for eating them... almost. Since this cafe is so popular, they usually sell out of their desserts well before the end of business day.

Also, this location is small compared to other cafes around the city, so expect a bit of a wait for both your drinks and for a table. Because it is so busy, and has limited seating, I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a cafe to spend a long period of time.

Be sure to go early to avoid the rush (and to get first dibs on desserts)!

Getting There

All That Sweets is located in Sadang-dong, just a short walk away from Namseong Station on the dark green (7) line.

Walk out of exit 1 and take the first right on Sadang-ro 14-gil. Walk straight for a few minutes and All That Sweets will be on the corner on your left.

Visit their instagram for updated infromation on hours and menu offerings.

Blue Square Book Park

The Book Park is located in Blue Square, a culture complex with everything from restaurants and cafes, the Book Park, and and even a performing arts theatre.

This space has massive windows, and walls lined with books from the floor to the ceiling. There are several little nooks and lofts where you can literally sit amongst the bookshelves. If you're a book lover, you'll find it both aesthetically pleasing and cozy.

I happily spent the greater part of a Saturday afternoon here waiting out a rainstorm after completing a shoot for The Urban Photographer's Guide to Seoul, and I've never been more content.

Note: BYOB(ook).

I wasn't here book shopping, so I'm honestly not sure if any of their books are actually in English.

Getting There

The Book Park is in the Blue Square complex, located at Hangangjin Station on the brown (9) line, and just outside of exit 2.

Coffee Arco

Coffee Arco is a quaint little corner cafe located in Sinsa-dong. They definitely aren't boasting the best iced Americano in Seoul, but I'm a sucker for nice decor and a cute outdoor patio... and Coffee Arco has both.

It's more a run of the mill cafe, and not so much an Insta-trap, so, though there WILL undoubtedly be selfie-taking Koreans, this won't be nearly as common as at some of the other cafes. This is also a much bigger cafe space than some of the other places I've featured, so you won't feel awkward whipping out your laptop or journal and staying awhile.

Getting There

Coffee Arco is located just around the corner from Sinsa station on the orange (3) line.

Walk out of Exit 8 and then turn right down the 2nd street on your right. Make your first right and then a quick left. Walk straight for four blocks and Coffee Arco will be on the corner on your left.

Creamfields

Calling all California Dreamers - a visit to Creamfields cafe in Hongdae is a must. The left coast style decor is adorable and the desserts are downright delicious.

Though the cafe doesn't have loads of table space, there are a couple of tables suitable for bigger groups... and since I came later in the afternoon on a Saturday, I had no trouble finding a table by an outlet.

I tried the earl grey cupcake and a cup of tea (because it was freezing outside), but next time will definitely be trying a signature drink and one of their cactus cookies.

Need a cake for a special occassion? Creamfields does that too!

Getting There

Getting to this one was a bit of a hike. I went from Hongik University station on the green (2) line.

Take exit 3, walk through the park then turn down the fourth road on your right. Walk straight for a few minutes until you reach a main road (Donggyo-ro). Cross this road and then continue to your right.

Continue walking straight for several blocks. (Again... getting here was a bit of a hike. You'll walk through an underpass and everything).

Be sure to look up! Creamfields will be located on the second floor of a building on your left!

Don't feel like walking? You can also take buses 7612 or 7739 outside of Exit 8 at Hongik University Station. Get off at the second stop. (It'll still be a bit of a walk, but not quite as far). *Please keep in mind bus line information may have changed since the publication of this article

Monster Cupcakes

At Monster Cupcakes, Halloween isn't just a holiday, it's a lifestyle... Think Chuckie and the Nightmare Before Christmas meets dessert. Though their decor has a spooky vibe, the desserts are just plain cute... and delicious.

These quirky cupcakes typically sell out before the end of the business day, so come early for first dibs!

Getting There

Monster Cupcakes is located near Naksapyeong Station in HBC.

Walk straight out of Exit 2 until you reach the underpass. Cross over and exit to the left, then walk down the first road on the right. Monster Cupcakes is located on the left.

Share D Table

Share D Table combines several different concepts in to one cutesy location.

Come for a quick coffee and dessert a full meal, or grab a drink!

They have several different eateries to choose from and Busan Gorilla Brewery's craft brews on tap. I tried the salmon salad and the, totally insta-worthy, Pink Latte.

This is a fairly large cafe with ample table space, but keep in mind, more customers means more noise.

I enjoyed the buzz, but wouldn't recommend this place if you're looking for a quiet, cozy spot. Share D Table also have an outdoor area that will be great to enjoy during warmer seasons!

Getting There

Share D Table is located in Seongsu-dong, just around the corner from Seongsu station.

Take exit 4, make a quick U-turn and then walk down the first street to your right. Walk straight then turn down the fourth road on your left. Share D Table will be on your left-hand side.

Thanks Nature Cafe

Thanks Nature Cafe is among Korea's most quirky animal cafes. Located in Hongdae, about as far as you can get from an animal's natural habitat, you can get your coffee fix, a bite to eat, and hang out with Lulu and Lala - the resident sheep.

These two fluffy sheep may but heads (literally... pictured above)... and they may have chewed the plastic end off of my shoelaces, but they were still pretty cute.

Though all customers must make at least one purchase before going to play with the sheep, there is no minimum spend.

Getting There

Thanks Nature Cafe is located near Hongik University Station on the green (2) line.

Walk out of exit 8 and keep going straight. When you reach the main road, turn left. Thanks Nature Cafe will be located on your left (but on the basement level - so you'll have to walk down a flight of stairs to get here).

Urban Space

Want to feel like a kid again but likeeeee, also want to have a drink? Then this is the “cafe” for you.

Urban Space is the unicorn of all bars. They have booze... AND a ball pit. Their signature cocktails are adorable - one was served in a little metal shopping cart and another came inside a bird cage. Mine came in test tubes... and on fire... (The slight pyro in me opted for this choice for obvious reasons... if there are sparklers involved, I'm all there).

The best part about Urban Space - (for all you teachers needing an escape from little monsters on the weekends) - there are no kids allowed! And they have darts!

Enjoy the floaties, ball pit, and the booze (without the company of tiny humans). Don't get me wrong... Korean kids are cute... but sometimes you need a break from the tiny humans.

We added to the fun by bringing along Cards Against Humanity and playing a few rounds - (This may have been mostly for my benefit, as I'd been bugging my friends at the time to go with me to a board game cafe for weeks).

Edit: As of August 2018, there’s a NEW Urban Space located in Myeongdong. From what I’ve heard, this one is bigger, brighter, and has more photo ops than the original!

Getting There

Seongsu Location

Head to Seongsu station on the green (2) line and take exit 4.

Turn down the second street on your left and Urban Space/Urban Source will be located on your right.

Myeongdong Location

Head to Myeongdong station on the blue (4) line and take exit 6 to your left.

Walk straight and then take the third street on your right. At the end of that street, you will see Urban Space located on the 5th floor (near the back entrance to Forever 21).

Ver’s

Covered in plants from the floor to the ceiling, Ver's is literally a cafe in a green house.

Because it's lively decor is so easy on the eyes, this cozy little cafe is very popular. I came here two different times before being able to find a seat, but it was well worth the wait.

Grab a coffee, one of their signature flower drinks or desserts, OR a glass of wine.

Getting There

Ver's is located near Hongik University Station on the green (2) line.

Walk out of exit 3 through the park and turn right down Donggyo-ro (a main road - and the 5th road on your right). Continue walking straight through the intersection on Donggyo-ro 41-gil and then turn down the first road on your right. Then turn left on Donggyo-ro 45-gil.

Overall, cafe hopping in Seoul is an experience not to be missed by coffee loving travellers.

With its vibrant and diverse cafe scene, Seoul offers endless opportunities to explore and discover new and exciting coffee shops. The next time you find yourself in the South Korean capital, be sure to set aside some time to indulge in the city's coffee culture and embark on a cafe hopping adventure of your own!