If you’re planning a trip to Seoul and looking for the best cafes in the Hongdae area, you’re in for a treat. One of the most exciting things about moving to Korea for me was the thriving café culture. Even though I had spent months researching trendy cafes in Seoul and bookmarking Instagram-worthy coffee shops, nothing prepared me for just how many unique cafes I’d come across in real life—especially in Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods.
In Hongdae, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s a cafe every few steps. From well-known chains like Starbucks and Ediya Coffee to independently-owned hidden gems with quirky interiors and handcrafted drinks, the options are endless. As someone who loves coffee and cozy atmospheres, I’ve spent many work-from-home days exploring these spots. Here are my top 4 favorite cafes in Hongdae you absolutely must visit.
1. Chani Bear Station – Aesthetic Cafe + Stationery Shop in Hongdae
42-4 Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st & 2nd floor)
(서울 마포구 동교로46길 42-4 1층, 2층)
Chani Bear Station is more than just a cafe—it’s a delightful blend of a coffee shop, bakery, and adorable stationery store. This was one of the first places I visited, and it quickly became a favorite. The charming bear-themed branding is printed on everything from mugs to T-shirts, phone cases, pens, and even laptop sleeves.
What really won me over was the customer service and the quality of the coffee. I had a vanilla latte here that remains one of the best I’ve tried in Korea. The cozy atmosphere and creative vibe make it one of the cutest cafes in Seoul, especially if you love aesthetics and want to bring home some unique souvenirs.
2. Koyo Bake Shop – Best Garlic Bread and Matcha Latte in Seoul
144-3 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
(서울 마포구 동교로 144-3 단독주택)
I stumbled into Koyo Bake Shop on a rough day when I wasn’t feeling well, but their garlic butter bread and creamy vanilla latte turned things around completely. The bread struck the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the texture was incredibly light and fluffy.
On my second visit, I ordered the iced matcha latte—which was out of this world. It had a bold, high-quality matcha flavor that wasn’t bitter and was sweetened just right. If you’re a matcha lover looking for the best matcha latte in Hongdae, this is your spot.
3. Banjiha Coffee – Underground Cafe with BTS-Themed Events
37 Wausan-ro 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Banjiha/ Basement Cafe)
(서울 마포구 와우산로15길 37반지하카페)
Banjiha Coffee is a cozy basement cafe that gained popularity for hosting fan events, including one for BTS Jungkook’s solo debut “Seven.” I originally came just to grab a Jungkook-themed gift bag, but the pastries were too tempting to pass up.
I ordered a cheesecake that had great flavor—subtle and not overly sweet—though slightly dry without coffee. My friend had the matcha cake, and it was absolutely divine. The rich matcha cream layer over sponge cake made this one of the most memorable desserts I’ve tried. If you’re a K-pop fan or simply in search of a unique underground cafe in Seoul, this place is worth a visit.
4. Nott Coffee – Minimalist Work-Friendly Cafe with Strong Espresso
22 Jandari-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor & basement)
(서울 마포구 잔다리로2길 22 1층, 지층)
Nott Coffee might be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and work-friendly cafes I’ve visited in Seoul. It’s bright, minimalistic, and has just the right amount of ambient noise. I visited on a work-from-home day and found it perfect for focusing while sipping on a delicious vanilla latte with a bold espresso kick.
Although I didn’t get to try the earl grey cake, I’ve heard great things about it and plan to return soon. If you’re in search of a minimalist cafe in Hongdae with strong coffee and a chill vibe, Nott Coffee should be on your radar.
Hongdae is without a doubt one of the best neighborhoods in Seoul for cafe hopping. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to work, take aesthetic Instagram shots, or simply sip on high-quality coffee and enjoy creative pastries, you’ll find something for every mood and taste.
Each of these cafes brings something unique to the table—from cute merchandise to bold matcha flavors and artsy interiors. If you’re in Seoul, don’t just stick to the big-name franchises—venture out and experience these hidden gem cafes in Hongdae that truly showcase the creativity and heart of Korea’s café culture.