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5 Best Cafés In Seoul To Grab Something Warm This Winter (And What To Order)

Winter brings with it many opportunities for new adventures, but on especially frosty days, there’s nothing more enticing than going to a cozy space with a warm drink and good company.

Fortunately, there are plenty of toasty and Instagram-worthy cafés in Seoul, South Korea to welcome travelers seeking refuge from the snow and chilly temperatures. During winters in Seoul, café hopping is a popular activity with so many different options found scattered all over the city.

 

 

Caffe Themselves

Caffe Themselves in Seoul
via Caffe Themselves on Facebook 

 One of the most popular cafés among young Koreans, the three-story Caffe Themselves in Seoul is a great place to enjoy the local vibe even in the dead of winter. It’s so popular that visitors are given a discount for takeout orders, instead of jostling for a seat inside this Seoul café.

 With many baristas serving in Caffe Themselves as part of their training, it’s not surprising that the coffee shop is now known for its wide variety of yummy drinks. It has some of the best coffee in the city with different options to appeal to everyone from froth loving students to brew connoisseurs.

What To Order: Single Origin Pour Over

Addresses:

  •     5-8 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  •     403-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

 

 

C. Through Café 

C. Through Café Coffee Artwork
via C. Through Instagram 

Be amazed at the intricacies of latte art in C.Through Café, where owner, artist, and barista Lee Kang Bin creates gorgeous artworks atop white foam and delicious Dutch coffee. From famous works of art to cartoon characters, the latte art in this Seoul coffee shop has gained a strong following among locals and tourists.  

While “Cream Art” may be the main draw at C. Through Café, the coffee shop has an impressive range of yummy and creative concoctions that keep regulars coming back for more. Rich, sweet drinks that are almost like desserts make it a great stop in your café hopping winter trip.

If you’re planning to visit C. Through Café during your trip to Korea, keep in mind that Lee Kang Bin isn’t at the shop every day. Most of the baristas are skilled in making the standard latte art, but tourists who want something customized should reach out to the café via Instagram in advance for a reservation.

What To Order: Cream Art, Scotchino, Hot Chocolate

Address: 37, Noksapyeong-daero 40na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong, Seoul

 

 

Coffee Hanyakbang

Hidden away in the narrow back alleys of Seoul is Coffee Hanyakbang, a specialty coffee shop that’s delightfully rustic. Step into the secret Seoul café and get transported to the past with its vintage furniture and soft jazz music. Whether you’re a serious connoisseur of coffee or a tourist looking for a unique experience, it’s easy to fall in love with the old-world vibe of Coffee Hanyakbang.

Most of the guests head to the top floor where there’s a cozy and homey sitting area that’s the perfect retreat during winter. Downstairs, coffee enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the fully-equipped brew bar and the alluring scent of freshly roasted beans in the air. Take a peek at the back corner of Coffee Hanyakbang to see staff roasting and grinding coffee beans on-site.

What To Order: Single Origin Drip Coffee

Address: 16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

 

 

C27

Pastries in C27 Cafe
via C27 on Facebook

Does the cold weather make you crave cake? If so, C27 is the perfect stop with the Seoul café with the shop offering about 27 different kinds of cheesecake at any given time. Even the most dedicated cheesecake lover will find it a challenge to try every single one, especially since the cheesecake menu is updated and tweaked every couple of months. 

People flock to C27 not just for its cakes and coffee, but also because the café is a pleasant space to spend an afternoon at. In both branches of the dessert café in Seoul, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy spots that make it a popular place among the social media crowd all year round. 

What To Order: Vanilla Latte, Cheese Latte, Earl Gray Cheesecake

Addresses:

  •     39 Dosan-daero 15-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
  •     161 Yanghwa-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

 

 

Thanks Nature Café

Greenery in Thanks Nature Cafe
via Thanks Nature Café on Facebook

Hanging out with sheep seems more like a spring and summer activity, but it’s possible all year round at Thanks Nature Café. Animal lovers who are looking for something to do in Seoul can bask in the farm vibes at this Korean café, hanging out with fluffy sheep in winter while sipping on delicious lattes. It’s the perfect winter activity, especially since the sheep are sent to the farm during summertime to help them avoid the city’s humidity.

Plenty of beverages are available at Thanks Nature Café, including tea, juices, smoothies, and coffee with adorable latte art. Pair it with a plate or two of waffles, which is the café specialty. 

What To Order: Banana Waffle

Address: 486 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

 

 

As the capital city of South Korea, Seoul is one of the top destinations in the country with an assortment of attractions. Get a ticket for the Seoul City Tour Bus to cruise by many parts of the popular city, including Myeong-dong, Seoul Folk Flea Market, and more.  

 

 

*Featured image by Kari Shea on Pixabay

 

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