The Best Themed Cafés in Seoul
The capital of South Korea, Seoul stands out for its contrasts. Modern skyscrapers sit alongside historic palaces and temples while Buddhist culture blends with pop culture. To take a break between all your visits, what about stopping by one of the city's famous themed cafés?
The capital of South Korea, Seoul stands out for its contrasts. Modern skyscrapers sit alongside historic palaces and temples while Buddhist culture blends with pop culture. To take a break between all your visits, what about stopping by one of the city's famous themed cafés? We've selected the 6 most original cafés in Seoul for you…
1. Ddo-Ong Café
Translated as the poop café, this bar is undoubtedly the most eccentric spot in Seoul! While its name isn't exactly appetizing, it offers a unique experience you won't soon forget! What we recommend: a Ddong bbang (poop bread) paired with a rose milk coffee served in a toilet-shaped cup. Bon appétit, of course!
2. Yeonnam-dong 223-14 Café
Have you always dreamed of being the hero or heroine of a comic book? At Yeonnam-dong 223-14 Café, your dream comes true! Here, everything appears to have been drawn in black and white. The only colours you'll find are those of the stunning cakes and other treats to savour… For those in the know, the décor is actually inspired by the Korean drama "W - Two Worlds", in which characters venture into a fantastical digital world.
3. Line Friends Café
Originally, Line is a messaging application for instant messaging, voice and video calls created in Japan by the South Korean giant NHN Corporation. It's an integral part of local culture, making this bar dedicated to Line a must-visit in Seoul! There, you'll discover the bear Brown and his Line Friends companions, characters from the app that all Koreans adore! While the first and second floors are reserved for Line merchandise, the café is located in the basement.
4. naZzzam Café
Taking a nap in a bar, comfortably nestled in a hammock, sounds appealing? That's exactly what the naZzzam Café, also called the Nap Café, offers! Each hammock is equipped with a curtain for sleeping in complete privacy and comes with blankets and slippers for maximum comfort! It's the perfect spot when you need to wait for accommodation and are still battling jet lag, or simply to take a break after a day packed with sightseeing! One thing's for sure, the vibe is zen incarnate…
5. Harry Potter Café
Harry Potter's success is worldwide. Even in Seoul, you'll find a café dedicated to the world's most famous wizard! And it's no fewer than four storeys and a basement that immerse you in the magical world of Harry Potter. Suffice to say, you can't miss this building! In fact, it's Platform 9¾ that serves as the entrance… So, will you manage to step into Seoul's world of wizardry?
Animal Bars:
The city of Seoul is also renowned for its many animal bars also called animal cafés. You'll commonly find dogs and cats, but also surprisingly sheep, raccoons, meerkats, and even reptiles. We've decided not to include them in the list of the best themed cafés in Seoul because, in our view, these animals have no business being in a bar… Besides, it's not as if the city is lacking in quirky spots, right?
Frequently asked questions
The Ddo-Ong Café, nicknamed the 'poop café', is one of the most eccentric establishments in Seoul. It notably offers Ddong bbang (poop-shaped bread) and beverages served in toilet-shaped cups. We recommend verifying its exact address and current opening hours before your visit, as information may change.
Most of Seoul's themed cafés, such as the Harry Potter Café or Line Friends Café, are very popular with families and children. The naZzzam Café (nap café), on the other hand, is more geared toward adults seeking a moment of rest. Be sure to check for any age restrictions before visiting.
Among the 6 must-visit themed cafés in Seoul, the Line Friends Café is particularly popular as it's dedicated to characters from the Line messaging app, which is deeply embedded in Korean culture. The Harry Potter Café also attracts many visitors thanks to its décor spanning 4 floors and a basement entirely devoted to the famous wizard's universe.
Seoul has a highly developed public transport network, including the metro (T-money card recommended) and buses. Most themed cafés are located in tourist-friendly neighbourhoods accessible by metro. It's advisable to check the exact location of each café on an app like Naver Maps, which is widely used in South Korea.
Yes! Among the 6 themed cafés selected in this article, none involve animals in potentially problematic conditions. Animal bars (with cats, dogs, raccoons or reptiles) do exist in Seoul, but their ethical standards are often questionable. We recommend choosing culturally or artistically themed cafés for a more responsible experience.
