The Quirkiest Cafes In Seoul South Korea

While Seoul is home to numerous cafes, the ones that outshine all the others are the city’s themed cafes. Here are our picks of the best quirky themed cafes to stop by during your next visit.

While Seoul is home to numerous cafes, the ones that outshine all the others are the city’s themed cafes / Pixabay

1. Banana Tree

Cafe, Asian

Located in the Itaewon neighborhood, Banana Tree cafe-goers will be delighted by the cozy and colorful atmosphere upon entering. Small, wooden tables with colored chairs in shades of blue and green with plaid cushions decorate the floor space. Stuffed bananas and miniature banana-flavored tea crates are prominently displayed throughout the cafe. A vibrant yellow sketch of the cafe’s exterior is emblazoned on the wall. The menu offers delicious cafe options: americano, green tea latte, and caramel macchiato, and plenty more. But the highlight and the cafe’s trademark: if you order a pudding dessert, it will be served up in a nifty potted plant!

2. Thanks Nature Cafe

Cafe, Asian, Coffee

The open and airy ambience at Thanks Nature Cafe is a welcome reprieve from the chaotic streets of Hongdae. The retro 1970s style seating, exposed plumbing and contemporary artwork seem like a rather peculiar mix, but they mesh well together design-wise. Stuffed sheep decorate shelves, while outside the entrance you can hear two real sheep bleating. The menu offers a delicious mix of coffees, smoothies, ice flake and waffle desserts. The honey pomegranate tea is a must-try. Its light, naturally sweet flavor includes delicious jello morsels at the bottom of the cup.

Another popular Hongdae cafe spot is the Get and Show (Lego) Cafe. They offer patrons a selection of desserts to satisfy your chocolate fix – or your Lego-building passion. Above the entrance towers a large-scale Lego character. Inside, smaller characters are displayed in the windows, along with even more Lego constructions of police stations and neighborhood buildings peppered throughout the cafe. There is even Lego merchandise for purchase. However, before you race to your seat to excitedly assemble your own Lego creation, don’t forget to order from the cafe’s extensive menu. Coffees, teas, gelato and Lego-shaped chocolates are just a few of the items to choose from.

Get and Show (Lego) Cafe, 27 Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea +82 2 326 1888

3. Hello Kitty Cafe

Cafe

Hello Kitty Cafe

‘Perky’ is the word that springs to mind as you enter the Hello Kitty Cafe. The pink painted walls flaunt kitty in various depictions: sipping a cup of coffee or bestowing a bouquet of flowers, all while giving her adorable wink. The cafe menu includes coffees and teas, along with Hello Kitty mousse cakes in harmonious strawberry and chocolate flavors. The frothy pinkccino and greenccino beverages give a modern twist to an otherwise dull iced cappuccinos, and hot latte drinks are served in a cute cup decorated with Kitty stenciled in chocolate on top. On your way out, pop inside the gift shop where you’ll find an array of Hello Kitty paraphernalia. Jewelry, mugs, stationery and wallets are just a few of the items available for purchase. This is a must for fans, big and small.

Hello Kitty Cafe,18 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea +82 02 6326 6500

‘Perky’ is the word that springs to mind as you enter the Hello Kitty Cafe © Laika Ac / Flickr

4. Charlie Brown Cafe

Cafe, Coffee

Take a cartoon detour down memory lane by visiting the Charlie Brown Cafe. While Charlie Brown is there to greet you outside, inside Linus, Lucy and Snoopy will make for some great photo-ops. Brightly lit and spacious, the cafe has ample seating for patrons. Walls are colorfully decorated with the rest of the Peanuts gang: Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Sally and Woodstock. Even the tables have character stencil designs on top. The menu has a selection of coffees, desserts and frappes — lattes also have the artistic touch of Snoopy outlined on top. Similar to both the Lego and Hello Kitty cafes, this one also sells Peanuts merchandise.

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