The Best Cafes In Gangnam Seoul

Gangnam, a district situated just to the south of Seoul’s Han River, is synonymous with luxury, extravagance, and modernity. These attributes are evident in the area’s glitzy shopping facilities, contemporary architectural structures, upscale dining establishments and, unsurprisingly, its chic cafés. Experience Seoul’s coffee culture in true Gangnam Style at these top cafés.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Café Dior by Pierre Hermé

Cafe, Dessert
Situated on the fifth floor of Dior’s Seoul flagship store, Café Dior boasts a sophisticated space to relax after shopping and to explore the unique universe of the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris. The café’s menu transforms with the seasons and is made up of the iconic creations of Pierre Hermé Paris – macaroons, chocolates, cakes, ice creams and pastries, along with a variety of beverages. Perhaps the most notable is the The Cake Ispahan – a delicate rose-flavored almond cake with bursts of raspberry and lychee. Pair it with a cup of Ispahan tea for a perfect teatime treat.

Backen

Cafe, Pastries, Dessert, Tea , Coffee, Fast Food
Pastry lovers will feel right at home at Backen, a charming European-style coffee shop located a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of the Sinsa-dong fashion district. Loyal patrons flock here for their freshly baked, perfectly flaky custard croissant (limit two per customer) but their savory pastries in particular are some of the best in the city. Try the bacon egg pastry or lamb sausage pastry with tzatziki, which are both fantastically executed.

Ikovox Coffee

Cafe, Dessert
This unassuming café located on an obscure corner street just off Garosu-gil may not look like much from the outside, but what it lacks in decoration, it makes up for in good, strong coffee. Furthermore, Ikovox differentiates itself from the area’s countless dessert shops with its cheesecake and brownies, which are fantastically dense and rich in flavor.

Lay Bricks Coffee Roasters

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Dessert, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Vegetarian
Popular with the city’s trendsetters and taste makers, this industrial-esque brick coffeehouse does a tasty patbingsu (milky shaved ice topped with red beans and fruit), as well as sandwiches and sweets. As their name suggests, Lay Bricks Coffee Roasters also roasts their own coffee, which fills the café with a chocolately, smokey aroma that is sure to keep you wanting to hang around all afternoon.

Rubrica Café

Cafe, Restaurant, Dessert, Korean, Vegan, Vegetarian
The wildly popular Rubrica Café in Cheongdam-dong, located on the fourth floor of Boon the Shop, is known for their tasty cakes, unique pastries and gourmet sandwiches that are served with a simple but sophisticated presentation. Coffee isn’t cheap – it’ll cost you around 10,000 won ($8.70 USD) for a simple iced Americano – but the price also covers a free refill and two hours of complimentary valet parking, which is quite a steal considering the neighborhood. Furthermore, the open view, classy décor and friendly service all add to the delightful setting.