Seoul is overflowing with trendy spots, from picturesque cafés to renowned eateries. Depending on your preferences—whether you’re seeking a photo-worthy location, a cozy atmosphere, or a culinary gem—the best “hot place” can vary greatly. But today, I’d like to narrow it down to something a little more specific and culturally rich: Hanok cafés.
As an English-speaking tour guide in Korea, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many Hanok cafés with foreign guests. And I’ve selected three that consistently get the highest “wow factor” from them. These spots are not only beautiful and photo-friendly but also serve delicious food and drinks. Let’s dive into my top three picks!
1. Café Onion Anguk (어니언 안국)
📍 Location: 5, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🚇 Nearest Station: Anguk Station, Exit 3 (only 70m away)
🕒 Hours: 07:00 – 22:00 (Open daily)
Café Onion Anguk is one of the most popular Hanok cafés among international visitors, and for good reason. While Café Onion is a chain, the Anguk branch stands out thanks to its striking Hanok architecture and unique ambiance. The building, over 100 years old, was once a traditional residence and later a Korean restaurant before it was transformed in 2019 by architecture firm Fabrikr into the stylish café it is today.
Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you immediately. The café offers not only great coffee but also a wide variety of drinks and pastries. Western-style baked goods like pangdoro, croissants, and an-butter bread are neatly displayed in the bakery section and are freshly made every morning.
Despite the traditional Hanok setting, the menu has a modern, international flair. There are both Western tables and traditional floor seating. Some of my foreign guests—tall Americans, no less—insisted on sitting on the floor for the full cultural experience!
2. Insadong Hanok Teahouse Café (인사동 한옥찻집)
📍 Location: 12, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🚇 Nearest Station: Anguk or Jonggak Station
🕒 Hours: 12:00 – 21:50 (Open year-round)
Don’t let the name “Hanok Teahouse” fool you—it may sound generic, but it’s one of the most searched cafés in Insadong for a reason. The simple white signboard with black lettering may look unassuming, but the moment you spot the beautiful wooden façade and soft lighting through the glass windows, you’ll want to step inside.
The interior is a perfect blend of traditional and modern design, featuring natural stone decorations, tiled walls, and cozy Ondol (heated floor) rooms for floor seating. Western-style tables and chairs are also available, but again, my guests always go for the floor seating—when in Korea!
The dessert selection is just as impressive. Highlights include mango bingsu and honey-filled injeolmi hotteok, both creative fusions of traditional Korean treats with a modern twist. You’ll also find a great variety of coffees and traditional Korean teas.
3. Ttaaa Coffee House (뜨아아아 커피집)
📍 Location: 1-1, Gosanja-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
🚇 Nearest Station: Wangsimni Station, Exit 9 (just 50m away)
🕒 Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Open daily)
The name might sound silly—“Ttaaa” is a mashup of the Korean pronunciation of hot and iced Americano—but don’t let that fool you. This café is full of character and surprises.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the antique Korean mother-of-pearl cabinets and vintage vanities repurposed as the service counter. It’s this kind of whimsical decor, mixed with nostalgic Korean elements, that creates an unforgettable experience. What’s more impressive is that the building is a renovated Hanok, complete with a courtyard and traditional wooden doors.
Naturally, it offers both floor seating and Western-style tables, but the charm of sitting on the heated floor surrounded by the garden and wood beams is hard to beat. Foreign visitors, in particular, love the traditional garden, which harmonizes beautifully with nature and reflects the Korean aesthetic of understated elegance.
Don’t miss their seasonal specialties. I highly recommend the “Kkyul Juice” (tangerine juice)—so good that even my child begged me to recreate it at home (with no success!). Their mugwort cake also hits the perfect balance of bittersweet flavor.
Final Thoughts
These three Hanok cafés—Café Onion Anguk, Insadong Hanok Teahouse, and Ttaaa Coffee House—are more than just places to grab a drink. They’re cultural experiences that blend Korean tradition with modern creativity. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot, a unique space to relax, or a delicious treat, these spots are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Of course, there are many more Hanok cafés scattered throughout Seoul. If you have a favorite, feel free to share it in the comments—I’d love to discover and explore more!
