Everyone knows that Seoul is famous for its countless cafes, making it a perfect spot for cafe hopping. The decor transforms with every festival and season, but I believe the winter season creates the most romantic yet cozy vibe. The blend of white, red, green, and brown, plus the cool, windy weather makes the city feel like an entirely different world compared to my home in Malaysia. It’s impossible to resist the charm!
So, let’s dive into the cafes I visited during my short winter getaway to Seoul!
1.BBB Cafe
BBB Cafe in Sinchon is popular for its wide variety of bagels and unique baked goods, including chewy sugar-coated treats. The café features a minimalist white decor across four spacious floors, making it a great spot for studying or relaxing with a coffee. Guests can enjoy both dine-in and take-out options. The ambiance is friendly and inviting, perfect for both locals and visitors.
The Tanghulu was a delightful treat, creatively combined with a pretzel to create a unique dessert. Coated in sugar and adorned with pretzel biscuits and cherry tomatoes to resemble a deer for the Christmas season, it was visually appealing. While the exterior was a bit hard, the fluffy pretzel inside made it worth trying. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the café, taking our time to chill and savor our treats!
2. Molto Italian Espresso Bar
Molto Italian Espresso Bar in Myeongdong offers an authentic Italian café experience, featuring premium espresso made from Italian coffee beans. The bar also serves a variety of Italian-inspired drinks and desserts, creating a European ambiance with a stylish interior. It’s a cozy spot popular among both tourists and locals for its quality coffee, delicious desserts, and welcoming atmosphere. Located in a prime area of Myeongdong, it’s an ideal stop for a relaxing break during shopping or sightseeing.
The café is sitting right in front of the famous Myeong-dong Cathedral. The outdoor seating provides a peaceful ambiance, perfect for sipping coffee while taking in a picturesque view of the city. Also, the café is up on the 3rd floor of the PAGE Myeongdong (페이지 명동) building, which means you get a cool view of Seoul Tower. This makes it an ideal spot for those looking to relax, take photos, or unwind after exploring Myeongdong. The view adds to the café’s appeal, blending a European coffeehouse vibe with a uniquely Seoul backdrop.
3. Knotted Café
Knotted Café in Seoul is a trendy spot known for its cute and fluffy donuts. The café’s charming pastel-colored interior, playful branding, and aesthetically pleasing donuts make it highly instagrammable. In addition to its variety of donut flavors, Knotted offers coffee and drinks, making it a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. With multiple branches across Seoul, it’s a must-visit for donut lovers looking for both taste and atmosphere.
We visited the Anguk branch and tried the vanilla donut, Oreo croissant, and strawberry scone. Each bite was delicious, and even the coffee was excellent!
4. Mandong Bakery
Originating from Gangneung, is renowned for its exceptional garlic bread, particularly its Garlic Baguette, which is moist and flavorful. The bakery has expanded to popular areas like Yeonnam-dong and Seongsu, attracting long lines of customers. Besides garlic bread, it offers a variety of innovative baked goods, such as unique bagels and squid ink bread. Committed to freshness, all items are baked daily.
It may not be a café, but I absolutely have to share my favorite garlic bread with you! The flavor is incredible and creamy, featuring not just garlic but also a delicious creamy sauce that enhances the taste.
Here are the cafés we visited last winter in 2023, and I’m finally sharing them with you! While some may no longer exist (a quick Google search can help), I wanted to share our wonderful experiences because they highlight what was trending in Seoul a year ago. Enjoy exploring these delightful spots!
Stay tuned for more tips on exploring Seoul! We can’t wait to share more with you. Until next time, goodbye!
