Whether you have been living in Seoul for a while or you are just coming as a tourist, visiting Hanok should be added to your list. Hanok or Korean Traditional houses are beautiful and unique to Korea. Nowadays, there has been an increase in Hanoks being used as other purposes other than a lodge. One of the easiest ways to admire the beauty of Hanok is to visit a cafe that primarily uses Hanok as its theme. It has become trendy to visit these Hanok cafes that combine modern desserts and sometimes even western interior but with an interesting twist to them.
Check out the list we have provided below of Hanok Cafes that have a unique touch from the rest and are located near the city centers of Seoul. Most of these are located in the Jongno area, close to the Palaces, so you can visit when you are nearby.
Who has not heard of Cafe Onion Anguk? This cafe is representative of Hanok Cafes in Seoul or even Korea. It is located near Anguk Station, close to where the famous Bukchon Hanok Village is located, as well as many other Korean palaces. Most cafes in Seoul are small due to the expensive land prices and limited availability, but this cafe is pretty huge. Their front yard is the characteristic of Korean Traditional houses, similar to something from a drama set.
Although the main theme of the cafe is very traditionally Korean, the menus they provided are Western bread and coffee beans, this makes it very unique. People can enjoy the beautiful and calm Hanok interior while eating scrumptious breads.
Starbucks Coffee - the only Starbucks branch in the world that is from a Hanok
Starbucks Coffee - Hwanggudan Branch
This particular Starbucks branch located near the City Hall is unique for its beautiful Hanok exterior and interior. It has become a staple tourist spot for foreigners to enjoy the beauty of Korea. Although there are bigger Hanok branches outside Seoul, this is the only Seoul branch that is designed to resemble Hanok. This branch was only newly renovated in 2020 and is located pretty close to Myeongdong, where tourist frequents.
Inside, you will be able to sit either on the floor with cushion, in a very traditional Korean way, or on regular seatings too. This will make it an interesting experience for foreigners and Koreans to enjoy the popular coffee worldwide with a twist.
Information:
Address: 112 Sogong-ro, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 10 PM Saturday - Sunday 8 AM - 9 PM Social Media: -
Cafe Oyatt Kkot (오얏꽃) - Cozy and Small Hanok in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
The Small but cozy frontyard of Oyatt Kkot
If you would like to go to a more cozy Hanok cafe, then this is the right place for you. If you have heard of Ikseon-dong, it is currently one of the hottest places to get drinks and food in Seoul. Made from a Hanok village, it has attracted the attention of both Seoulites as well as tourists due to its beautiful version of the traditional streets of Korea along with the variety of delicacies and shopping provided.
This place is popular for its Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice) as well as other non-Korean menus. During warmer weather, you can sit outside on the cushion near the windows of the front yard and enjoy the nice weather. The layout is quite similar to Cafe Onion but it is much smaller. This can be a great choice for you if you prefer coziness.
Information:
Address: 15 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Opening Hours: Everyday 11 AM - 11 PM Social Media: Instagram
Baek Midang (백미당) - Best Soft Ice Cream with the Best View
Beautiful View and Yummy Ice Cream from Baek Midang Samcheong Branch Baek Midang is popular in several Asian regions for its delicious soft milk ice cream. It originates from Korea and opened its first store in 2014 by Maeil Dairy. Although they have other menus too, they are known for their high-quality organic milk that has been made into milk ice cream. They have several versions of their milk ice cream, all very rich, not too sweet, just the perfect flavor. This particular branch in Samcheong-dong is unique due to its Hanok roof. Most of the other Baekmidang branches are usually small and located inside a mall or a building, so if you want to try the best experience, then check this place out. Information:Address: 70-2 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Opening Hours: Weekdays 10.30 AM - 9.30 PM Social Media: Instagram
Midam Heon (미담헌) - Very Traditional Setting
Traditional seats and interior of Midam Heon
Another cafe in Ikseon-dong has a very traditional feel. Although most of the cafes in Ikseon are Hanok-based or has a very Korean traditional feel. However, this particular place in Ikseon has one of the most traditional interiors with very Korean seatings, floor, and even wall calligraphies and decorations. This cafe will make you feel like you are time slipping to the 1800s Joseon Dynasty. This place is special as some parts work as a cafe and some others as a restaurant. This place seems like a traditional restaurant instead of a house. This makes it very cozy to hang out with your friends or colleagues. Although it looks very traditional, their menu is very modern with tiramisu cakes, carrot cakes, and drinks like Caffe Latte, or Fruit Ades.Information: Address: 41 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Opening Hours: Everyday 10.30 AM - 10.30 PM Social Media: Instagram, Website
