Best 5 Study Cafes in Seoul

Study Cafes in Seoul

Now that you are in Seoul either just travelling or studying, and want a place to relax and be focused, you should consider visiting one of these awesome Cafes in Seoul!! Studying at the same location everyday can get tiring and unmotivated, therefore here is a list of places you can go and sit down to study or read. Since changing environments time to time can improve your style of thinking and spice up your study time.

The 1st Penguin

The 1st cafe in Seoul that is great for those who want a nice and quiet place to study or read, has designed their shop for those purposes. This style of a Cafe is unusual but effective for customers since there are 200 electric outlets, 2 computers, 30 lamps, dozens of pencils and sharpeners. Also they provide free water and books if you don't have anything to study with. You will also find some couches, desks for two with a lamp, blankets and even a chalkboard. That being said, this place is really for those who want to study or read, so not a good idea to go there and have a conversation.

The location of The 1st Penguin is near Korea University, so it's really popular for students who attend the prestigious school. Also the colors of the Cafe are really bright and colorful that help people stay awake!! Another thing about their location, is that there are quite a number of restaurants around that you can go eat when you get hungry, but The 1st Penguin do sell small snacks.

For more information click HERE!



Cafe Meeple

Cafe Meeple first opened back in 2007 and has attracted tens of thousands of students to study there and people to just prepare work or read. The cafe is really spacious and aims to provide comfortable study spaces for people. There you can find various sizes of tables, study rooms, and printing facilities. Also there is a possibility you can get a discount if you go during their early hours!!

If you know Korean, visit their Website for more information!!



Dokdabang Cafe

The Dokdabang Cafe is symbolic in Sinchon, it first opened back in 1971 as a music cafe and it was popular among students in the 70's and 80's for 33 years and closed down in 2005. However it has re-opened thanks to the grand son of the original owner and has been a favorite of locals since then!! and close to Yonsei University!!

The Cafe is not just for study as the other two, it has two separate areas for study and regular common space. The ambiance gives a gracefully library-like feel because of their interior design such as wooden tiles, ceiling-tall wooden shelves, wood patio doors with gold linings and classical music as background music. They also have huge glass windows that you will be able to enjoy the view of Sinchon.

If you need a quiet space to study or read, they have a room for that!! In there you will find tables with study lamps and absolutely no talking. Another great part of this cafe is that they have two private meeting rooms for hourly rent for any purpose you would need, maybe such as study groups. Now for the coffee, any drink you purchase you can have a coffee refill for FREE but only once for every purchased drink.

The cafe also is well known for their seasonal Bingsu, every Summer they sell Melon Bingsu which is a favorite because of the style it's served but also of its delicious taste!!

For more information and reviews click HERE!

More pictures and credit click HERE!

Cafe Cita at Soom Island

This cafe near Sogang University is a combination of reading room, cafe and an art gallery. The environment is really peaceful and relaxing!! The combinations mentioned are divided into different spaces around the building, such as where you would find the Book Gallery there is a no-talking policy, then there is the Cafe (CITA) and then an art gallery to enjoy.

Occasionally the Cafe Cita hosts film screenings, book club meetings and lectures. You would also find special meditation and conference rooms available for rent on the seventh floor. However CITA is well known for their beautiful pastries!! The Head Chef studied at Le Cordon Blue in France and one of the popular items are the tarts which people claim are the best ones they ever tried!!

For more information click HERE!


Sahara Cafe

The Sahara Cafe is a hidden gem in Seoul and is really popular among Soongsil University students. Because of the cheap price for coffee and a beautiful and minimalist design. You can go there to study or read, they even have hundreds of books to choose from!!

For seating they have pillowed chairs, long tables with study lamps and just a nice quiet relaxing atmosphere. The nearest subway station to get here is Soongsil University station and they are open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm and on Sunday 1 pm to 11 pm, go ahead and check them out!!

Address: 501-2 Beonji Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
주소: 서울특별시 동작구 사당로 6-1

We hope that you find this information useful and get the chance to visit any of these locations!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about Exploring outside of Seoul!! 

5 Best Reviewed Language Schools in Seoul

Live in Seoul, Learn Korean

Are you learning Korean but there are a few obstacles you can't seem to overcome? such as lack of language levels at your home university, not having Korean language courses near where you live or learning but not feeling fulfilled, well come to South Korea and learn, practice and excel your Korean language skills!! Learning another language is always a difficult path but a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about other cultures and much more!! Therefore, we would like to give a few of the best reviewed language schools in Seoul, so you can analyze them and decide which one fits your needs the most!! Of course none of these are ranked and feel free to do more of your own research as well.

Rolling Korea Language & Culture School

The Rolling Korea Language & Culture School was founded back in 2012 and has been developing their unique educational contents and activities so students receive the most satisfying experiences. If you are one of those students who occasionally lose motivation (I know I am hehehe), one of their goals is to always maintain students' interests and desire to become experts in Korean through cultural contents, such as K-POP/K-Dramas and field trips to popular locations around Seoul!!

If you are concerned about grammar, don't worry since they use Visual Learning. Meaning where instructors use visual materials to facilitate the understanding of grammar and this method has shown that students understand quickly about the subject. Some of the materials include, YouTube clips, magazines, news articles, Powerpoints, music videos and song lyrics, so don't worry it won't be a boring class with just textbooks!!

If you are worried there won't be much opportunity to speak, don't worry since they focus a lot of time to give students to practice their Speaking Skills. After each grammar lesson there will be guided conversations students can use to practice their skills. Also each classroom has a few number of students, so everyone has a chance to learn and practice more freely.

This institution has Various types of courses, click HERE to read about them and decide which one fits best for your needs!!

Click HERE to read their Reviews!

Lexis Korea

If you are looking for a more modern and attractive facility, then Lexis Korea is just for you. This institution has ten air conditioned classrooms with floor to ceiling glass windows that overlooks the Gangnam district of Seoul, and the student common room and restaurant facilities are within the building which is pretty convenient for students. Lexis Korea goal is to provide the highest quality of a study environment to students.

Lexis Korea has 7 different types of programs to choose from with different focus of study, however each one are fast-paced and small to medium size classes. They also provide cultural activities that students can participate in and further immerse into Korean culture.

Visit their Official Website for more information! and click HERE to read their Reviews!

Easy Korean Academy

At Easy Korean Academy, they have written and published their own learning textbooks and they are the same ones that are used in classrooms therefore being very efficient and systematic. They have various types of classrooms and each floor is equipped with computers for students to use. Also there is a coffee machine in the lounge and a classroom students can go to self-study after school.

They have various Korean language courses such as TOPIK class, K-POP (dance and song lyrics), pronunciation class, weekend classes and online classes as well. Besides the courses they also offer cultural activities such as cooking classes, city tours, Hanbok experience and much more!!

Visit their Official Website for more information! and click HERE to read their reviews!

Sogang University Korean Language Program

Sogang Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) classes are student-centered and focus on Speaking. Students are able to improve their ability to speak quickly by learning vocabulary and phrases used in daily life while engaging in very realistic activities. Of course listening, reading and writing are also included in the course. This program is highly recommended among Korean language students, especially known for its results in achieving practical knowledge of Korean language, rather than strict grammar which is limited in real life use.

Each course has cultural activities to keep students engaged in Korean culture. There are 7 levels of Korean language learning that one can partake. However you will be tested through speaking interview, reading and writing evaluation and then placed to the correct Korean level you are at. In order to advance students need to score over 70% on the final exam in each class and area (such as speaking, reading, writing and listening).

Visit their Official Website for more information! and click HERE to read their reviews!

Yonsei University Korean Language Program

The Yonsei University Korean Language Program is an extremely popular choice for those wanting to learn Korean, especially among the younger demographics. Their program is also one of the largest Korean language programs in Korea!!

The University Korean Language Program at Yonsei is designed for foreign students who are either currently enrolled in a Korean university or are planning on applying to a Korean university. Their main goal is to cultivate high level of Korean ability necessary for studying at a Korean university by focusing on content related to university life as well as university courses and lectures. One thing to keep in mind is that this program is known to be really heavy on grammar rather than practical speaking or listening.

Visit their Official Website for more information! and click HERE to read their reviews!

We hope this Blog post helped you a lot on deciding which language program will be best for your needs and preferences!! Remember to read our other Blog posts about living in Seoul and click HERE to read about different kinds of accommodations you can stay!!

Also if you would like to know how to further practice your learning around Seoul, click HERE for a list of places where you can do Language Exchange!!!

Stay in Korea for the Spring 2020

Come to Korea in the Spring!! 

Spring is one of South Korea's seasons that don't last long but is a beautiful and romantic time to be in as well!! Usually Spring last from mid March to May and every year you will witness beautiful cherry blossoms (usually beginning of April). Because of the Cherry Blossoms there are various seasonal items and perfect locations to take the perfect picture!!

Flower Festivals ONLY in the Spring

Cherry Blossoms are everywhere in South Korea during the Spring, but unfortunantly they don't last long so here is a list of places we recommend for you to go if you want to capture the perfect Instagram picture or your new profile pic!! Also keep in mind that most of the dates are to be determined (TBD) due to we can't know when the cherry blossoms will show.  

The Apricot Blossom Festival (Gwangyang Maehwa) 

Dates for 2020: First half of March TBD  

Once a year since 1997, the celebrations of this festival are specified on the Apricot fruit and its products. This festival takes place in Maehwa, a village in South Jeolla region and Maehwa in Korean translates to apricot due to the popularity. The scenery is beautiful and with the Baegunsan Mountain located near the acres of apricots, creates a romantic view!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Dates for 2020: Usually April 7 on wards, but depends on cherry blossom blooming 

Every April at this festival you will experience cultural street performances and be able to enjoy a stroll through the Cherry Blossom tunnel!! Also the Hangang River is there too so you may want to enjoy a picnic there and do the classical thing of eating chicken and beer or ramen and enjoying the view. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: 04.5 - mid-April

Another great place for Cherry Blossom is Seokchon lake as there are trees lined up around the entire lake! Besides of taking your pictures and enjoying the view, you can also enjoy many activities, exhibitions and cultural performances as well. 

Visit this Website for more information!


Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: Average March 24 TBD 

Want to go to the great island? There are plenty of beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Jeju!! At the Jeju the cherry blossoms there are considered the King Cherry Tree Blossoms since they are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. Keep in mind tho that the full blooming of these trees only last for about 2 to 3 days!! All the other trees will continue to blossom from late March to the second week of April. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

This festival is held in the area of Jungwon Rotary and Downtown Jinhae with the blooming of cherry blossoms!! There are various programs such as a pre-event, cultural performances, military performances and more!!   

Visit this Website for more information!


Icheon's Baeksa Village Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

The Icheon's Baeksa Village is home to a number of "sansuyu" (cornus fruit) trees which have been growing there over 100 years!! Through each season the trees change colors but in early Spring they change to bright Yellow and in Autumn to vivid red fruits. Because of these amazing trees the festival is hosted to bring visitors and experience the gorgeous trees through Korean traditional folk games and a Sansuyu Flower Parade. We believe is one of the places you won't want to miss out!!  

Visit this Website for more information!

Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

Another great place to experience the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms is at the Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival!! The event is held at the Cheongpung lake area of Jecheon where you can experience various flowers besides the cherry blossoms such as the white cherry trees, forysthia and azalea. Also there will be exhibitions, performances, bungee jumping by the lake, and many water sports!! Great way to enjoy your spring vacation!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Taean Tulip Festival

Dates for 2020: Average second week of April 'till March TBD 

Want to see other kind of flowers besides Cherry Blossoms!? well check out this great event where is located at the Korea Flower Park in thhe Chungcheongnam-do Province. The Park is purposely designed for this festival and is considered in the TOP 5 by the World Tulip Summit!! There will also be ceremonies, singers and cultural art performances, animal feeding experiences and a firework show!! A lot more too!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Learn more about Culture and Arts!!

If you want to learn more about South Korean culture and the history of arts in this great country, you will want to schedule to experience one of these amazing festivals ONLY during Spring!!

Jeju Fire Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Beginning of March TBD 

Yes FIRE!!! this festival is held in order to pray for a good harvest and good health in the new year in accordance to the lunar calendar. At the event visitors will be able to experience various folk games, hands-on programs and a beautiful natural environment of Jeju Island!! Don't worry the festival is completely safe and monitored.

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Early April TBD 

The history behind this festival is that it celebrates the greatest achievements of Korea's Dr. Wangin who travelled to Japan over 1,600 years ago to spread cultural and art knowledge. Dr. Wangin's teachings includes the Thousand-Character Text (a primer of Chinese Characters) and the Analects (Discourses) of Confucius. The festival takes place at the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin and Sangdaepo Historic Park. There will be various performances and cultural exhibitions!!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Goryeong Daegaya Experience Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Second week of April TBD 

Daegaya (AD 42-562) was a nation that inhabited the Korean Peninsula around the 4th Century. Daegaya nation was sophisticated and held extremely high standards of culture. They created the Gayageum (the twelve-stringed traditional Korean harp) which became a large role of establishing the culture of music. Therefore the nation is thought to be a powerful force in the area (now gyeongsangnam-do) and to have influence on the wider world. At the festival you will be immersed into the ancient history of Korea's Daegaya since there are interactive programs with relic exhibitions, wooden boat-making "mokseons" (which were used to trade with other societies) and much more!! Nearby the festival there is a Farming Village where you can go pick strawberries and experience the Korean Farming Lifestyle!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival

Dates for 2020: Average last week of April to May TBD

Do you enjoy Ceramics!? Come to the Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival which takes place at Mungyeongsaejae Open Set in Gyeongsangbuk-do an area famous for traditional ceramics!! The event has been occurring since 1999 and has become a premier festival recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism! If you come you will be able to join in a traditional tea ceremony and pottery-making programs which are operated by local artisans and won't mind to help you out! 

Visit this Website for more information!


Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average beginning of May TBD

Interested in Herbs!? This event is a tradition that goes back to 350 years ago since it was an international market where herbal medicines from China, Russia, Europe, and many other regions were sold! The festival displays medicinal herbs found in Korea's mountains and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of relaxing and curative traditional medicinal procedures. This is great for those who are really interested in Korea's medicinal herbs as well as the sciences and traditions of Asia. 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!