Korea takes cafe-hopping to the next level. With the never-ending stream of aesthetic cafes, there’s certainly somewhere for a caffeine recharge or pastries every few steps.
But if you’re bored of the usual cafes, I’ve rounded up 8 of the quirkiest themed cafes in Korea that go beyond the usual aesthetic — my goal is to make you go, “Wait… Is this real?”
#AskCG keeps things fun in the office, so to spice things up, I asked the team to guess the general theme and vibes of these cafes, based solely on their names! We had a good laugh, but let’s dive into these unique spaces. Yes, there will be ducks, nonstop rain, and hidden speakeasies tucked behind fridge doors.
Tongue Seongsu Space
Ash: Tongue Planet sounds like a good first date spot for couples to kiss and stuff… I think they’ll serve dishes with bull or ox tongue? Like ox tongue soup?
Ash wasn’t completely off (the tongue theme is definitely there). And honestly, with the romantic, artsy ambience, he’s not wrong about all that kissing.
Tongue Planet is nestled inside the Other Error flagship store in Seongsu. It’s a vibrant, vintage fever dream, from its colourful mismatched furniture to its tongue-shaped cookies served atop curvy tongue-shaped trays.
While you’re there, invigorate your tongue with drinks like the Ice Blended Green Forest for KRW8,000 (S$7.47) and Hibiscus Lemonade for KRW8,000 (S$7.47).
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📍 South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsui-ro, 82 2층
🕒 10am–9pm (Daily)
DUF Coffee
Rei: DUF sounds like ‘dove’? Or ducks? I’m guessing there will be ducks and photobooths with animals.
Some of you may recognise this iconic toilet (it’s giving sensory overload), and Rei sure nailed this one.
Located at the foot of the 148 Stairs to the Stars near Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village, DUF Coffee is a five-story playground overflowing with personality. It’s chaotic, charming, and has everything you can dream up.
Run by a North Korean owner, you’ll find actual ducks, water pistols, hammocks, dress-up costumes, art supplies, and even a haunted room with a talking skeleton.
Yes, it’s more chaotic than your group chat with the girls, and the drinks are even wackier. The ADHD Girlfriend Juice for KRW7,500 (S$6.90) is a juice blend of cherry, lemon, grapefruit, and fresh aloe, while the Ex-Ex-Boyfriend for KRW7,500 (S$6.99) is a lime mojito americano.
If you want crazy, you’ll certainly get it here.
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📍 195 Gamnae 1-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
🕒 11am–7pm (Daily)
Rain Report
Eunice: There’s probably water falling from the ceiling, like a waterfall concept. I’m thinking of a dim ambience with those transparent water droplet jelly puddings.
This is for rain lovers and those who romanticise gloomy weather (I used to take a photo of the sky every single time it was stormy). Rain Report is a concept cafe by Glow Seoul, where it rains 365 days a year. Grab a yellow umbrella, pose under the “rain”, and live out your very own Lovely Runners K-drama moment.
Staying true to its theme, the cafe features weather-themed desserts, an LCD screen showing real-time weather forecasts, and even umbrella holders.
For sweet treats, try the Creme Brulee Souffle, Honey Grapefruit Earl Grey Cake, or Mango Tiramisu.
Signature coffee drinks include the Sesame Cloud for KRW7,800 (S$7.28) and the Pepper Cloud for KRW7,800 (S$7.28). For something fun, try the Sunny Day for KRW7,800 (S$7.28), a bright blue ade with a cheerful yellow scoop. If you prefer a moodier vibe, the Cloudy Day for KRW7,800 (S$7.28) with a scoop of black lemonade gelato is its brooding counterpart.
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📍 85 Sowol-ro 40-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
🕒 11am–9pm (Daily)
Coffee Hanyakbang
Maeve: Artisanal coffee, cascara tea, wooden furniture. I don’t know any Korean, but ‘hanyak’ sounds like hanbok, so I’m sensing traditional vibes.
Step into the past at Coffee Hanyakbang, a historical cafe that used to be a medicine office from the Joseon dynasty (except now, the only thing being prescribed is caffeine). There are even authentic, vintage artefacts from the 1920s.
Soak in the old-school charm while enjoying hand-dripped filter coffee from KRW5,000 (S$4.67).
Before you leave, check out their roasted coffee beans wrapped like traditional medicine pouches. Various blends are available, ranging between KRW14,000 (S$13.07) for 200g to KRW54,000 (S$50.43) for 1kg.
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📍 16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
🕒 10am–10pm (Mon to Fri), 11am–10pm (Sat), 11am–8pm (Sun)
언뎁트 Undebt Cafe
Glenda: All I can think of is going debt-free. Like maybe there’s a money-themed menu where you can pay for your bill in instalments? Or those cakes where you can pull money out?
While it won’t ease your student loans, Undebt Cafe is a cosy hideaway inside a manmade cave. Behind its stone-paved walls, you’ll discover a warm, earthy interior reminiscent of a rustic mountain cabin.
Other than your usual espresso-based drinks and tea, try the Sujeonggwa for KRW7,500 (S$7), a traditional Korean cinnamon punch, or the Affogato Whiskey for KRW9,000 (S$8.40), topped with caramel and pepper.
Based on reviews, customer favourites include the Malt Latte for KRW7,000 (S$6.54), a butter-based cream latte with barley, as well as the Chestnut Tiramisu for KRW9,500 (S$8.87).
Do note that you have to order one drink per person (hey, no complaints from me).
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📍 11 Duteopbawi-ro 13-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
🕒 11.30am–8pm (Mon to Fri), 11.30am–9pm (Sat to Sun)
Thanks Nature Cafe
Yan: You know that TikTok audio where it’s like “I wanna thank Beyonce”? Here, you have to thank nature or apologise if you don’t finish your food!
Good try, Yan… Located in Hongdae, Thanks Nature Cafe is the only sheep cafe in Seoul. Housing two friendly, furry residents, grab some straw and pet the pair of sheep, affectionately named Honey and Sugar.
Word of caution: Sheep smell of… Well, sheep.
While you’re here, choose from their range of waffles, from Ice Cream for KRW9,900 (S$9.24) to Tiramisu for KRW12,400 (S$11.58), and Banana for KRW13,400 (S$12.51). End off your dessert session with their extensive drinks menu, from coffee to honey tea, fizzy ades, yoghurt smoothies, and juice.
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📍 10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🕒 11am–8pm (Mon to Sat), 12pm–8pm (Sun)
Coffee Nap Roasters
Lin: Do they sell very strong coffee that prevents you from sleeping? Oh, or maybe it’s a cafe where you can nap. I need that right now.
Have you ever heard of bricks as an aesthetic? Well, Coffee Nap Roasters turns these red stones into something special.
Located in the hip Yeonnam-dong neighbourhood, this cafe boasts a 7,000-brick hill. Other than being an aesthetic backdrop for your Instagram feed, it’s also a literal place to lounge while sipping your drink (or nap, although I doubt it’s comfortable).
Try the CNR Signature, a flat white topped with nutty cream, for KRW6,000 (S$5.60). Or, grab the Lemon Ade for KRW6,500 (S$6.07) and the Milk Tea for KRW6,000 (S$5.60).
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📍 70 Seongmisan-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🕒 10am–5.30pm (Mon to Fri), 10am–8pm (Sat to Sun)
Jean Frigo
Angela: This is definitely not a cafe… Is this a hidden speakeasy? I’m thinking of fusion Korean dishes and alcohol, maybe something with jeans or a museum.
Once again, the team guesses correctly (is everybody in our office a psychic?).
Jean Frigo is a hidden cafe bar that’s literally chilling behind a refrigerator door. On the outside, it looks like an unsuspecting fruit stand. However, twist the fridge knob and you’ll find yourself transported to a secret speakeasy.
Inside, you’ll find a bar serving up fresh fruit cocktails. Of course, there are the classics like the Gin & Tonic for KRW14,000 (S$13.07) and Margarita for KRW16,000 (S$14.94).
However, feel free to mix it up with the Little Forest for KRW18,000 (S$16.81), which has a refreshing basil-apple twist. Or, try the Bridal Sour for KRW18,000 (S$16.81), an elegant mix of elderflower liqueur with rose syrup, egg white, and citrus.
The bar also serves Western-style dishes such as Ragu Rose Gnocchi for KRW19,000 (S$17.74), featuring handmade pasta, and Roast Pork Jowl for KRW22,000 (S$20.54).
For lighter bites to pair with your customisable cocktail, share the Apple Compote Baked Brie for KRW18,000 (S$16.81), an apple pie accompanied by crackers, walnuts, and brie cheese.
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📍 9-8 Toegye-ro 62-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
🕒 6pm–1.30am (Tue to Sat), 5pm–12am (Sun), Closed (Mon)
Whether you’re anticipating dreamland or a full-out nightmare, Korea has something for everyone. Cheers to petting sheep, chilling in caves, or devouring tongue-shaped desserts!
Interested in Vietnam content instead? Read more about our ultimate Da Nang food guide here.
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