Local places · 422 stories
Cafés in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Cafe Dunchi is a café on the second floor of the building connected to the Namdaecheon Water Leisure Sports Center in Yangyang, Gangwon. I rode an electric boat with my parents-in-law, then enjoyed the river view, terrace seating, and bakery selection at the café. The calm boat ride and riverside setting made for a satisfying family outing.
Cafe Giwa is a hanok café tucked into Chodang-dong, Gangneung, with a green garden and its own parking lot. I visited around 1 p.m. on a rainy Monday for two signature lattes and cake; the mung bean flower latte, with its soft cream and nutty flavor, was my favorite.
Hands Coffee Gumi Goa-eup Branch is a spacious café on Wondae-ro in Goa-eup, Gumi, where I had brunch with my parents and walked around the garden afterward. The rich mushroom soup and soft ciabatta stood out, while the comfortable sofa seating and roomy table spacing made the visit easygoing.
Baegya Coffee is a large bakery café near Sacheonjin Beach in Gangneung, across the road from the sea. On my return visit, I had a pollack roe baguette, injeolmi croissant, coffee, and milk tea on the third floor; the open sea view and varied seating stood out, though the second floor was busier.
Sum (숨) is a bakery café in Namhansanseong-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, with a main building, a quieter annex, terrace seating, and free private parking. I had coffee and pastries in the annex while looking out at the scenery; there was still a good selection around 3 pm, though some breads had sold out or disappeared while I was deciding.
Pulse Line Coffee is a café near Seoul National University Station in Gwanak, Seoul. I had an iced Americano and its pink Pulse Milk Tea, then took a crumble pie home; the unusual peppermint milk tea stayed with me, but I reached for the familiar, delicious pie more often.
MIMI Coffee Mill is a converted-factory café in Sunseong-myeon, Dangjin, with a large private parking lot and tables suitable for groups. I tried its MIMI Cream Latte and Dangjin Hopung sweet potato gelato; the rich cream and lightly sweet, chewy gelato were the standouts.
Pink Wall Cafe is a bakery café near Yongyu Beach and Seonnyeo Rock in Yeongjong, Incheon, with pets allowed in its outdoor greenhouse, terrace, and garden. I had an iced Americano and maesil ade; the drinks were pleasant, but the fig bagel I wanted was sold out.
Gangneung Sand Main Branch is a dessert café near Ojukheon in Gangneung. I bought strawberry and chodang corn sand cookies as gifts for my family, and liked their buttery aroma, soft texture, bright packaging, and individually wrapped pieces.
Hands Coffee Dongchon Resort Branch is a large café near Dongchon Resort in Dong-gu, Daegu, where you can have brunch and drinks. I ordered the Hands House Brunch, ice cream café latte, and ginger tea, and found the meal simple but satisfying; the spacious parking area and roomy seating made it comfortable to talk over food.
Benetto (베네또) is a brunch café near Ulsan City Hall in Nam-gu, where a friend and I ordered two iced Americanos and shared a jambon basil grilled sandwich (ham and basil). The fragrant focaccia sandwich was surprisingly filling for two, and I liked the calm space with its warm wood tones. However, sandwiches only started appearing in the display one by one as we were finishing our meal.
MUG (카페 먹) is a large bakery café in Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju, Ulsan, with mountain views from its spacious interior and outdoor tables. My mom and I ordered three breads and drinks, and the mocha bun was my favorite for its crisp outside and moist center. Wind kept us indoors that day; I learned about the walking paths and observation deck behind the café from its brochure.
