Whimsical Hanok Cafes In Seoul You Have To Check Out

Taking in the beauty of hanok architecture may be the pinnacle of Korea travels for many. Hanoks provide a journey back in time, a sense of tranquillity and calming elements inspired by nature. So how about a nice relaxing tea or coffee session in some of the most renowned hanok cafes in Seoul?

Namusae Tea House
나무새 찿집

If you've been to Insadong, you know that hanok-style anything is not out of the question. The same applies for tea houses. That aside, Namusae Tea House is one of the most famous in the area.

The tea house utilizes wood as its main structural component as well as its key design aspect. Thanks to this, you can really feel the hanok vibes when you step into the tea house and see the details.

They have a selection of traditional Korean snacks to try such as Rice Cakes (6,500 KRW), Sweet Read Bean Porridge (10,000 KRW), and Sweet and Sour Omija Tea (7,000 KRW). Unlike modern desserts, these tend to be more on the savory side rather than exceptionally sweet.

Namusae Tea House

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 47-9
47-9 Insadong-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 20:50; Sun 10:00 - 20:30

The New Old Tea House
신옛찻칩

The New Old Tea House is a unique experience since its located in an 130 year old hanok which has been transformed into a tea house. It's already been 30 years since it opened as a cafe.

When you enter the tea house, you'll be greeted by the greenest views. With a garden located in the middle and plants placed throughout, the natural smell of nature and the hanok give you a very natural and pleasant feeling. All the furniture is traditional and the cushions used to decorate utilize a traditional pattern as well.

We ordered Red Bean Bingsu (12,000 KRW) and Injeolmi (5,000 KRW) and we received a free treat! It was served neatly and tasted great.

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 4708
4708 Insadong-gil Jongro-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon 10:00 - 19:00; Tues - Sun 11:00 - 21:00

Cheongsudang
청수당

Ikseon-dong is a hanok village build in 1920. Although it is not as big as Bukchon Hanok Village, it is still a must-visit area in Seoul since there are so many beautiful and intriguing restaurants and cafes.

The biggest feature of Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is its ability to seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements. The aged atmosphere of the traditional building tied with the sophisticated decor and atmosphere of the cafe makes a perfectly blended experience.

The glass interior allows you to enjoy the nature while you sit and relax and enjoy your beverage. We ordered the Matcha Promage Cake (13,000 KRW), Matcha Cream Milk (7,500 KRW), and a Stone Drip Egg Coffee (7,300 KRW) that were the perfect addition to a restful visit.

Address: 서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9
31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul

Hours: Daily 11:30 - 22:00

Baskin Robbins Samcheong Madang
베스킨라빈스 삼청마당

Baskin Robbins, a famous American ice cream brand, is also quite popular with Koreans. If you go to Samcheong-dong, you can find a unique-looking Baskin Robbins in a hanok.

The combination of American ice cream brands and traditional Korean culture really makes you appreciate being in Korea. The interior is so pretty and seating is limited so if you're lucky, you'll get to enjoy the feeling of an American-Korean ice cream experience.

Baskin Robbins main menu is filled with various ice creams, but they also sell other desserts as well. On our visit, we ordered an Americano (3,800 KRW) and the signature WaWaTteok (5,800 KRW). This is made by rice cake being cooked in a waffle maker. So you get the taste and texture of rice cake but in the shape of a waffle! If you choose your favorite ice cream with it, it's a delicious treat!

Check out our full review here:

Baskin Robbins Samcheong Madang

Address: 서울 종로구 율곡로3길 74-1
74-1 Yoolgokro 3-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul

Hours: Daily 10:00 - 12:00

Dae-o Bookstore
대오서점

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest used bookstore in Seoul. It is now operated as a beautiful hanok cafe with books as the main decor.

The atmosphere is so unique that it's caught the attention of many K-pop stars as well. IU shot the cover art for her album, A Flower Bookmark and other celebrities like RM from BTS, NCT, and Super Junior's Yesung have visited.

The beloved bookstore feels like home to many since it has so much history, having been there so long. Some drink recommendations based on what RM orders are the Citrus Lemon Tea (6,000 KRW) and the Ice Chocolate (6,000 KRW).

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로7길 55
55 Jahamunro 7-gil, Jongro-gu

Hours: Daily 12:00 - 21:00

1 In 1 Jan
일인일잔

1 In 1 Jan is the most popular cafe at Eunpyeong Hanok Village, the newest hanok village in Seoul. You have to get a seat first to place an order here, which is quite unusual. If you sit on the 1st or 2nd floor, they bring your orders to you, but if you sit on the 3rd floor (No Kids Zone) or terrace, you have to take them up yourself. The best place to see the beautiful scenery of Eunpyeong Hanok Village at a glance is the third floor.

The building itself is made of wooden materials, allowing it to blend with its surroundings naturally. If you want to explore Eunpyeong Hanok Village and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea come to 1 In 1 Jan cafe. It will give you a sense of serenity.

Address: 서울 은평구 연서로 534
534 Yeonseo-ro, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Hours: Tues-Sun 10:00-21:00, Closed on Mondays

J. Hidden House
제이히든하우스

If you don't feel like going away too far for a hanok experience, you can go to a classy J. Hidden House hidden in the alleys of Dongdaemun. It's a cafe situated in a renovated century-old building.

The cafe has seats indoors and outdoors. With each season this cafe has a different charm. It looks like small on the outside, but it is actually very spacious. Creatrip members get a 10% discount on their drinks, so take advantage of the deal and bring your friends along!

Address: 서울 종로구 종로 269-4
Jongno 6 ga 94, 269-4 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon to Sun 12:00-18:00

Offer: Creatrip members get a 10% discount on all drinks (not available on weekends and holidays)

Onion Anguk
어니언 안국점

The most popular hanok cafe brand in Korea is Onion. Onion started in Seongsudong and opened up its second branch in Anguk, close to Gyeongbokgung Station. All of its locations are filled with patrons each day.

Onion is beautifully-decorated in hanok style, in addition to ordinary seats, it also has floor seats for a more traditional way of sitting and enjoying tea in Korea. Delicious desserts are also one of the secrets of Onion's popularity. See for yourself why Onion is one of the most popular hanok cafe in Korea and while you are there, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace too.

Address: 서울 종로구 계동길 5
Gyedong gil 5, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon to Fri 07:00 - 22:00, Sat to Sun 09:00 - 22:00

CAFE 58.4

Seongbukdong, with Mt. Bukhan to the north and the Seoul Fortress Wall surrounding the area, is a quiet neighbourhood just a couple of stops away from busy bustles of Hyehwa and Dongdaemub along Seoul Metro line 4.

At Cafe 58.4, you get a magical view overlooking the hanok roofs of the neighbouring buildings in their cozy rooftop.

Address: 서울 성북구 성북로16길 4-13
4-13 Seongbuk-ro 16-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10:00-22:00
Mon: Closed
Closed last Mon, Tue of every month

Transportation: Hansung University Station Exit 5

Cha-Teul
차 마시는 뜰

If hanok cafes above were too ordinary for you, get ready for Cha-Teul. It is a hanok cafe that opened its doors after renovating an old hanok house. Cha-Teul is known for its classical interior designs, types of furniture and desserts.

When you visit, try to get a seat by the window and relax over a tea or coffee while enjoying the beautiful garden view outside.

Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로 11나길 26
26 Bukchon-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu

Hours: Tue-Fri 12:00 - 21:00
Sat-Sun 11:00 - 21:00
Closed Mon

Tea Therapy
티 테라피

Tea Therapy, located in Bukchon, gifts a feeling of nostalgia with a food bath and Korean herbal tea service in a classy hanok!

After choosing your traditional Korean tea, you can have a relaxing foot bath outside. You can feel the warm water engulfing your feet. While you're enjoying your foot bath, your tea will be brought to you so you can drink and get your foot moistened at the same time. Come by for this unique cafe experience!

Address: 서울 종로구 윤보선길 74
74 Yunposun-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Winter 10:00 - 20:00
Summer 10:00 - 21:00

Green Mile
그린마일커피

Cafes with a rooftop that has wonderful scenery have become one of the favourite spots to take photos. Green Mile has combined hanok and rooftop into one and has attracted many people.

When you come to Green Mile, you must take a photo on the second-floor terrace. You will be able to take a beautiful photo with the nearby hanok villages as the background.

Unlike the view from the rooftop, the cafe itself has a modern atmosphere, and it is characterized by the coexistence of modern and traditional aspects.

Green Mile Coffee is a famous not only for their beautiful views, but their delicious dessert, such as this tiramisu (8,000 won), so make sure to visit and have some dessert!

Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로 64
64 Bukcon-ro, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon to Fri 08:00 - 20:00, Sat -Sun 10:00 - 19:00

Fritz
프릳츠 도화점

Fritz's appearance is designed to look like a hanok but it has a retro atmosphere with simple modern designs inside. This cafe, started by a baker and a barista, serves up delicious, quality coffees and desserts.

Fritz has its own branded products that can be purchased here. Their products are slightly on the expensive side, but I guess it's worth the price as their foods and products are top-notch! This place is full of people on the weekend so try on a weekday.

Address: 서울 마포구 새창로2길 17
17 Saechang-ro 2-gil, Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon to Fri 08:00 - 21:00, Sat to Sun 10:00 - 21:00

Kkilook
끼룩하우스

In the beautiful hanok streets of Ikseondong, there is a very sophisticated and antique cafe, Kkilook.

You can place your order on the first floor and sit on the second floor and enjoy dessert.

If you sit at a sitting table near the window, you can see the outside scenery of Ikseondong through the glass window!

You can see the antique scenery created by beautiful hanok tile roofs, and for those who like traditional scenery, we recommend this seat rather than the regular table seats!

Kkilook is famous not only for its antique interior and view, but also for its high-quality desserts. You can eat desserts (3,000 won to 9,500 won) such as strudel, financier, cookies, madeleine, etc., bright-colored ades (7,800 won), and lattes (6,300 won).

Creatrip members even get a 10% discount with this coupon!

Address: 서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 26-4
26-4 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 12:00-21:00

Almost Home Cafe
올모스트 홈 카페 아트선재센터점

Surrounded by trees and having a cozy and peaceful atmosphere, this place is reminiscent of a cozy house, just like the name of a cafe.

The interior is decorated with wooden furniture that goes well with the traditional hanok style, making it feel very antique.

You can order lattes (5,000 won to 5,500 won), such as green tea latte, mugwort tea latte, and sweet potato latte, and traditional snacks (2,000 to 7,000 won) called "jujeonburi" (주전부리). The fusion desserts here are a perfect combination of modern and traditional foods.

Address: 서울 종로구 율곡로3길 87
87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:00-19:00

Low Roof
로우루프

Source: Instagram @jae_min_lim_96

Source: Instagram @skimmed13

This new cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village operates as cafe with a terrace and modern interior where you can see the scenery of the traditional hanok village, making it a special space where tradition and modernity coexist in one space.

Source: skimmed13

After you finish ordering, go to the back of the building and take a closer look at the scenery of Hwigyeomjae Hanok! The space is divided into two sections, a terrace in the form of a traditional house and an outdoor table seat.

Source: Instagram @for_nan2

If you sit on the traditional terrace, you can enjoy the scenery privately with your group. You can see the hanok house more closely from the outdoor seats, and it is a famous photo spot with beautiful scenery wherever you are located.

Address: 서울 종로구 북촌로 46-1 1층
1F 46-1 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 - 20:00

Donut Jungsu
도넛정수

Source: Instagram @mongguri_.mong

Donut Jungsu is a unique cafe that combines modern donuts and traditional Korean houses. This cafe is famous for is donuts, but it is especially famous for its Namsan view, so it is crowded with many customers despite it being a new cafe.

Source: Instagram @yk_choi49

The donuts sold here (3,500 won to 4,000 won) are a unique donut reinterpreted in Korea based on the traditional Korean snack "Juak" (주악), which is made by frying glutinous rice in oil.

Source: Instagram @mongguri_.mong

It is also unique and cute that the donuts are displayed on traditional Korean brassware.

Source: Instagram @yk_choi49

They also sell drinks like latte, ade, and milk (5,400 won to 6,000 won) in cute containers that go well with the donuts.

Source: Instagram @yoongyu.um

After purchasing desserts on the first floor, take a seat on the traditionally decorated second floor! The view of Namsan Mountain and N Seoul Tower from the glass window on the second floor is really beautiful.

Address: 서울 종로구 창신12길 40
40 Changsin 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:30 - 21:00

Nakwon Station
낙원역

Source: Instagram @pbpbvv

Another famous hanok cafe in Ikseondong is Nakwon Station, which is equipped with a small railroad inside the cafe to suit the cafe, making it feel like you're at a little station.

Source: Instagram @jj_uou

Source: Instagram @jj_uou

It is a new cafe in Ikseondong, which opened in July 2021, but thanks to the railway photo zone and beautiful interior, it is difficult to find seats at lunchtime and on weekends!

Source: Instagram @hyo_ni125

Enjoy the cafe's signature drink, coal coffee (5,800 won) or peanut latte (5,800 won), while looking at the green garden around the railroad tracks! The coal latte was named so because it it's black and it perfectly fits the concept of the cafe.

Address: 서울 종로구 수표로28길 33-5
33-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:30 - 22:00

Korea House
한국의 집 고호재

Source: Instagram @heileylee

Source: Instagram @ohdaram_g

Located near Chungmuro Station, Korea House is a traditional cultural space built to promote Korean traditional culture, where you can experience various traditional products and food and watch traditional performances.

Source: Instagram @xaxxhezz

There is a hanok cafe that is reservation only, and you can enjoy wonderful traditional refreshments in a private hanok space.

There are five time slots a day and each session is for an hour and a half, but it's so popular that it's hard to make a reservation.

Source: Instagram @mon9.9_

Isn't the setup elegant and beautiful? The Korean table set (한상차림) is 15,000 won and varies from season to season, so you can taste seasonal menu items. Click here to book a reservation now.

Address: 서울 중구 퇴계로 36 길 10 한국의집
10 Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours: Tue-Sun 09:30 / 11:30 / 13:30 / 16:00 / 18:30
5 time slots daily

Saenggwabang
생과방

Source: 경복궁 생과방

Can you believe that there is a cafe where you can taste royal desserts at Gyeongbokgung Palace like in the Joseon Dynasty? Gyeongbokgung Palace has a small kitchen where food was cooked in the Joseon Dynasty and a snack room where desserts were prepared, and you can enjoy royal refreshments here.

Source: Instagram @hanbok_travelarts

It will feel like you traveled back in time because you eat dessert using tables and tableware designed like those used during the Joseon Dynasty.

These days, there are many people who visit dressed up in beautiful hanboks to leave beautiful memories and photos.

Source: Instagram @claudia_soo

Isn't it elegant and beautiful? Be sure to try a variety of royal snacks (1,000 to 2,500 won) and traditional tea (4,000 to 5,000 won)!

Before COVID-19, it was possible to pay for the desserts right away on site and eat in the cafe without having to make a reservation, but unfortunately, due to social distancing restrictions, reservations are now accepted through a lottery system.

Click here to make a reservation.

Address: 서울 종로구 사직로 161
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:00/ 11:30/ 13:30/ 15:00
4 time slots a day, Closed on Tuesdays

Suyeon Sanbang
수연산방

The famous Suyeon Sanbang is a very quiet and luxurious hanok cafe in Seongbuk-dong. This place is also known as "Lee Tae-jun's House". Novelist Lee Tae-jun, who was active in the 1930s, wrote here for 13 years.

Source: Instagram @hyo_82

Suyeon Sanbang is a very old house built in 1933, and as time goes by, the beauty of this cafe seems to continue to grow.

Source: Instagram @doverbora

Pictured above are sweet pumpkin shaved ice (13,500 won) and jujube tea (11,500 won), and Korean sweets were provided for free by the owner to try. Although the desserts are a little pricey, it's a great way to take a wonderful, relaxing break in an old hanok house.

Address: 서울 성북구 성북로26길 8
8 Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Hours: Wed-Fri 11:30 - 18:00
Sat-Sun 11:30 - 22:00

Yeonjiwon
연지원

Yeonjiwon is a cafe run by Jingwansa Temple, where you can enjoy shaved ice, traditional refreshments, traditional tea, and red bean porridge.

It is decorated with red clay walls and stone walls, so it is elegant, and the interior is also decorated with furniture of colors that go well with the hanok style, so everything is very harmonious inside.

After visiting and hiking around Jingwansa Temple, you'll crave something sweet, so eat shaved ice (8,000 won) and honey bread (3,000 won) to replenish your sugar levels!

Address: 서울 은평구 진관길 73
73 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Hours: 09:00-05:30

We hope you found the list helpful and that you'd come by yourself for a unique traditional experience only hanoks can provide.

If you have questions or comments about the blog post, please leave it in the comment section below or email us at help@creatrip.com.