Insadong is one of the best places to explore cafe scenes in Seoul because it's filled with options ranging from magnificent cafes and teahouses nested in traditional hanok buildings to minimalistic, modern cafes that focus solely on quality. Check out our list below to get an idea of the cafe scene in Insadong.

Check out INSADONG | Creatrip Locals' Guide for a more comprehensive guide to the area.

Gyeol (결)

Address: 서울 종로구 우정국로 26 1F

Hours:
Weekdays: 08:00-20:00
Weekends: 10:00-22:00

This grand cafe's interior is modern with hints of traditional architectural features while the high-rise ceiling makes it especially spacious. A sub-brand of Bean Brothers (a renowned coffee brand in Korea), Gyeol is recognized as a place that takes its coffee seriously.

Cerulean Insa (세루리안 인사)

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동12길 17

Hours: 11:00-20:00

Situated in a small alley of hanok restaurants and teahouses sits a hanok cafe with clean modern touches named Cerulean Insa. The founder of the brand has been in the business for over 10 years, his products and drinks well representing his passion and love for quality coffee.

One of Cerulean's masterpieces you can try is called Tarae In Spanner, a special coffee drink of americano, cream, peanut and sil-tarae (dragon's beard candy). Scoop up the sil-tarae and eat it first before tasting different layers of the coffee, the sweet touches of the candy really makes the drink something else.

Secret Garden (비밀정원)

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 30-1

Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00-23:00
Sun: 10:00-22:00

Among the many secret shops and cafes on Insadong Street hides this cafe with a stunning outdoor space called Secret Garden. Try their fragrant teas and simple Korean desserts while sitting out in the garden to unwind for some time.

Banjjak Banjjak (반짝반짝 빛나는)

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 28-1

Hours: 10:00-23:00

Banjjak Banjjak (meaning twinkle twinkle in Korean) Tea House specializes in traditional Korean refreshments. In addition to the smoothies in summers, there are also traditional tea-based drinks. They have been recommended by Insadong Tourism and many locals for their authentic tastes.

I also recommend that you order their baked rice cakes and have them while hot. The soft sweetness just melts in your mouth.

Cafe True Us (카페 트루어스)

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 11

Hours: 08:30-23:00

Different from most cafes of Insadong housed in hanok buildings, Cafe True Us chooses a retro style. The warm-coloured lights are paired with wooden decorations and furnishings, bringing the visitors back in time to Korea from the 70s and the 80s.

If you're feeling for fluffy pancakes with fresh fruits and cloudy whipped cream, Cafe True Us is an option worth considering!

47th Street Tea House (47번가 찻집)

Address: 서울 종로구 인사동길 47-9

Hours: 10:00-23:00

This traditional tea house is serene and beautiful inside and out. Enjoy a cup of tea with small Korean snacks in this beautiful hanok.

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