2018’s Latest Picks: Korea’s Specialty Coffee Shops

Koreapeople love coffee, so coffee shops can be found everywhere, and recently there have been many new specialty coffee shops. Fans of Korean culture can not only visit the café opened by popular actor Lee Jong-suk andKoreatalent agency FNC, but also explore cafés themed around pools, black-and-white comics, and tropical rainforests—perfect for enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee.

Popular with Lee Jong-suk – CAFE.89 MANSION

KoreaPopular actor Lee Jong-suk opened “CAFE.89 MANSION” in September this year. The design is full of thoughtful details, with the owner even writing poetry on the walls himself and planting flowers gifted by fans in the in-house garden. The café serves Western food and drinks such as pizza, pasta, salads, and cakes.

Address:Seoul523-30 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu; Korean address: 서울 강남구 신사동 523-30
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–15:30 & 16:30–22:00
Transport:SeoulTake Exit 8 of Sinsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 3, then walk 14 minutes.
Website: www.instagram.com/cafe.89mansion/

Charming Pink Lady – Stylenanda No. 2 Shop

Following the Pink Pool Café in Myeongdong, Stylenanda opened its second branch in mid-November at its flagship store in Hongdae. Also embracing a pink, girly aesthetic, this location features a small pool and outdoor space, with an even more upscale interior than the first shop—including European-style stone pillars and pink sofas. The new shop also offers a wider food selection, debuting refined dishes for the first time, including desserts like chocolate pie and mousse cake, with the signature item being the “Pink Mountain Cake.”

Address:Seoul23, 29beon-gil, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu; Korean address: 서울 마포구 와우산로 29길 23 4층
Hours: 11:00–23:00
Transport:SeoulTake Exit 8 of Hongik University Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, then walk about 9 minutes.
Website: www.instagram.com/pinkpoolcafe/

Another Hongdae Pick – Café Yannam-dong 239-20

The newly opened “Café Yannam-dong 239-20” in Hongdae last July features a striking all-white interior accented with bold black lines—such as wood grain patterns on the floor and window curtains—creating a highly unique visual effect. This design gives off strong comic-book vibes, reminiscent of the world in the Korean drama “W: Two Worlds.” The café mainly serves sandwiches, cakes, and a variety of drinks.

Address:Seoul239-20, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu; Korean address: ?聘谷屿?硼皑迟 239-20
Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Transportation:SeoulTake Exit 3 of Hongik University Station on Subway Line 2 and walk for 13 minutes.
Website: www.facebook.com/ynd239.20/