Some posts on this web site comprise affiliate hyperlinks. When you e book or purchase one thing by means of these hyperlinks, I earn a small fee (at no additional value to you). Check out my privateness coverage for extra data.
A fast information to among the most unusual themed cafes in Seoulโs Hongdae neighbourhood!
Seoul is all in regards to the cafe tradition. There are cool espresso retailers and quirky eateries all around the metropolis โ together with a surprisingly giant variety of themed institutions. In any case, this can be a metropolis that LOVES an excellent photo-op!
Thereโs a restaurant the place you may put up a letter to your future self, a hidden gem of a espresso store with a secret waterfall out again, even a restaurant the place it rains indoors!
Numerous these are unfold out all around the metropolis, however the fashionable Hongdae district โ well-known for its procuring, meals, and nightlife scene โ is house to a fairly excessive focus of quirky cafes.
Some are well-known (like a restaurant themed round a sure wizarding world), others are extra โhidden gemsโโฆ however theyโre all nice locations to go to for a novel twist in your each day espresso! These are 5 spots it’s essential try in the event youโre visiting the Hongdae neighbourhoodโฆ
5 Cool Themed Cafes in Hongdae
Quick on time? Thereโs a map and a fast model of this checklist on the backside of the web page.
1. Cafe 943 Kingโs Cross (aka the Harry Potter Cafe)


Love Harry Potter? You CANโT miss Cafe 943 Kingโs Cross whenever youโre in Seoul. This is likely one of the most well-known cafes within the Hongdae district: an unofficially Harry Potter-themed cafe.
There are 7 flooring, each with a special theme (together with a Diagon Alley store, a wizarding tavern, and the Gryffindor dormitories). Thereโs magical decor all over the place and plenty of superb particulars โ like ghosts flying throughout the partitions, owls in cages, and Ministry of Magic โNeededโ posters on the partitions.
Food and drinks is a little bit on the costly facet โ however youโre additionally paying for entry to all these superb flooring with their cute picture ops. And the new sweets come topped with a chocolate wizard hat! The meals is OK, however itโs extra about seems than style: my Mandrake cake was insanely cute to take a look at, however basically it was only a very costly, dry chocolate muffin!
High Tip: This cafe can get actually busy, particularly at peak instances like weekends. I like to recommend going mid-morning or late afternoon on a weekday in the event you can. I used to be there at about 11am on a Tuesday in November and had the place to myself!
Sanrio Lovers Membership (aka Hey Kitty Cafe)


This absurdly lovable cafe and store is themed across the iconic Hey Kitty and her associates. Anticipate plenty of pastel colors and sugary treats: menu highlights embrace character latte artwork and roll muffins printed with character faces.
The upstairs is designed to appear to be a schoolroom, with areas themed across the totally different characters (together with Hey Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and extra). There are a great deal of cute picture ops โ together with a room the place the partitions are lined in Sanrio cuddly toys!
Ryan Cafe @ Kakao Associates Flagship Retailer


The Kakao Associates are a bunch of cartoon characters based mostly on emoticons from KakaoTalk (the nationโs largest messaging app). Theyโre HUGE in South Korea โ so donโt miss a visit to the flagship retailer in Hongdae.
Youโll discover two large flooring crammed with cute merchandise that includes the characters โ plus plenty of enjoyable picture ops. Thereโs even a photograph sales space with a props station!

On the third flooring is the Ryan Cafe โ which options a big statue of Ryan (the โforemostโ character) at one of many tables and a menu filled with themed character desserts.
High Tip: Thereโs one other Kakao Associates retailer within the Gangnam district.
Sinleedoga Cafe

Sinleedoga Cafe is a little bit of a hidden gem in Seoul, so itโs often a lot much less busy than among the others on this checklist. Itโs designed to appear to be a standard Hanok (a standard Korean home), full with a central courtyard with a comfy firepit.
Thereโs a extremely relaxed, zen really feel to the aesthetic โ with large floor-to-ceiling home windows letting in plenty of gentle. The menu is easy (principally sizzling drinks, iced teas, muffins, and pastries) however the signature drink is the quirky Corn Cream Latte (learn extra on this evaluation).
Thanks Nature Cafe

Youโve heard of cat and canine cafes โ nicely, this can be a SHEEP cafe! Thanks Nature Cafe is a cute, cosy house with vibrant partitions, mismatched furnishings, and plenty of vegetation. Itโs additionally house to 2 cute, fluffy sheep.
The sheep come from a farm outdoors of Seoul and a special pair go to yearly. Theyโre saved in a pen outdoors the cafe, the place prospects can go to the sheep and perhaps even pet them โ in the event that they allow you to, which they often do (not many individuals know this however most sheep love being petted!).
High Tip: The sheep are despatched house to the farm in summer time when Seoul will get too humid for them, so you may solely see them from autumn-spring.
Cafe 943 Kings Cross (aka the Harry Potter cafe) is likely one of the hottest institutions in Seoul. It is advisable to purchase a drink or meals in an effort to discover the cafe and take images. Right hereโs a photograph of the principle menu to provide you an thought of whatโs on provide and what the costs are like.

Map and Fast Checklist of Themed Cafes in Hongdae
943 Kingโs Cross: Harry Potter-themed cafe
Sanrio Lovers Membership: themed round Hey Kitty and associates
Ryan Cafe on the Kakao Associates flagship retailer: themed across the widespread messaging app characters.
Sinleedoga Cafe: designed to appear to be a standard Hanok cafe.
Thanks Nature Cafe: a novel sheep cafe!
Associated Posts
Finest Themed Cafes in Tokyo
Is South Korea Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?
Korean Scalp Remedy in Seoul: All the pieces it’s essential Know
Let me know in the event you go to any of those cute, themed cafes in Hongdae whenever youโre in Seoul. Scroll down to depart a remark!
