Cafe Onion is an incredibly popular cafe in Seoul, and you’ll find that they often have lines of visitors waiting to be let inside. With delicious pastries and drinks, I’ve put together some of my best tips to make the most of your visit to this Hanok themed cafe. Cafe Onion has 4 locations, however I recommend visiting their Anguk location, which is just a few blocks from the popular Gyeongbokgung Palace tourist attractions.
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
The Cafe Onion Anguk is a Hanok themed cafe, meaning the entire cafe is set in a refinished traditional Korean home. Although they have regular Westernized seating inside with AC, the most coveted seats are those surrounding the courtyard. These limited few are traditional seating, where you’ll sit on the floor on a thin pillow. Personally, I recommend taking these seats if you have the chance – and these are often the ones that visitors will wait in lines for when visiting the cafe. Typically when you get to the front of the line they will ask you if you’d prefer regular seating or traditional seating.
Not only are they popular in real life, but they’re also quite popular on socials as well. Their dreamy pastries and drinks add to the aesthetic feel of the cafe, and not just are they pretty but they also taste fantastic. For visitors wearing Hanboks, this is a great photo opportunity as well, and just above the traditional roof you’ll see the skyline of Seoul peaking out as well at their Anguk location.
If you’re planning to visit Cafe Onion Anguk, then there’s a few things I recommend doing to make the most of your experience there! For starters, if you’re planning to visit this area then you might as well visit the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace, just a few blocks from this cafe! If you want to make a day trip out of it, I recommend renting a Hanbok for free entry to the Palace, then heading over to enjoy the Hanok themed cafe for some more super cute photos! Just make sure you don’t go on a Tuesday when the Palace is closed.
My other tip is to visit early, like many other cafes and bakeries their pastries can often sell out fairly early. I’ve visited the cafe twice, both in the afternoon, and although once we had plenty of options for things to eat the second time we had no choices. I suppose it’s a hit or miss, but if you want to ensure a fantastic visit I would recommend going before the rush in the afternoon.
Finally, I recommend trying their Pandoro (a white, Italian pastry covered in powdered sugar) and their white milk tea drink. Prices can be a bit spendy, however I found they are fairly comparable to other trendy cafes in Seoul and honestly they were delicious!
The 943 King’s Cross Cafe, better known as the Harry Potter Cafe, is a unique 7 story cafe located in the neighborhood of Hongdae, Seoul, and the building is hard to miss. Amid Korea’s flood of quirky and themed cafes, this stands out as one of the most popular. With 7 stories to explore, this is a great addition to your Seoul itinerary or to a day of cafe hopping! They even have a wizard themed pub in the basement!
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
With 7 floors to explore, you could easily spend a few hours at the cafe if you want, if you can even call this massive building a cafe. Each floor is uniquely decorated and themed in a way that gives off the feeling of actually being in Hogwarts. With brooms, wands, robes, and endless photo opportunities, there’s plenty to explore and I highly recommend spending time looking around each floor!
As for food and drinks, every visitor is required to buy a minimum of one drink for their price of entry. They have different kinds of pastries, snack boards, and drinks like coffees, hot chocolates, and even the famous butter beers from The Three Broomsticks. There are plenty of different places to sit throughout the cafe, and my personal favorite were the bed themed booths on the same floor with the Hogwarts living quarters living room photobooth!
Personally, I think this cafe is definitely worth a stop – whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not. Although I loved the decorations, my favorite floor was the entryway which I found to be the most Harry Potter based and the most detailed with incredible rows of wands and multiple mirrors and floating broomsticks. Although there were plenty of other floors to explore and had a few Harry Potter decorations, I found that some of them were a bit random, like the Christmas decorations – however others, like the stairway filled with paintings is spot on.
I was genuinely surprised at the amount of photoshoot stations throughout the cafe, although if you’re familiar with the selfie/photo booth scene in Korea then you won’t be. They even have robes and wands for you to use in your photos from each of the 4 houses in Harry Potter! They just ask that you be respectful and time sensitive, meaning if there are people waiting behind you that you don’t take an excessive amount of time getting your perfect photo.
Their food and drink menu is a little spendy, around 7,000 or 8,000 Won per drink, but is similarly priced to other themed cafes in Seoul. My group tried the cheesecake, hot chocolate, butter beer, and one of their alcoholic drinks and all of them were delicious! The hot chocolate and cheesecake were especially cute with the chocolate wizard hats on top!
The Bojeong-Dong Cafe Street is located near Suwon, a short subway ride to an area South of Seoul. Also nicknamed the Jukjeon Cafe Street, this area is filled with many boutiques, cute cafes, and plenty of foreign cuisines. Indian, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, and even some Korean – you can find it all within these few blocks. Below I’m sharing how to find it, and some of my personal favorites places to stop at while you’re there.
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
The closest subway station to the Bojeong Cafe Street is the Jukjeon Station on the Yellow/Suin Bundang Line. From here, you can head through the Shinsegae Department Store and then up the street into the Bojeong Cafe Street Area.
If you choose to take the bus, then honestly there are so many options you can choose that I won’t list them all here. My best recommendation is to check Naver for the best route to take from your location to the Bojeong-dong Cafe Street/Jukhyeon Maeul Bus Stop or the Jukhyeon Maeul/Dankook University Bus Stop and walk the remainder of your way to the Cafe Area.
For your visit, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes so you can easily explore the area, and an empty stomach to try some of the cafes or restaurants in the area! There are quite a few photo areas as well, so if you’re planning to use your time there to stock up on some new photos, you might also want to keep your outfit in mind.
Places to Visit in the Bojeong Cafe Street in Seoul
To be fair, there are plenty of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants to visit in the area – and visiting them all (and eating at them all) would take a very long time. You can find a piercing shop, multiple photo stores, and even a place to try your hand at pottery in a guided class. However, after a few visits to the area, I’ve listed my current favorite places to stop below.
By Weight Secondhand Clothing – This unique clothing store sells all secondhand clothes, and only sells by the weight of what you choose! This is a fun way to get a few new items, and last time I visited it was 2500 Won for 1 Kilogram of clothing. They also have handbags, hats, and shoes! (무게로 보정동2호점구제의류)
Eco’s Library Book Cafe – This Cafe has just as cozy of an exterior as the inside, with plenty of drink and dessert options. Their drinks can be quite sweet, but their bingsu is one of the best traditional desserts that you can find without any of the fluff and extra sweets that many others now have. (에코의서재북카페)
Damsot Yongin Bejeong Branch – This sit down restaurant serves traditional Korean food with a modern twist. I highly recommend getting one of their bowls (the garlic, steak, and salmon bowls are all delicious) – and my favorite part is that they serve each meal with a small yogurt for dessert. This restaurant is quite popular so chances are you might have to wait for a bit, but it’s worth it! (담솥 용인보정점한식)
Haru Muni Cafe – In my personal opinion this is one of the cutest cafes in the area, and I love their twist on flexible seating. I got their chocolate latte and it was rich and delicious, and not too thick like others I’ve had. They also have a few dessert options like french toast. (하루무늬카페)
Famously dubbed the Poop Cafe in Korea, the “Ddong Cafe” is known around the world for it’s unique flair on sweet treats and cafe drinks. With toilet bowls for cups and poop shaped breads, there’s plenty to choose from – that is, if you can stomach it. But the real question is, other than a fun place to take some photos, is it really worth visiting?
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
When I first visited Insadong many years ago I found a small bread stand serving poop shaped, red bean paste filled bread – and it was so unique that I convinced my mom that we had to buy at least one to try (yes, it was that long ago).
Now, they’ve taken over almost half of the entire top floor of Ssamziegil (쌈지길) in the famous Insadong district, so it’s hard to miss. Once you make your way into the open air, mall-type building, you’ll take the stairs up to the top floor and chances are you won’t miss it (just look for the poop signs).
Ddong Cafe Stand in 2015
Inside, you’ll find all kinds of toilet themed souvenirs, plushies and posters, but the fun doesn’t stop there. On their menu you’ll find drinks served in toilet bowl mugs, meals served on urinal plates, and poop shaped bread treats.
All right, here me out – here’s why I simply don’t believe the Poop Cafe is simply not worth visiting anymore. When I first visited their stand many years ago, their poop shaped bread filled with sweet red bean paste was warm, soft, and fresh. When I re-visted their cafe earlier this summer with my husband – let’s just say that their fame might have been their downfall.
We ordered one of their specials – a rose flavored latte – in addition to a waffle with a side of ice cream. To be fair the waffle and ice cream were delicious, but the latte was very plain and came out lukewarm. We also grabbed two of their paste filled, poop shaped breads on the way out from their take out stand, and honestly they tasted a few days old. Definitely quite a bit different than what I remembered from all those years ago.
Which is why, in my personal opinion, the Ddong or Poop Cafe in Seoul is simply just not worth visiting anymore. Unless you want some fun photos (which, I get it if you do) – there are plenty of other, better cafes in Seoul that serve much more delicious coffees and treats than this tourist destination, like the Onion Anguk!
The sheer number of cafes in South Korea is mind blowing, with estimates of around 100,000 in the country – compare that to the 77,000 in the entire U.S. and that’s a pretty big difference. Especially when South Korea is about the size of only 1 U.S. State. With so many cafes you can expect to find plenty of cute and unique ones to visit, and after spending plenty of time in local cafes myself, I’ve gathered some of my personal favorites cafes to visit in Seoul.
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Seoul is to use public transportation, either the subway system or the buses. Personally, I prefer using the subway, and have a full guide on using the subway in Seoul.
Cafe etiquette in Seoul is pretty standard across the board, and I’m sure is similar to wherever you’re visiting from. At most cafes in Seoul you’ll order first, nowadays most cafes have kiosks you can order from in whatever language is most comfortable for you. It’s worth noting that sometimes cafes only accept card, so it’s best to carry a card you can use internationally without fees. Once you order, you can find a spot to sit. Seoul can be crowded, so I recommend only taking seats you need and not spreading out (for example using a table for 5 if there’s only 2 or 1 of you). Some cafes have also started implementing their “to-go” policies – meaning if you order a “to-go” coffee then you have to take it “to-go” and you aren’t able to sit down inside.
Tipping is not implemented in Korea, whether you’re at a restaurant or a cafe. Most restaurants and cafes in Korea are also self service, so there’s usually a water stand and an area for utensils where you can help yourself.
1. 934 Kings Cross If you’ve ever been a fan of Harry Potter you’re going to want to make a stop at 934 Kings Cross – the Harry Potter themed cafe in Hongdae. You don’t need a reservation to enter, but you are required to purchase a minimum of one drink to enter. Personally I think the ground floor is the best decorated, but throughout all 7 floors you’ll find various photo spots and even some robes and wizard-ing props to use. On my visit, our group tried to focus on their themed food and drink items – and got a cheesecake, hot chocolate and a butter beer to try. I have a full review of 934 Kings Cross here.
2. Dongg Cafe (Poop Cafe) The Dongg Cafe (or the poop cafe) became an internet favorite a few years ago. Even though it’s a fun & unique stop in Insadong, personally I wasn’t too impressed by their food or drink options. Inside, you can find all sorts of poop emoji themed decor, from stuffed squishies to the shape of their pastries. You’ll even be served your drink of choice in a toilet bowl! The Poop Cafe is definitely one of the most unique cafes in Seoul.
3. Cafe Onion (Anguk Location) Cafe Onion has a few locations in Seoul now, but my personal favorite is in Anguk – where their Hanok themed cafe intersects with the downtown buildings of Seoul, making it one of the most beautiful views. There’s usually a line, but if you’re lucky you’ll be able to grab one of the court side traditional seating (floor seating) options. Once you’re brought to your table, you’ll have to head through the line to order, where you can pick up any pastries you want along the way. They have a lot of great options, but one of their most famous is the pandoro – a pastry piled insanely high with powdered sugar. Cafe Onion Anguk is a great stop to add to your itinerary if you’re visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace.
4. Bong Brothers Dog Cafe There are plenty of dog cafes in Seoul (you’ll notice a few on this list) but that’s because I honestly love them so much, and wish they were more popular in other parts of the world. Of the dog cafes I’ve visited in Seoul, this is one of the cleanest and best organized – they even gave us foam sitting pads and blankets to use. Basically, they run a doggy daycare/dog hotel and dog grooming salon, and after dogs are checked in they’re free to run around and play with any cafe guests! You are required to buy one drink, otherwise you can enjoy the cute dogs for however long you want!
5.The Gwiyeowo Dog Cafe Another dog cafe option in Seoul is the Gwiyeowo Dog Cafe near Hongdae. They have some adorable dogs here as well, and it works similarly to the Bong Brothers Dog Cafe. You’ll need to buy a drink to enter, and typically at some point during your visit you’ll also be given treats to share with the pups. If you’re a cat lover, you’ll also find a small room in the back where you can hang out with the few cats they have on site. They’re also really good at making sure you get a great photo with the dogs during your stay, so expect a short photoshoot.
6. Cats Playground Cafe In addition to dog cafes, you can find a number of cat cafes throughout Seoul. I visited the Cats Playground Cafe in Myeongdong, which was super busy. When I arrived there was a line out the door and we had to wait in the stairwell, but it went pretty quick and within 20 minutes we were in the cafe. They do encourage you to buy a drink, and they also have cat snacks available for purchase. Unlike the dog cafes I’ve visited, I’ve found that the cat cafes are a bit dirtier with a lot more hair in the guest areas, however, it was still a fun experience. They also have a few more rules about which cats to play with and which you’re not supposed to touch, differentiated with the use of a bandana on the cats.
7. Meerkat Friends/Meerkat Cafe Like I mentioned earlier, Seoul has a lot of animal themed cafes, including one for meerkats. I’ll be honest, I was a little disappointed with the drink and snack options at this cafe – they basically had convenience store drinks, and snacks you could get from a vending machine, but the overall experience was fun. Once you arrive at the cafe and purchase a drink, you’ll need to sign up for a time to play with the meerkats, which are separated from the rest of the cafe area. You won’t be able to bring any drinks or food with you during your 15 minute time slot, but they will give you some treats to share and some of the meerkats toys. Be prepared though, the meerkats are very friendly, and will most likely climb all over you.
8. Greem 2D Cafe Since originally posting this article, the Greem Cafe located in Seoul has unfortunately closed down – however there are still other locations throughout South Korea, like on Jeju Island, and on the east coast near Gangneung. The Greem Cafe is a 2-D café, with cartoonish features and an all black-and-white interior. They have some unique drink options as well, like their black sesame lattes. You can expect lots of people taking photos, and in the back room, you can find black-and-white 2-D props as well.
9. Matte Black Cafe (Lotte Tower) The Matte Black Cafe has multiple locations throughout Seoul, including one located in Lotte Tower on the 4th floor, and is a great second option if you’re looking to visit a 2-D cafe in Seoul. This 2-D cafe has lots of seating, and a pretty large menu with various drinks and pastries.
10. C. Through Cafe The C. Through Cafe earns its’ spot on this list due to the fact that they have the most beautiful latte art. Their newest location is in Itaewon, and you can choose from adorable face designs or more elaborate landscape foam art. It’s a bit more expensive than other cafés in Seoul, but if you’re looking for beautiful coffees that are definitely photo worthy, then this is the spot.
10. C. Through Cafe The C. Through Cafe earns its’ spot on this list due to the fact that they have the most beautiful latte art. Their newest location is in Itaewon, and you can choose from adorable face designs or more elaborate landscape foam art. It’s a bit more expensive than other cafés in Seoul, but if you’re looking for beautiful coffees that are definitely photo worthy, then this is the spot.
12. Pink Pool Hotel by Stylenada Unfortunately, the Pink Pool Hotel cafe section has closed down since I originally published this post. However, it’s still a unique stop. Featured on XOXO kitty on Netflix, this bright pink building is more of a boutique shop, but if you head up to the very top floor, you can find a secret cafe serving all kinds of cute, and of course pink, drinks.
13. Aqua Garden Cafe (Lotte Tower) Located on the first floor of Lotte Tower, this unique cafe is exactly what it sounds like – an aqua garden. You’ll need to buy a drink to enter, but personally, I think it’s worth it, because it truly is one of the most unique cafés in Seoul. Once you enter, you’ll be completely surrounded wall to wall by various fish aquariums. They hold all kinds of fish and even turtles, and if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to buy some fish food packets to feed them. Personally, I don’t think their drinks and snacks are too impressive, but it’s a really fun experience.
14. Cafe Awesome Picnic Although Cafe Awesome Picnic isn’t technically a sit-in cafe like the others on my list, it is one of the most unique cafes in Seoul. Here, you can grab a picnic basket to go, as long as you have a reservation, and bring it to one of the many public parks in Seoul to enjoy a day outside. Even though most people are probably renting one for a date, I rented one for Mother’s Day, and it was the cutest little surprise. We grabbed coffees and some of their “croffles” (croissant-waffles) to go, and they included everything else for us. Think a blanket, basket, fake flowers, and even a little Bluetooth speaker – basically everything we needed for a perfect photo worthy picnic.
15. Seoul Sky Cafe This cafe, located on the 123rd floor of Lotte Tower, is a cafe with one of the best views of Seoul. Because of it’s high vantage point, you have some incredible views overlooking the Seoul skyline, and it’s one of the only cafes on my list that has a view at all. They don’t have a very large selection, but they do have some unique drink specials – like the blue drink I got with pop rocks in it. You’ll only be able to enter if you have tickets to the observatory, but with the views and the outdoor observation decks, it’s definitely worth it. I recommend trying to go on a clear day for the best views.
16. The Pie Hole Located near the Syarosugill Trail behind Seoul National University, this adorable yellow building is tucked away in a little alleyway, right off a popular street known for cafes and shopping. Not too surprisingly, The Pie Hole is known for adorable and delicious pies. They have multiple floors, all decorated in a very vintage and retro style, making it a very unique and photo worthy spot – plus, their pies are delicious!
17. Le Alaska Le Alaska is the newest café I’ve found on my list, and it’s located near the Seongsudong area. Inside you’ll find a very Parisian feel, with all kinds of fresh baked pastries and breads. They also have a good selection of coffees and warm or iced drinks, making it a perfect stop while you explore Seongsudong. It’s a little cramped when you enter, but if you head towards the back, there’s quite a bit more seating.
18. Picnic Bonbon Located about one hour south of Seoul via subway, Picnic Bonbon is one of the dreamiest cafes and located right on the riverside. They have glamping tents onsite if you want to use one for the day, and the entire cafe is very retro themed. They’re known for their adorable ice creams, and although they’re good, they’re also very pricey. The entire aesthetic makes it a unique place to stop in Seoul that you don’t find in other places.
19. Dreamy Camera Cafe Even though this cafe is located a little ways outside of Seoul, it’s one of my personal favorites. The entire journey takes about 1-2 hours, and you’ll need to first take the subway to Yongmun Station and then take a taxi the rest of the way to the cafe. We visited when no one else was there, and the exterior itself made this cafe one of the most unique cafes in Korea. Inside, you’ll find an entire collection of vintage cameras, and I highly recommend browsing through their “Dream Books” upstairs before filling out your own dreams. The owner then takes a picture of your “dreams” and prints you a little polaroid you can carry with you – I still have mine in my wallet!
Even though Seoul is best known for its trendy cafes and adorable Korean desserts, you might be surprised to learn that you can also enjoy a traditional, English-style, afternoon tea. Hidden away in a quiet Gangnam neighborhood is Cafe Treeanon, a cute garden themed cafe that serves a beautiful afternoon tea set – complete with an entire teapot of tea, a two-tier serving stand and a cozy garden vibe. If you’re looking for a quieter way to enjoy an afternoon in Seoul, here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
When exploring Seoul, an English-style afternoon tea might not be on your list of top things to do, you might not even know that places like this exist in Korea. When I found Cafe Treeanon on social media I was pleasantly surprised. Located in a quiet neighborhood of Gangnam, this adorable cafe serves a traditional, English-style afternoon tea, similar to those you’d typically find in London. Similar to afternoon teas in other countries, Cafe Treeanon’s afternoon tea includes an entire teapot of tea, delicious desserts and small bites to munch on, and a beautiful garden setting, perfect for slowing down after a busy day of sightseeing in Seoul. Because it’s an afternoon tea set, I recommend trying to visit sometime in the afternoon. They can get a little busy around lunch time, so I’d try to time your visit for around 2-3 in the afternoon.
According to Cafe Treeanon, you need to make a reservation to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy their afternoon tea, otherwise they don’t promise that they’ll have everything they need to create your tea set. You can make reservations through their NAVER listing or by messaging them on their Instagram. If for some reason you aren’t able to reserve ahead of time and they don’t have everything they need for the afternoon tea set, you’ll likely need to order from their al-a-carte menu. This is still a great option if you’re looking for cute drinks and pastries, you just wont get the entire “Afternoon Tea” experience and 2 tier serving platter. Parking in this neighborhood is extremely tight, especially since the cafe is hidden away in a residential area, so I recommend taking the subway. You’ll want to make your way to the Gangnam-gu Office Station and take Exit 4, from there you’ll have about a 1/2 mile walk to the cafe.
When you get to the cafe you can sit wherever you’d like, they have cute and cozy indoor seating or more garden tea party style outdoor seating. On the top floor of the cafe is a small boutique store, unaffiliated with the cafe. Cafe Treeanon’s afternoon tea set is large enough for 2 people, so I recommend going with a friend and sharing. When I visited we were given an entire teapot of your choice of tea, I chose Earl Gray, but they have endless tea options – from what kind of tea, to what kind of sugar or milk, they even had boba pearls as an option. We were also give a two-tiered platter of small bites and snacks. The bottom layer was filled with more “savory” breads and pastries like small sandwiches, muffins, scones, etc. On the top layer were more “sweet” items – like macarons and fruits.
Overall, I really enjoyed Cafe Treeanon’s Afternoon Tea experience! Even though I’ve been lucky to enjoy a proper English-style afternoon tea multiple times in London, I felt the tea and small bites were tasty, the cafe ambiance was great, and the staff was so kind and welcoming. Even though it’s not a traditional Korean experience, I thought it was a really fun way to spend the afternoon and escape the crowds to enjoy something a little different, and it’s definitely a spot I would go back to. I think Cafe Treeanon is perfect for couples, birthdays, girls’ trips, families, or anyone wanting a slower-paced afternoon in Seoul!
If you’re a Hello Kitty or Sanrio fan, there’s one attraction on Jeju Island you won’t want to miss – the Hello Kitty Island. Although not really an island, this part museum, part interactive exhibit, and part themed cafe is filled with all kinds of colorful attractions, photo opportunities, and plenty of adorable souvenirs. Because there’s so much to do on Jeju Island you might be wondering if it’s worth adding to your Jeju itinerary. After visiting myself, here’s everything you need to know before you go, including ticket prices, what to expect, and whether I think it’s actually worth the visit.
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
Getting around Jeju Island can be pretty easy if you’ve already been exploring other areas of South Korea. The main difference between the mainland of South Korea and Jeju Island is that there’s no subway system on Jeju, meaning that unless you have a rental car you’ll need to use the public bus system (which covers most of the island) or a ride service like KakaoT or Uber. Because you’ll likely be navigating with maps on your phone, I highly recommend downloading NAVER Maps or Kakao Maps before your trip. Most public buses in Korea tend to avoid using cash now, so before you want to board your first bus I recommend stopping by a convenience store like GS25 and picking up a refillable T-money or Bee Card to use. They’re super easy to use, and they’re refillable – just tap on when you board the bus and tap off when you get off. One ride on the public bus ranges from 1,200₩ to 3,000₩ depending on how far you end up going.
If you’re visiting for more than just the day then you’ll likely also need a place to stay. I recommend either choosing to stay on the North end of the island in Jeju City or on the South end of the island in Seogwipo. These are the two largest cities on the island and they’ll have the most options with easy access to public transportation. Personally, I recommend Seogwipo only because it’s closer to Hello Kitty Island and after visiting both areas, Seogwipo seemed to have more things to do – like visiting all the famous waterfalls. However, Jeju City is where the island’s main airport is, so it’s really up to your personal preferences. Either way, it takes about 2-3 hours to go between the two cities via public transportation. Some hotels on Jeju Island have two room types available – traditional Korean rooms that come with a mattress pad for sleeping on the floor, and westernized rooms that will have your typically elevated beds.
📍 Location
Jeju Island
💰 Admission
Adults: ₩14,000
⏱️ Visit Time
2–3 hours
☕ Includes
Museum, café, exhibits, gift shop
👨👩👧 Best For
Hello Kitty & Sanrio fans, families, rainy days
Hello Kitty Island is located somewhat near the center of Jeju Island. Because there’s a lot to see inside with multiple interactive exhibits, I recommend planning to spend about 2-3 hours there. Currently adult admission tickets are 16,000₩, with extra charges inside if you want something from the cafe or gift shop. There’s lots of unique things to see inside, and even though there’s a lot of collectors pieces – there’s also lots of interactive exhibits that are perfect for families with kids. Think a movie room, outdoor area, playground, coloring stations, and playrooms. Personally, I think it’s perfect for couples, families with young kids, or any Sanrio/Hello Kitty fan – especially on a rainy day.
Before you visit Hello Kitty Island, you’ll want to get your tickets first. Currently admission tickets for adults are 16,000₩, tickets for teens and students are 15,000₩ and tickets for young kids are 13,000₩. If you’re unable to get them ahead of time, you can usually get them right at the door without worrying too much about them selling out for the day.
Inside you’ll find multiple floors in the museum, including an adorable Hello Kitty themed cafe, multiple interactive exhibits, a 3D theater where you can watch a short Hello Kitty & Friends film (in Korean), and of course a gift shop. Everything is so on theme that even inside the bathrooms you’ll see Hello Kitty shaped mirrors. As you walk through the various exhibits, you’ll see all kinds of Hello Kitty history, decor, and memorabilia – think Hello Kitty hanboks, an entire Hello Kitty bedroom, and even an outdoor Hello Kitty exhibit where you can take life size photos with different Sanrio characters. When you eventually make it to the Hello Kitty Cafe on the top floor, you can even find fun Hello Kitty themed drinks and cakes. They were incredibly cute, but I found them much sweeter than I expected – with most of the flavor coming from the overwhelming amount of frosting.
So, after reading all that information you might still be wondering if a stop at Hello Kitty Island is actually worth it while you’re in Jeju. If you’re a huge Hello Kitty or Sanrio fan, then yes, I definitely think Hello Kitty Island is worth visiting. Between the interactive exhibits, themed photo spots, adorable café, and gift shop, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring everything. It’s also a great choice for families with young children thanks to the interactive play areas, so don’t be surprised to see lots of little kids running around. That said, if you’re only visiting Jeju for a short time and aren’t particularly interested in Sanrio characters, I’d prioritize some of the island’s incredible natural attractions first – like the waterfalls and lava tubes. Personally, I think Hello Kitty Island makes for a great rainy day activity or a fun, unique addition to a slower day on your itinerary. Just be sure to leave enough time if you’re taking public transportation, and don’t forget to stop by the cafe for one of their adorable desserts before you leave.
One of my favorite things about Seoul is how easy it is to spend an afternoon relaxing in one of the city’s many beautiful parks. If you’ve ever wanted to have a picture-perfect picnic without packing blankets, decorations, and snacks (which is perfect for travelers) Cafe Awesome Picnic makes it incredibly easy. They rent adorable picnic basket sets – complete with blankets, decorations, and other fun accessories to make for a great summer and spring activity for couples, friends, or really anyone who’s looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more here.
🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!
🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.
📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).
📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.
🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.
Reserving your picnic basket can be a little tricky, and I highly recommend doing it in advance. The best way to get in touch with Cafe Awesome Picnic is through their Instagram, @cafe_awesome where you can directly message them. I reserved my basket just two days ahead of time, but if you’re wanting to enjoy one of their picnics on a popular holiday or in the middle of peak summer, I would aim to book at least one week ahead of time. You can message them in English or Korean, and they’ll confirm all logistics like date and time of pick up with you directly. You can also find their NAVER Link here.
I rented my picnic basket with them a few years ago, and they didn’t have a deposit requirement at the time to reserve a basket. The rental is just for the day – so you can pick it up on your way to the park and drop it off on your way back. Because I was unable to pay through NAVER, they took a cash payment when I arrived at the cafe to pick up, which was super convenient because my husband and I ended up adding on some fresh coffees and waffles from their in-store cafe. At that time the day rental was 20,000₩, not including any food or drinks.
If you want to rent a picnic basket but you’re not sure where to go, these are some of my favorite nearby parks : – Gwangnaru Hangang Park : This large riverside park is fairly close to the cafe, and is my top choice if you’re looking for a place to bring your picnic set. Located right on the banks of the Han River, you can enjoy some really great views of the skyline and river and it’s a really relaxing spot to enjoy a picnic. This park always has people enjoying the outdoors, and they also have bike rentals if you’re wanting to do something in addition to a picnic! – Olympic Park : This is the closest option to their cafe location, and my second top choice overall. Olympic Park is huge, so there’s lots of places to set up. They often have different events here throughout the year, so it’s a pretty lively park as well.
Overall, I thought the entire picnic experience was adorable – and easy. Once I had arranged everything with them on Instagram, I simply showed up at their cafe to pick up my reserved picnic basket set. Everything was already prepared for me and ready to go. Inside the basket itself there was blankets to sit on, decorative and artificial flowers, a small portable Bluetooth speaker, and some other adorable props like heart shaped mirrors and a little folding table.
In addition to the picnic basket rental itself, my husband and I opted to get a few of their cafe treats and coffees at their café to go along with the picnic, this way we didn’t need to stop at any other stores for snacks and drinks. At their cafe you can find little pastries, croffles (croissant waffles that are extremely popular in Korea), in addition to coffee drinks with cute heart shaped straws. They were both perfect for our picnic. After pick up, we made our way to a local riverside park, enjoyed our picnic, took some cute photos, and then returned the basket. It was the perfect date day, and the best part was there was no cleanup or planning for us – we just dropped off the basket with everything inside back at the café, and were good to go.
