Known as ‘the Brooklyn of Seoul,’ Seongsu district is the most popular neighborhood for young Koreans in Seoul. Once known for its factories and shoe workshops, Seongsu is now bustling with tons of Instagrammable cafes. Many of them are set in renovated old factories and warehouses, giving Seongsu area its unique and stylish vibe.
As a local living in Seongsu-dong, I’ve found some favorites that are spacious and inviting. Here’s a guide to 10 must-visit cafes in Seongsu and the Seoul Forest area that you’ll want to check out!
Seongsu Station
TONGUE PLANET
Tongue Planet is the café brand of the Korean fashion brand ADER ERROR. The first floor of this building serves as ADER’s showroom and store, while the second floor houses the café. With its interesting furnitures and clever desserts, its unique design stands out from others. It is located near Seongsu Station.
Daelim Changgo
1 minutes away from Tongue Planet, there’s Daelim Chango. Daelim Changgo was opened in 2011. It was originally a rice warehouse from the 1970s. It’s now an industrial cafe that helped start the whole trendy cafe and pop-up store scene in Seongsu-dong with its cool Brooklyn vibe.
Daelim Changgo (대림창고)
- 📍 Address: 78 Seongsu 2(i)-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 성수이로 78)
- 📌 Google map: view
- 🕙️ Opening hours: Everyday 11:00–22:00
- 🌐 Instagram: @daelimchanggo_gallery
Onion
Cafe Onion, with its industrial charm, opened in 2016 and was among the first cafes to emerge in Seongsu-dong. Despite its popularity, the spacious setting and multiple seating options mean you can usually find a spot without much wait. Enjoy coffee indoors or on one of the terraces in this repurposed 1970s building. There’s Onion’s new Hanock cafe branch in Anguk, Seoul.
Onion (어니언)
- 📍 Address: 8 Achasan-ro 9(gu)-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 아차산로 9길 8)
- 📌 Google map: view
- 🕙️ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-22:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-22:00
- 🌐 Instagram: @cafe.onion
Peanut Butter Banana
Newly opened in 2023, Peanut Butter Banana is home to a cozy red-themed space. This café specializes in desserts centered around peanut butter and bananas, with treats made from 100% peanuts ground right on-site. The two-story café, set in a renovated old house, boasts large windows that let in plenty of bright sunlight.
Peanut Butter Banana (피넛 버터 바나나)
- 📍 Address: 15-8, Achasan-ro 7(chil)-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 아차산로7길 15-8)
- 📌 Google map: view
- 🕙️ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-22:00, Sat-Sun, PH 12:00-22:00
- 🌐 Instagram: @peanutbb.seongsu
Rain Report Croissant
Rain Report Croissant is a croissant specialty café where it “rains” every day. The café boasts a big artificial pond where you can enjoy your coffee with a view. Next door, Saladaeng Temple offers Thai cuisine, run by the same company.
Rain Report Croissant (레인리포트 크루아상)
- 📍 Address: 32 Seongsu2(i)-ro 16-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 성수2로 32)
- 📌 Google map: view
- 🕙️ Opening hours: Everyday 11:00-22:00
- 🌐 Instagram: @rainreport_official
Cafes near Ttuckseom Station
Breadypost
Located near Ttukseom Station, Breadypost is a pretzel bakery café with fresh pretzels, cheese, and coffee. The rustic white wooden interior, reminiscent of a charming post office, adds to the café’s unique atmosphere. Plenty of seating, including terrace options, makes it a comfortable spot to relax. This bakery cafe has 4 more branches in Seoul only.
Breadypost (브레디포스트)
📍 Address: 5 Sangwon 1(il)-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 상원 1길 5)
📌 Google map: view
🕙️ Opening hours: Everyday 10:00-20:00
🌐 Instagram: @breadypost_bakery
Brautor
Brautor is a pretzel specialty café housed in a four-story building near Ttukseom Station. The name combines the German words ‘Brot’ (bread) and ‘Autor’ (writer), offering a cozy setting where you can enjoy fresh pretzels and bread. The rooftop terrace is a bonus! This cafe has 1 more branch in Seoul.
Brautor (브라우터)
📍 Address: 28-21 Wangsimni-ro 14-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 왕십리로 14길 28-21)
📌 Google map: view
🕙️ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-22:00, Sat-Sun, PH 12:00-22:00
🌐 Instagram: @peanutbb.seongsu
Ruf Ruf
Opened in 2023, Ruf Ruf offers a fun twist with conveyor belt muffins instead of sushi. Located on the fourth floor, you can enjoy your coffee while overlooking Seongsu-dong. The café also offers a variety of food options, including jambon-beurre.
Ruf Ruf (러프러프)
📍 Address: 26 Sangwon-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 상원길 26)
📌 Google map: view
🕙️ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-22:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-23:00
🌐 Instagram: @rufruf_museum
MatChaCha
This tea cafe is located right next to Seoul Forest, MatChaCha specializes in matcha and offers a serene atmosphere with forest views. Experience traditional tea ceremonies known as “dado.” Their tea courses vary by season, and reservations are required.
MatChaCha (맛차차)
📍 Address: 685-450 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 성수동 1가, 685-450)
📌 Google map: view
🕙️ Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11:00-19:00
🌐 Instagram: @matchacha_seoul
Vonzrr
A huge café that spans from the basement to the rooftop on the 4th floor. The Seongsu branch is the third location for Vonzrr, following Suwon and Yeonhui. The spacious layout and stunning furniture create a furniture showroom-like atmosphere.
Vonzrr Seongsu (본지르르 성수)
📍 Address: 13 Gwangnaru-ro 4ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울시 성동구 광나루로 4가길 13)
📌 Google map: view
🕙️ Opening hours: Everyday 11:00-23:00
🌐 Instagram: @vonzrr_seongsu
Discovered a Hidden Gem?
Do you have any recommendations? Drop a comment and let us know! I’d love to hear your suggestions and keep the café exploration going. Thanks for reading and happy café hopping!
You Might Also Like
4 BEST Korean Restaurants: Seongsu Local’s Guide
4 BEST Stationery Shops: Seongsu Local’s Guide