Forming connections in a new city
September 8, 2023
Inside COEX Starfield Library, a super popular space for tourists.
There are a few things I respect about Korean culture. An ethic for hard-work is one of them. I saw this in the many cafes I visited in early 2024. People would be studying or remote-working even at 10pm! Facilitating this, many cafes are open 24-hours.
Cafes in Seoul are generally clean, organised and thoughtful in design. From the perspective of a digital nomad, venues from coffeehouse chains like “Hollys”, “A Twosome Place” and “The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf” have almost perfect amenities!
If you’d like more travel recommendations for Seoul, message me on Instagram. Alternatively, we can book a meeting. Read my Busan cafe recommendations here.
List of cafes I visited in Seoul
Maxim Plant
250 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul
I visited Maxim Plant the most out of all the cafes on this list. The building has multiple floors, each one with its own interior style and seating arrangement. I love how friendly Maxim Plant is for a digital nomad who just wants to plug-in and work for hours.
The ground floor is where you can order drinks, pastries and sandwiches. Expect there to be a queue during weekends, especially because Maxim Plant is in the trendy area of Hannam-dong (there are lots of boutique shops and fashionable brands like TAMBURINS and Mardi Mercredi).
During quiet times, the outdoor area of the third floor is lovely – while sipping a hot brew, you can overlook a residential region that’s one of the most expensive in South Korea.
There are two basement floors, one which has ample space for remote-working and another where you can take coffee classes!
See the Google Map link to “Maxim Plant” in Itaewon here. It’s next to the affluent Hannam-dong neighbourhood in the district of Yongsan-gu, where celebrities and K-pop stars like to hang-out.
AB Cafe
32 Gangnam-daero 102-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
Step into AB Cafe for a Bali-themed interior that provides quite a different experience to the busy streets of Gangnam. There are multiple levels, each resembling a tropical haven. The decor makes you feel like you’re in a resort!
AB Cafe is perfect if you’re looking for a romantic cafe in Seoul. There are spaces, particularly in the loft, made for intimate conversation. What’s even sweeter is that the menu has a variety of cakes, croffles, and mixed drinks.
See the Google Map link to the “AB Cafe” in Gangnam here.
Alver Coffee
34 Gangnam-daero 102-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
Located a short walk up the hill from AB Cafe, Alver Coffee holds a different appeal. Firstly, it’s huge! There is less focus on style, but more on a natural, university-campus atmosphere.
All floors were great for convivial chatter, I particularly enjoyed the first and second floors. They had laptop-friendly spaces and a surrounding shared by other focussed digital nomads. After a productive session, you can take a break on the rooftop.
See the Google Map link to “Alver Coffee” in Gangnam here.
Hollys Coffee (Itaewon)
179 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul
Hollys Coffee is one of the most popular cafe chains in South Korea. There are many branches in Seoul. Featured in the pictures are two that I visited: one in Gangnam and the other in Itaewon.
I like the chic aesthetic and modern set-up that each Hollys Coffee has. Food and drink are usually ordered from a touchscreen kiosk – after collection you can go find your own seating.
The venue in Itaewon reminded me of a university library – the amenities for remote working included plush seating, sturdy tables, power outlets everywhere, and calming decor.
See the Google Map link to “Hollys Coffee” (Itaewon) here.
Ediya Coffee Lab
Seoul, Gangnam District, Nonhyeon-ro, 636 이디야빌딩
Ediya Coffee is another big cafe chain in South Korea. If you want to explore the essence of their brand, this building in a quieter part of Gangnam masterfully shows it. Ediya Coffee Lab has a commanding presence with multiple floors and a factory showcase.
After passing a row of expensive cars parked outside, a doorman welcomed me (and other customers) into Ediya Coffee Lab. It was a surprisingly posh welcome, and set the scene for a cozy and tastefully designed interior.
The ground floor has a section for baked goods, a showcase of Ediya Coffee’s achievements, and unmissably a gleaming kiosk where the well-dressed baristas work. Upstairs is where you can feel as if you’re in a communal study room, with comfortable seating and tables everywhere. It’s incredible how friendly Ediya Coffee Lab is for remote work!
See the Google Map link “Ediya Coffee Lab” here.
Daelim Changgo
78 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
This warehouse-turned-cafe is so in tune with its neighbourhood of Seongsu-dong (otherwise known as the “Brooklyn of Seoul” for its young and fashionable vibe).
I liked Daelim Changgo right from seeing its red brick facade. Entering, I was impressed by how big the space was. With wooden beams criss-crossing high above, polished concrete on foot and a garden at the back, it felt like a giant’s home. Apart from a solid selection of croissants, pastries and drinks, Daelim Changgo also features an art gallery.
See the Google Map link to “Daelim Changgo” here. It’s a great space for self-study or a hang-out, perhaps after a dance session at nearby 1MILLION Dance Studio.
COEX Starfield Library
Seoul, Gangnam District, Yeongdong-daero, 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1
Starfield Library is not a cafe, but deserves to be on this list because it’s tremendously famous and has decent facilities for remote working. There are several cafes at its doorstep – including Starbucks and Terarosa Coffee (which I visited after).
The pictures speak louder than words – COEX Starfield Library is an eye-gasm. Tourists were busily taking pictures of the sky-high bookshelves – which are real books in the Korean language. The glass ceiling is a majestic feature, the sunlight pleasantly lights up the atrium.
See the Google Map link to “COEX Starfield Library” here.
Cheongsudang Cafe
31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
I rate Cheong Su Dang as one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes in Seoul. It is a must-visit for its hanok-style design, which focuses on natural greenery and aquatic elements. There is a mini bamboo forest and stepping stones surrounded by tranquil pondwater.
The food is just as innovative. I ordered a souffle cake which resembled a moss-covered forest.
Cheongsudang Cafe is in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, a vintage area near Jongno 3-ga Subway station filled with boutique shops and indie cafes.
See the Google Map link to Cheongsudang Cafe here.
Cafe Solar View
서울 서초구 서초대로 250 102호
I’m assuming that this cafe recently opened because it doesn’t have a Google Map presence yet! I managed to locate its profile on NAVER Maps (whose usefulness I detailed in this article).
Cafe Solar View is more low-key compared to the other cafes on this list. I discovered it by chance one day in the neighbourhood of Seocho-dong. I like its simple, honest interior and quiet location.
See the NAVER Map link to “Cafe Solar View” here.
Tom N Toms Coffee
823 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul
This branch of the famous Tom N Toms brand is located near Apgujeong Rodeo Street. There are high-end fashion shops nearby, perhaps most prominently featured along K-Star Road (location here).
K-Star Road, particularly the section from Apgujeong Rodeo Station to Cheongdam Intersection, is nicknamed the luxury road of Cheongdam. It features bears representing Hallyu stars (think Girls’ Generation, EXO, KARA and Block B), Galleria Department Store, and Hyundai Department Store. Go here for an experience comparable to being in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.
See the Google Map link to “Tom N Toms Apgujeong” here. It’s a welcoming place for a rest after shopping.
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