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A fast information to a few of the most unusual themed cafes in Seoul’s Hongdae neighbourhood!
Seoul is all in regards to the cafe tradition. There are cool espresso outlets and quirky eateries all around the metropolis – together with a surprisingly massive variety of themed institutions. In any case, this can be a metropolis that LOVES an excellent photo-op!
There’s a restaurant the place you possibly can publish 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!
Plenty of these are unfold out all around the metropolis, however the fashionable Hongdae district – well-known for its procuring, meals, and nightlife scene – is dwelling to a reasonably excessive focus of quirky cafes.
Some are well-known (like a restaurant themed round a sure wizarding world), others are extra “hidden gems”… however they’re all nice locations to go to for a singular twist in your each day espresso! These are 5 spots it’s essential to take a look at in case you’re visiting the Hongdae neighbourhood…
5 Cool Themed Cafes in Hongdae
Brief on time? There’s a map and a fast model of this record on the backside of the web page.
1. Cafe 943 King’s Cross (aka the Harry Potter Cafe)
Love Harry Potter? You CAN’T miss Cafe 943 King’s Cross if you’re in Seoul. This is without doubt 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). There’s magical decor in all places and plenty of superb particulars – like ghosts flying throughout the partitions, owls in cages, and Ministry of Magic “Needed” posters on the partitions.
Foods and drinks is just a little on the costly aspect – however you’re additionally paying for entry to all these superb flooring with their cute picture ops. And the new goodies come topped with a chocolate wizard hat! The meals is OK, however it’s extra about appears to be like than style: my Mandrake cake was insanely cute to have a look at, however primarily it was only a very costly, dry chocolate muffin!
Prime 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 case 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 Hiya Kitty Cafe)
This absurdly lovely cafe and store is themed across the iconic Hiya Kitty and her pals. Anticipate plenty of pastel colors and sugary treats: menu highlights embody character latte artwork and roll truffles printed with character faces.
The upstairs is designed to seem like a schoolroom, with areas themed across the totally different characters (together with Hiya Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and extra). There are a great deal of cute picture ops – together with a room the place the partitions are coated in Sanrio cuddly toys!
Ryan Cafe @ Kakao Associates Flagship Retailer
The Kakao Associates are a gaggle of cartoon characters based mostly on emoticons from KakaoTalk (the nation’s greatest messaging app). They’re HUGE in South Korea – so don’t miss a visit to the flagship retailer in Hongdae.
You’ll discover two big flooring stuffed with cute merchandise that includes the characters – plus plenty of enjoyable picture ops. There’s even a photograph sales space with a props station!
On the third ground is the Ryan Cafe – which options a big statue of Ryan (the “foremost” character) at one of many tables and a menu filled with themed character desserts.
Prime Tip: There’s one other Kakao Associates retailer within the Gangnam district.
Sinleedoga Cafe
Sinleedoga Cafe is a little bit of a hidden gem in Seoul, so it’s normally a lot much less busy than a few of the others on this record. It’s designed to seem like a standard Hanok (a standard Korean home), full with a central courtyard with a comfy firepit.
There’s a very relaxed, zen really feel to the aesthetic – with large floor-to-ceiling home windows letting in plenty of gentle. The menu is easy (principally sizzling drinks, iced teas, truffles, and pastries) however the signature drink is the quirky Corn Cream Latte (learn extra on this overview).
Thanks Nature Cafe
You’ve heard of cat and canine cafes – nicely, this can be a SHEEP cafe! Thanks Nature Cafe is a cute, cosy area with vibrant partitions, mismatched furnishings, and plenty of vegetation. It’s additionally dwelling to 2 cute, fluffy sheep.
The sheep come from a farm outdoors of Seoul and a special pair go to yearly. They’re saved in a pen outdoors the cafe, the place prospects can go to the sheep and perhaps even pet them – in the event that they allow you to, which they normally do (not many individuals know this however most sheep love being petted!).
Prime Tip: The sheep are despatched dwelling to the farm in summer season when Seoul will get too humid for them, so you possibly can solely see them from autumn-spring.
Cafe 943 Kings Cross (aka the Harry Potter cafe) is without doubt one of the hottest institutions in Seoul. You should purchase a drink or meals with the intention to discover the cafe and take photographs. Right here’s a photograph of the principle menu to present you an thought of what’s on provide and what the costs are like.
Map and Fast Checklist of Themed Cafes in Hongdae
943 King’s Cross: Harry Potter-themed cafe
Sanrio Lovers Membership: themed round Hiya Kitty and pals
Ryan Cafe on the Kakao Associates flagship retailer: themed across the in style messaging app characters.
Sinleedoga Cafe: designed to seem like a standard Hanok cafe.
Thanks Nature Cafe: a singular sheep cafe!
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Let me know in case you go to any of those cute, themed cafes in Hongdae if you’re in Seoul. Scroll down to go away a remark!
