South Korea introduced the coffee culture in the 19th century. In the beginning, it was the status symbol for rich and elite people. But after the instant coffee appeared in the market, the coffee became part of middle-class people as well. As time passed. The country became more aware and the market started to get influenced by the youth culture. This helped the coffee brands to explore and reach the consumers. When you visit here don’t forget to try some of the best coffee brands.
Ryu Coffee Roasters
Ryu coffee roasters are perfect for coffee snobs. The perfect balance of modern and traditional interior design gives a cool yet comfortable vibe. The cafe is owned by Jideok Ryu and with their passionate barista who takes java very seriously. Also, they are the champions at local and national barista contests. The coffee they serve shows the journey and experiments they did so far. You can try the espresso but don’t forget the hand drip coffee to taste.
Visit them: 66-2, Gongpyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Hell Cafe
Hell cafe is a must-visit cafe in Seoul. The cafe is best for experiencing two things i.e. the serving technique and the playlist. Both are unique and hard to find anywhere in Seoul. The playlist they have is based on ancient classic music from baroque times. As for the serving, Owner Sung Eun Lim asks you to take the first sip after he pours it for you in front of him. The reason is, cappuccino has the texture and favors for a limited time, if you wait then the foam will disappear right in front of you.
Visit them: 238-43 Bogwang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
5 Brewing & 5 Extracts
Don’t get confused as both are two different shops with different concepts. It’s easy to differentiate based on the interior, location, and concept. 5 Brewing aims at filter coffee whereas 5 Extracts focuses on espresso. The owners of both cafes are familiar with each other and use the same roasted coffee. 5 Brewing also has its individuality as you will find books and tons of magazines lying around.
Visit them: 55-12 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Fritz Coffee Company
Fritz is cozy but the location is huge, however, the cafe is mostly packed with people. Fritz attracts young people not just because of the coffee but also for their baked items. You can try as they bake fresh every day and serve with a perfect cup of coffee. The cappuccino here is ideally balanced with texture and flavor. The second location also attracts due to its traditional scenery.
Visit them: 17 Saechang-ro 2-gil, Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Coffee M Stable
The Coffee M cafe started in 2016, owned by Jong Chul Moon. The coffee comes with good options, you can try the Ethiopian filter and choose the brew method like Alto Air. They serve it in two different ways, the first you get is in a regular cup and the second is a smaller one with an ice cube in it. This gives different flavors of notes and a new experience to try.
Visit them – 57-2 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.