Explore 18 of the Best Cafés Near Seoul Forest (2025 Edition)
Looking for the perfect café near Seoul Forest? Whether you’re planning a relaxing stroll, catching up with friends, or curating your next Instagram story, this complete list (as of April 2025) delivers the best coffee, desserts, and ambience just steps from Seoul Forest.
Why Seoul Forest Should Be Your Next Aesthetic Escape from Central Seoul
Let’s face it—Seoul is beautiful, but it’s loud, fast, and relentless.
Maybe you’ve done the rounds in Itaewon, hit the rooftops in Gangnam, waited in line for brunch in the Konkuk University area... and it’s all starting to blur.
That's why Seoul Forest is different.
Just 20 minutes from downtown by subway, this tree-lined pocket of calm offers more than walking trails and deer enclosures—it’s quietly become one of Seoul’s most refined café districts, with a lineup of boutique bakeries, aesthetic coffee shops, and creative dessert spots that rival any in the city.
Why Make the Trip?
- The vibe is curated—less influencer circus, more analog charm
- The air is fresher—literally, it’s a forest
- The coffee is serious—UK barista champions, house-roasted beans, Jeju ingredients
- And the cafés? They’re quietly flexing—with vintage interiors, rooftop gardens, and pastries worth crossing town for
Whether you're:
- a couple tired of Hongdae crowds,
- a dog owner looking for a chill rooftop,
- or just someone craving better bread and better light…
This list was made for you.
Below are 18 refined cafés near Seoul Forest—each handpicked for taste, design, and experience. Some are tucked into side streets, some open up to full park views—but all of them are worth the trip.
Must-try: Mac & cheese bacon panini, grilled eggplant & tomato panini, chili shrimp sandwich
Why go: Perfect for scenic takeout picnics. Located inside Galleria Foret at the park’s edge, this 7-year brunch staple offers terrace seating with full forest views, pet-friendly outdoor tables, and sun-drenched ambiance. Known for beautiful plating, signature milk teas, and their viral “Jolly Pong Latte,” it’s one of the few brunch cafés where you’ll want to linger—or grab and go for a refined picnic in the heart of the city.
Bonus: Free 1–2hr parking at Galleria Foret with purchase (₩25,000+).
Must-try: Earl Grey soufflé, crème brûlée boba soufflé, in-house roasted hand-drip coffee
Why go: 5to7 isn’t just a café—it’s a mood reset. Housed in a repurposed brick home with antique furniture, gentle lighting, and three levels (including a rooftop), this local icon has spent 7 years perfecting soufflés so fluffy they went viral and now export to Tokyo. Expect a wait, but it’s intentional: their “Time to Be Free” philosophy invites you to slow down. From matcha brûlée to seasonal fruit stacks, each soufflé is handmade to order and paired with specialty roasts ground on site. Quiet, timeless, unforgettable.
Must-try: Seasonal strawberry mille crêpe cake, Jeju apple mango parfait
Why go: Frequently named among Seoul’s best fruit dessert cafés, Rafre Fruit doesn’t just serve sweets—it curates seasonal elegance. Every dish here—from their signature yogurt-based parfaits to four-layered strawberry crêpe cakes—is made using only fresh, never-frozen fruit and organic cane syrup. Plating is artful, flavors are clean, and even the yogurt ice cream has a cult following. With its European-inspired interiors and Seoul Forest-adjacent location, this second-floor retreat is a must for those seeking visual indulgence with refreshing flavor.
Must-try: Triple cheese campagne, chocolate pain suisse, fig cream cheese sourdough
Why go: From the team behind
Avant Bakery comes this new hidden gem beneath D Tower. More than a bakery, Rebread is a love letter to bread itself—evoking the feeling of discovering a small boulangerie in a foreign city. The scent of just-baked sourdough, the soft warmth of wrapped loaves, and a selection that spans salt bread, fougasse, brioche, and filled campagne make it a must-stop for serious bread lovers. Cozy, spacious, and thoughtfully designed with wood-accented interiors and in-store ovens for warming your loaf, it’s the kind of place that lingers in memory as much as on the palate.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebread_bakery
Must-try:
Kouign-amann, fig baguette, honey cream cheese bread
Why go: More than a bakery, Perment is a hideaway for those craving calm in the heart of Seongsu’s energy. Inside, warm wood tones and gallery-like posters set the tone for a jazz-soundtracked pastry experience. Their counter overflows daily with croissants, sourdough, and stuffed breads—like the cult-favorite pumpkin cream rye loaf or jam-packed fig campagne. Spacious seating, a pet-friendly vibe, and even a basement nook make this spot ideal for coffee-fueled loaf lingering or a quiet solo brunch. Don’t miss the Perment Cream Latte dipped with a
Laugen pretzel. It’s a whole ritual.
Must-try: Traditional French baguette, kouign-amann, fig campagne
Why go: Tucked beside Seoul Forest Station since 2019, this bakery has quietly earned cult status for what many call the best French baguette in Korea. Using time-honored French techniques, they produce deeply flavorful, honest bread that wins over locals and skeptics alike—one crusty loaf at a time. There’s no seating, but a few camp chairs out front invite spontaneous bites of warm pastries in the morning sun. The shop’s motto, “the bakery the neighborhood loves,” isn’t branding—it’s reality. If you arrive late, you’ll miss the good stuff. But if you’re lucky? You'll leave with a baguette and a new weekend routine.
Must-try: Signature egg tart made with Jeju pasture-raised eggs, seasonal fruit tarts
Why go: Born in Jeju and now a Seoul Forest sensation, Sumtarr (a blend of "island" and "tart") brings the warmth of the southern island north—using only fresh, local ingredients and zero artificial flavoring. From the moment you enter, it feels like a countryside escape: the entrance features a “nesting room” display of Jeju eggs, a terrace styled like a rural backyard, and picture-perfect details throughout. Upstairs, modern interiors and natural light create a calming, gallery-like vibe. Freshly baked tarts come out daily from the basement kitchen, and every slice is a balance of creaminess, crisp pastry, and visual perfection. Pet-friendly, photogenic, and irresistibly giftable—Sumtarr is the tart café even non-dessert people line up for.
Must-try: Belgian dark chocolate milk, brownie with whipped cream
Why go: If you know, you know. Tucked just off the mural-lined alley near Ttukseom Station, Farmer’s Café is a local favorite for quiet work sessions and post-park recharges. Their signature Belgian chocolate milk is hand-melted to order, using high-quality couverture—not syrup—and it’s what locals call the best in Seoul. Downstairs, the basement lounge offers a cozy, jazz-soundtracked atmosphere ideal for focus, journaling, or just being offline for a while. Outlets at every table, Wi-Fi that works, late hours (open until midnight), and even the occasional appearance of the café cat “Dwaeji” make this one of Seongsu’s best-kept secrets. Until now.
Must-try: Signature ghost s’mores cookie, torched marshmallow chocolate latte
Why go: Like walking into a storybook, Ghost Mallow blends antique cottagecore vibes with a marshmallow obsession that’s equal parts spooky and sweet. Signature desserts—like cookies topped with gooey, torch-melted ghosts—pair perfectly with drinks named after their resident spirit, Mellow. The café is divided into cozy rooms (yes, one looks like a fireplace-lit secret study) with every nook doubling as a photo zone. Perfect for slow afternoons, kid-friendly picnics, or date days that deserve a little magic.
Must-try: Cube custard bread, rich milk loaf, honey rusks
Why go: With roots in Seongsu since 2015, Meal° has become one of Korea’s most respected bread brands—built on the philosophy that even the most basic loaf deserves obsessive craftsmanship. The name blends meal (밀) with temperature and humidity (도)—because every batch is baked based on the exact climate of the day. Famous for their moist, buttery shokupan and cube-shaped custard breads that vanish in three bites, Meal° sells up to 8,000 loaves a week at the Seongsu location alone. There's no seating, just a line of loyal fans waiting patiently for warm bread brushed with melted butter. Minimalist, consistent, and impossible to eat just one.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/meal_do
Must-try: Cream-filled salt bread, jam butter scones, signature latte
Why go: Imagine this: You pick out a fresh-baked pastry, drop it in the café’s signature self-serve toaster, and moments later—crispy on the outside, creamy and warm inside—it’s ready. That’s the charm of
Lowide, a cult-favorite Seongsu bakery where locals line up for the cream salt bread alone. The texture? Buttery, soft, and filled with whipped milk cream that melts into every bite. The space is warm, minimalist, and pet-friendly—with both indoor and terrace seating available. Their signature latte (don’t stir it!) layers espresso and sweet milk for a sip that shifts flavors as you go.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lowidecoffee
Must-try: Mugwort latte, Geisha pour-over, signature peanut butter latte
Why go: For those who treat coffee like an art form, Center Coffee is a must. Founded by UK Barista Champion Park Sang-ho, this Seoul Forest outpost roasts its own beans and consistently ranks in Korea’s top café surveys. It’s not just about the beans—it’s about precision, from climate-controlled roasting to exacting extraction. Sip a layered mugwort latte or a rare Geisha pour-over in their bright, multi-level space with forest views, where even the cocktails—yes, cocktails—are coffee-based and crafted in collaboration with Kahlúa.
Must-try: Brioche French toast, oat milk flat white
Why go: A sun-drenched rooftop café that feels like a soft reset for city-weary souls. Tucked inside a converted white-toned house near Seoul Forest, Around Day is a quiet sanctuary where gluten-free terrines meet photogenic brunches, and your dog is more than welcome. The three-story layout includes a cozy 1F café counter, a breezy terrace on 2F, and a pet-accessible rooftop where you can sip craft coffee in full view of the Seoul sky.
Whether you're craving a crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside French toast, or sipping a creamy flat white made with house-roasted beans—this is the kind of spot that turns a slow morning into a perfect afternoon.
Bonus:
They serve dog-friendly snacks like "mung-ppuccino" and even allow large-breed pets (on leash). And all desserts are flour-free and sugar-conscious, so you can indulge with zero post-brunch guilt.
IG:
https://www.instagram.com/around.day
Must-try: Salted caramel twist donut, pistachio cream donut
Why go: Just steps from the park, Bontemps is the ultimate grab-and-go donut stop for anyone headed on a picnic, a date, or just a mood-reset walk under the trees.
Unlike your average donut shop, Bontemps uses natural levain fermentation methods to craft their signature twisted donuts. The result? A perfectly chewy-yet-soft texture that holds up without being greasy—and flavors like pistachio, tiramisu, and strawberry that are anything but ordinary.
Whether you're sitting on their street-side board benches or tucking a few boxed beauties into your tote for later, this café lives up to its name—“bon temps” means “good times” in French, after all.
⚠️ Bonus: The donuts are made fresh daily with no preservatives, so eat within 3 days (you won't make it past 3 hours).
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bontemps.korea
Must-try: Fresh fruit cream cake, floral lattes
Why go: A European-inspired café + flower shop hybrid where every table, shelf, and corner is blooming—literally.
Tucked into a quiet side street just steps from Seoul Forest, Café Matri blends fresh-cut flowers, sun-drenched wood interiors, and indulgent house-made cakes into a single experience. It’s a place where you can sip an earl grey latte surrounded by roses or pick up a bouquet before heading to the park.
Their signature cakes are generously layered with real fruit and whipped cream, and the floral lattes taste as beautiful as they look—perfect for a light afternoon treat or a post-walk indulgence. Pet-friendly, camera-ready, and good for the soul.
✿ “Matri” comes from the flower Matricaria, symbolizing strength through adversity. Just like your week.
Must-try: Seasonal desserts, pour-over coffee
Why go: Each floor strikes a different mood—from gallery-chic to rooftop forest views.
Tucked into one of the quieter alleys of the Seoul Forest café zone, PLAD (short for Plan, Art & Design) is so much more than just a mere café—it’s a layered experience. Designed like a vertical journey through the forest, each floor of PLAD carries its own distinct character, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the trees like living art.
This is a go-to spot for people who appreciate minimalist design, thoughtful coffee blends, and seasonal bakes. The house signature latte with apple-cinnamon is warm and aromatic, while the pour-over rotates based on curated beans for a more refined brew.
No matter if you want to take time out to reflect in solitude, hunker down and get work done, or catch up quietly with a friend, there’s a space here for you. Just don’t bring kids under 8—PLAD is a no-kids zone for safety reasons.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/plad_seoul
Must-try: “Chiggle” (bagel-shaped cheesecake), crumble cheesecake
Why go: Cheesecake paradise meets 1950s America, and yes—pets are welcome.
Tucked on the quieter edge of Seoul Forest café street, Western Chapter brings unapologetic American indulgence to Seoul with a vibe straight out of a California diner. Think: bold tiles, retro booths, neon signage, and New York-style cheesecakes reinvented as “chiggles”—cheesecake-meets-bagel hybrids that are as quirky as they are addictive.
The signature ‘Triple Cheese Tree Cake’ and crumbled white chocolate cheesecake are house favorites, while the fudge shakes and s’mores take you even deeper into nostalgic dessert bliss. Perfect for takeaway and park dates, or sit-down cheesecake worship in a booth that feels lifted from a Tarantino set.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/westernchapter
Must-try: Espresso + dessert pairing
Why go: Four floors of calm, power outlets everywhere, and a community space that fuels more than caffeine.Part café, part co-working haven, Seongsu Sien
offers four thoughtfully designed floors built for productivity, inspiration, and reflection. It’s where freelancers, writers, and night owls gather over espresso and layered desserts, soaking in soft lighting and a rare sense of spaciousness in Seoul’s café jungle.
From solo booths with individual outlets to group reading rooms and free workshop/event spaces upstairs, Add free parking (yes, in Seongsu!) and generous hours (open until 11 PM), and you’ve got a polished yet practical café to anchor your day.
Naver: https://naver.me/GV2t5PAu
Is there parking at these cafés?
Some offer parking (like Cheddar & Olly), but most are best accessed by foot or subway.
Are these spots pet-friendly?
Yes! Around Day and Western Chapter both welcome pets.
Which cafés are good for photos?
Ghost Mellow, Café Martry, and Flad Café are perfect for aesthetic shots.
