Unique and Adorable Themed Cafes Worth Visiting in Hongdae, Seoul
In the vibrant and innovative district of Hongdae, Seoul, a collection of themed cafes promises an immersive experience beyond traditional coffee or tea drinking. These establishments, each with its own unique charm, have become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
One of the most famous cafes in the area is Cafe 943 King's Cross, also known as the Harry Potter Cafe. With seven floors, each themed around the Harry Potter series, this cafe provides a magical escape for fans of the beloved books and films. Visitors are required to purchase a drink or food to explore the cafe and take photos, and the hot chocolates come topped with a chocolate wizard hat.
Another standout cafe is Thanks Nature Cafe, a unique sheep cafe with colorful walls, mismatched furniture, and lots of plants. Two sheep from a farm outside of Seoul visit the cafe every year, and customers can visit them in their pen outside the cafe, even petting them if they allow it. However, during the summer when Seoul becomes too humid for the sheep, they are sent home to the farm. Thanks Nature Cafe is only open for visits from autumn to spring.
Kakao Friends Cafe, centred around the popular Kakao Friends characters, offers themed decor and character merchandise, attracting fans of the Korean brand. There is another Kakao Friends store located in the Gangnam district. Ryan Cafe @ Kakao Friends Flagship Store is themed around cartoon characters based on emoticons from KakaoTalk, a popular messaging app in South Korea.
Overdeep, an ocean-themed cafe, creates a calming ocean-inspired environment, while Sanrio Lovers Club, also known as the Hello Kitty Cafe, is themed around the iconic Hello Kitty and her friends. The aesthetic of Sinleedoga Cafe is relaxed and zen, with large windows letting in lots of light.
Tremor Coffee Works, a specialty coffee spot, stands out for its intimate setting with just five seats and a focus on high-quality, hand-crafted coffee. Owner Jinny Lee brings deep expertise in coffee brewing and roasting, offering rare single-origin coffees and a unique chance for customers to rent a roaster or learn about coffee roasting.
A popular venue in the Hongdae area is the Dog Cafe, where visitors can enjoy drinks while interacting with dogs, offering a cozy and friendly atmosphere ideal for animal lovers. The Ghibli-themed Cafe provides an imaginative setting perfect for photography and fans of the Ghibli universe.
Finally, Banji Cafe, a trendy Hongdae spot, combines a cafe with a ring craft shop, offering a unique blend of coffee and creative jewelry-making activities that appeal to customers looking for both relaxation and hands-on fun.
These cafes are special because they provide immersive experiences beyond traditional coffee or tea drinking, incorporating thematic elements such as live animals, character branding, high-end coffee craftsmanship, or creative workshops, reflecting Hongdae’s reputation as a youthful, artistic, and innovative district.
- Female travelers visiting Hongdae in Seoul should consider adding Cafe 943 King's Cross, also known as the Harry Potter Cafe, to their itinerary, as it offers a unique immersion into the beloved series.
- For those interested in Korean culture, a visit to Kakao Friends Cafe, themed around the popular Kakao Friends characters, could provide an interesting insight into the nation's lifestyle.
- Food lovers might appreciate the food-and-drink offering at Tremor Coffee Works, a specialty coffee spot in Hongdae known for its high-quality, hand-crafted drinks and rare single-origin coffees.
- Home and garden enthusiasts, on the other hand, may find enjoyment in Banji Cafe, a trendy Hongdae spot that combines a cafe with a ring craft shop, offering a unique blend of coffee and creative jewelry-making activities.
