#cafe 19

Seoul is like any other big city in the world in the way that there is more cafes and coffee chains than you can realisitically count. But obviously high demand is the root of this phenomenon. Anyhow, When you get bored of those franchise cafés, there is always those small homely cafes or themed cafes that are a welcome break from the mass appeal of Starbucks or Twosome place for example. Obviously everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to finding a great café to relax and enjoy a cuppa coffee or tea. These places are all one of a kind cafes. There is nowhere else but the one spot itself and the uniqueness of it character make it stand out. These place only exist in Seoul.

Café 19 (카페 나인틴플러스):

This one of a kind café is located in Garusogil and is known for its brand of ‘Stamina Coffee’. As the name suggests, there is something adult in theme to this place and maybe not appriotiate for youngsters. This ‘stamina coffee’ is said to be based off medicinal herbs that are good for one’s “stamina”. Give it a good if you are brave enough and not worried about possible side effects! There is also handmade penis soaps on sale, you should check that out. Smoothies, tea and ade is also on the menu. Beers and cocktails even are available. And delicious bagels and cheese cake. Drinks range from 3,000won to 6,50owon. Cocktails and beers go from 7,000won ~ 8,000won. Dessert is from 3,500won to 5,000won.

Samnotoonge (삼노퉁이):

A Café and Gallery in one located by Bugak Mountain. This place has one of those breathtaking views of the Seoul skyline. Also that famous K-drama from 2007, ‘Coffee Prince’ was recorded at this location. There is a terrace and second floor which offers you a great ambiance to go with your coffee and chosen snack. The walk up to this café from Buam-dong café street is about 20 minutes and is considered a nice stroll. On the menu is coffee, black tea and herb tea to name a few which will set you back around 7,000won to 8,000won. The lemon cheesecake and the underrated sweet potato cake are worth the price.

Talk Café (Kakao talk café):

A Kakao talk themed café nearby to Nonhyeon Station, not far off from Gangnam. As most people know if they have an idea about Korean culture and the mobile phone addiction here, it’s that everyone uses Kakao talk for their messaging needs. So for the fans of Kakao talk is this unique café where everything is yellow and brown, and probably the best thing about this café is that you can purchase character stationary items such as stuffed dolls, cups, stickers, pens etc. Drinks will cost between 3,000won to 8,000won and merchandise can be as expensive depending on size. Don’t be surprised to pay 90,000won for a big stuffed toy.

Twosome Studio (투썸플레이스):

A café that is co-operated by YG Entertainment Producer, Teddy. A member of ‘1Tym’. He know produces music for the likes of 2NE1 and G-Dragon and so on. Teddy is said to have had input on every stage and in every design of this café. From its logo and interior to packaging and cup design. Even the music is all to his choosing. Located in Hongdae near Hongik University, this café is huge. 4 storey to be exact. There is an art gallery on the 3rd floor and Teddy’s private studio is on the 4th floor. This place is going 24/7. On the menu is coffee, scones and cheese black toasted panini.

Sunrich Cheese Café (치즈 카페 썬리치):

This one of a kind café is in Hannam-dong. This café is run by the company that provides the cheese for Pizza Hut. There is 12 different kinds of cream cheese for you to try out. And there is several original bagels from New York’s “H&H bagel’ on the menu. There is gouda, camembert and brie, to name a few cream cheeses they sell. Coffee costs about 3,500won to 5,000won. A bagel is only 2,000won and its 1,000won for 30 grams of cream cheese and 3,000 – 6,500won for 100~200 grams of cream cheese.

Beesket (비스켓):

A soap smoothie shop located not far off from Dongdaemun Plaza (DDP). This place has a very unique, fun and new concept. You have a choice of up to 3 fruits and veggies to help you make your ideal smoothie, ade or yogurt. And the nutrients and calories of what you are drinking is all told to you for the drink you create. No sugars and no additives. Beesket is a combo of the words ‘bee’ and ‘basket’. Once you are inside the shop, you will understand this once you see the honeycomb shaped blocks of fruits and vegetables. You choose the blocks and put it in the basket, from there you check how the combination works and make your own drink. A one of a kind smoothie shop. A drink costs about 5,900won. A great alternative to coffee.

Air café (비행기카페):

This spot is an airplane themed brunch café which you can find in Hongdae. You can enjoy brunches from Great Britian, Australia, Germany and so on. The seats and tables are that of what you would see in an airplane, The bill comes out on a plane ticket. On the opposite of the café, there is actual products that are sold on a flight for sale, such as perfume, cosmetics and wine etc. A unique one of kind café that you wouldn’t think exists. An airplane meal is 10,000won, Beer Set is 15,000won/31,000won and Wine is from 7,000won to 9,000won per glass.

Thanks Nature café (땡스 네이처 카페):

A special kind of café where sheep are taken care of. Based in Hongdae, near the university, This place is found in the basement. You can feed the sheep but make sure to get permission beforehand. You can enjoy a coffee, waffle, a juice too maybe all while gazing over to the sheep. They usually like to keep to themselves but are known to be social with the right human. Frapuccino is 6,000won – 6,500won, Coffee 5,500won to 7,000won. And waffles are 5,000 to 12,000won. The Belgian waffles are tasty. A great concept café.

Passion Five (패션파이브):

A café in Hannam-dong, Itaewon known for its puddings which is a trendy food in Korea recently. It has a nice range of desserts on offer like cake, macaroons, bread, cookies and chocolate. The price might not be cheap but if you are a lover of desserts then this place must be your next destination for this weekend. Cake is about 4,000won and pudding is 3,000won. There really is too much choice. So choose wisely. On the 2nd floor, you can eat pasta and brunch even. This café has it all.

Mustoy (무스토이):

Again, another one of a kind café located in Hongdae. If you haven’t figured it out by now. Hongdae is the go to place for café enthusiasts. Mustoy is a peculiar craftwork/ coffee shop. From the moment you step into the shop you might be taken aback by all the mustoy (a small character that you design and paint). The owner of the café is a former TV commercial director. His desire was to create a special café in the artsy Hongdae. There is 2 Mustoy to choose from. Either the boy (Muskky) or girl (Mustoy + Happy). Both were created by the creator of the popular children’s character Poporo. It is 15,000won for 1 mustoy and beverage. Not just another plain sit and chat café here.

A video highlight these one of a kind cafes.