Take a stroll on the streets of Seoul and you’ll instantly notice the array of coffee shops. It is no secret that South Korea’s capital is a city brimming with creativity and innovation and you can see this clearly reflected through the cafe culture. From character-themed cafes to spaces that offer experiences that are just a bit out of the ordinary, here are some cafes to check out the next time you find yourself in Seoul.

Step Into Kiki’s World at Koriko Cafe – If you missed out on tickets to Studio Ghibli World in Tokyo but still want a taste of that Ghibli magic then Koriko Cafe, inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service, could be the next best thing. Fans of everything Kiki won’t miss the fact that the cafe interior and exterior is designed to replicate the bakery that the beloved witch works at. From the yellow painted house, its bright red door to all the Jiji-themed baked goods, you’d be instantly transported into an alternate world that feels just like the movie. Cafe goers love the Dutch pancakes and the mug tarts, so try them next time you're in the neighbourhood. 

Write A Letter To Your Future Self At Nuldam Space – Besides tasty vegan-friendly croffles (croissants crossed with waffles) topped up with delicious creams like peanut butter, mocha and matcha, Nuldam Space is a cafe that invites inward reflection by welcoming visitors to write a letter to their future selves. Talk about manifesting in action. After writing and wax sealing your letter, you can select any date to send it by placing it in one of the 365 slots allocated for each day at the cafe.

Rent A Vintage Camera At Day For Record – Camera & film enthusiasts would appreciate Day For Record, a cafe with antique decor inspired by vintage cameras. The owner, who is an experienced video director, aims to create a space to bring together people who love the art of filmmaking and photography. Visitors can find film rolls for sale, develop their rolls, watch vintage films on projectors, and even rent 8mm or 16mm film cameras to capture priceless memories around Seoul. The best part? The owner will edit your footage into a short film. After all, we all know the editing process is always the most tedious part.

Food That Transports You Back To Your Childhood At Bear Day Cafe – From a mile away, Bear Day Cafe is hard to miss. Bright fluro colours stand out starkly amongst rows of apartment buildings and surrounding shops. The inside is just as colourful as the out, brimming with retro inside decor and a yellow and teal colour scheme that makes you feel as though you might have stepped back in time. As you might have guessed from the name, Bear Day Cafe sells bear shaped sweet treats. But that isn’t the only thing they offer, they also sell beautifully decorated bento cakes that may just be un-bear-able to eat.

Escape Into Nature At Plant-Themed Cafes At Savage Garden & Lazy Farmers – If you need a break from the busy hustle and bustle of Seoul, Savage Garden & Lazy Farmers offers a peaceful setting where you can enjoy plant-based food surrounded by lush greenery. Upon entering, the city's noise fades away as you step into a cozy green oasis. Savage Garden focuses on plants and botany, featuring a terrarium theme, a library, a cultivation room, and a lecture room to educate visitors. On the second floor, you can indulge in baked goods and cakes while observing plant specimens in a laboratory-like setting. Meanwhile, Lazy Farmers offers delicious and hearty meals as a restaurant option.

Some Other Themed Cafes 
For Harry Potter lovers at 934 Kings Cross 
For 3 stories of arcade games at La Luz
Make your own keyring at Cafe Neulbo