Yongsan is a huge neighbourhood that covers iconic areas in Seoul, such as Itaewon and Hannam. However, this guide specifically covers the cafes surrounding Yongsan Station and Sinyongsan Station.
As someone visiting Korea for the first time, this area won’t be on my list of places to visit. It isn’t as popular as Seongsu, and there are no tourist attractions nearby.
And that’s one of the reasons why we like it so much.
This neighbourhood has few tourists and offers a glimpse of local life. It’s relatively quiet and peaceful if you avoid the lunch-hour crowds, but the cafes and restaurants can be rather packed with locals on the weekends.
Here are some of the best cafes near Yongsan and Sinyongsan to check out!
Cafes Near Yongsan Station
If you turn right after exiting Exit 1 of Yongsan Station (Line 1), you’ll find yourself in a rather secluded area. However, hidden between the alleys are really popular and trendy cafes.
This area is perfect for K-pop lovers, as it is located right opposite HYBE’s office. If visiting the office is on your travel checklist, this area is perfect for you.
Pirultz Coffee House
If you’re a fan of retro vibes, this spot is for you. Pirultz Coffee House in Yongsan has a retro, old-school Korean cafe (dabang) vibe, serving up traditional beverages alongside coffee. You can try items like Ssanghwa-cha and Jujube Tea, but if that sounds too adventurous for you, feel free to opt for the classic coffee options and pair them with a caramel pudding.
The space also transforms into a bar at night!
56-1 Hangangdaero, Yongsan-gu
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Standard Bun
This cafe near Yongsan station serves freshly baked mocha buns with a variety of toppings, from sweet to savoury. They also serve butter aged in maple syrup and cream buns that are freshly pumped upon every order.
For the full review of Standard Bun (스탠다드번), check out our article here.
37 Hangangdae-ro, Yongsan-gu
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Podi Seoul
Located slightly further away from Yongsan station is PODI Seoul, a cafe that’s decorated in wooden elements and located right beside a train track. You can see, and sometimes, feel the train passing by. Highly recommended for those who want to spend a quiet afternoon watching trains pass by, or just enjoy the vibes of a local cafe in Seoul.
52-14 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu
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Pont
Pont Cafe has several outlets in Seoul, and we’ve previously visited their Mullae outlet! This one in Yongsan is slightly smaller but still feels really warm and inviting.
They’re known as a roastery cafe, so if you’re looking for filter options and some simple bakes, Pont Cafe in Yongsan is a great spot for you.
19-16 Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Errd
Located right opposite Pont, Errd is another popular cafe in Yongsan serving up financier and egg tarts, which they named egg pie. The cafe is also quite small in size, but you’ll find seats available in every corner of the cafe.
They also offer a range of filter coffees and signature coffees, such as the Custard Cream Latte, which tastes like creme brulee in a drink, and the Hey-Nut Cream Latte.
23-12 Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Baton Meal Cafe
Baton Meal Cafe (바통) is a brunch cafe in Yongsan that changes its menu according to the season. If you love meals prepared using fresh ingredients, we highly recommend this place.
We tried their Soup of the Day and Baton Club Sandwich, which were both really well executed. You’ll also find Ragu Penne Pasta, Creamy Burrata Sandwich, and Strawberry Ricotta Toast, along with other healthy yet hearty items.
33 Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Alld’se Cafe
One of our personal favourites in Yongsan is Alld’se Cafe. It’s located all the way at the end of a narrow alley, located inside a renovated hanok. Some even call this a cave cafe because of the stone walls.
There is limited seating, so there is usually a wait, but the place’s vibes make up for it. We highly recommend the bar counter for the best experience, but depending on the crowd, you don’t really have a choice.
29-16 Hangangdae-ro 21-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Aanzee Cafe
To be honest, our visits to Aanzee haven’t been the best representation of this cafe. The first time we visited, it was closed last minute and another time, their oven broke down so we only managed to get coffee.
Nevertheless, the space is really quite unique, especially when you spot something like this in a neighbourhood like this. On a good day, they have desserts and everything, so if you’re into unique spaces, this is one to consider when in Yongsan.
19-24 Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu
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3F Lobby Cafe
This cafe, opened by three architects, specializes in hand-drip coffee. There is no espresso machine, so you won’t be able to find drinks like Flat Whites or Mochas.
They have something called Tiramisuk, which is basically a mugwort tiramisu that was really good. It is a very nice and aesthetic space hidden on the third floor of a building in Yongsan.
3F, 19-39 Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu
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What A Bread Yongsan
As the name suggests, this cafe offers a variety of breads, ranging from savoury to sweet options. The interior is slightly American-inspired, and they have a U.S. Carrot Coffee as their signature drink.
What A Bread is also the first cafe in Korea to invent MBTI breads, which are basically bakes shaped in letters I, E, N, S, F, T, J and P. They received lots of attention from this launch, since Korea is a country that really believes in MBTI.
19-19 Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Cafes Near Sinyongsan Station
The area between Sinyongsan and Samgakji Station is known as Yongridan-gil. It is popular for its cafes and restaurants. Compared to the area beside Yongsan station, Yongridan-gil is definitely more mainstream and has a bigger crowd.
Teddy Beurre House
One of the most popular cafes near Sinyongsan is Teddy Beurre House. It’s a spot known for pastries, with more than 20 different menu items on display. We really enjoyed their pistachio bakes and drinks, but do be warned of the long queues, especially on weekends.
Update: It’s also the cafe of Kim Hoon (유행왕), who appeared in Culinary Class Wars Season 2.
For the full review of Teddy Beurre House, check out our article here.
42 Hangangdae-ro 40ga-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Pachamama Bakery
If you can’t get enough of pistachio from Teddy Beurre House, Pachamama Bakery can be your next stop! This bakery also has an amazing spread of pastries, and they’re well known for their pistachio slice dessert. It’s really nutty and rich! Pair that with their Pistachio Cream Latte, and we’re certain this combo will satisfy any pistachio lover out there!
9 Hangangdaero 62-dagil, Yongsan-gu
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Baguetti
If you’re looking for a quick lunch, Baguetti is a newly opened cafe in the Singyongsan area serving up baguette sandwiches in both sweet and savoury options! The 2nd floor is especially gorgeous when the natural light shines in, but it does get crowded easily during lunch time so make sure to visit early!
55 Hangangdaero 40-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Ongeundal Yongsan
Ongeundal is a patisserie cafe that primarily focuses on desserts, with items such as cakes and pastries. Think fruit-topped croissants and caneles in various flavours.
They’re well-known for their crescent-shaped pastry stuffed with strawberry jam. We tried it and found it to be okay, not particularly mind-blowing.
18-3 Hangangdae-ro 40-gil, Yongsan-gu
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Dotori Cafe
This Ghibli-inspired bakery cafe is located along the same stretch as Teddy Beurre House. It offers yoghurt bowls, brunch fare, and baked goods.
The bakes are all on display, with items like salt bread, acorn-shaped madeleines and a variety of caneles.
It’s also one of the more popular cafes near Sinyongsan, so do be prepared for long queues, unless you visit right when they open.
25-6 Hangangdae-ro 52-gil, Yongsan-gu
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