It’s nice to sit on a mat by the Han River and enjoy chicken and beer, but some days you just want to sit with a clear view of the Han River and drink coffee elegantly while feeling the river breeze. Some of Seoul’s best cafes can be found on the banks of the river, so we’ve gathered some cafes with a view of the Han River that are well worth a visit, whatever the weather.
1. Mulgyul Hangang
Mulgyul Hangang is a floating café on the Han River that literally sits on top of the river, swaying with the waves (in fact, Mulgyul translates from Korean as ‘wave’). This unique floating café has a great interior and a lot to recommend it as a date spot too. Of course, if you’d prefer to clear your head and just stare at the water, we recommend Mulgyul Hangang as a tranquil spot for a coffee break, where you can gently move with the waves and get a moment of calm in the city.
📍 296 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
2. Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center
Starbucks may not be much of a secret, but very few of their coffee shops are floating on the river. This one is found at the Seoul Wave Art Center, and if you’re taking the subway, you can get off at either Jamwon or Sinsa Station. Something about sipping coffee at a floating Starbucks on the Han River while enjoying the view of the water and open sky through the windows feels like the ideal Seoul activity!
📍 145-35 Jamwon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul.
3. The Hangang
The Hangang café is located near Nodeul Station and Nodeul Island, and the surrounding trails lead to the Han River and Yongyang Bongjeong Park. Even if you don’t manage to get a seat by the main window, there are views of 63 Building and the train to enjoy, and the Han River is visible no matter where you sit, making it a great place for a coffee break. The coffee prices are pretty reasonable at ₩3500 for an Americano, and if you’re here in the evening, we also recommend enjoying the night view from the promenade near the café!
📍 29-6 Noryangjin-ro 32-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
4. River Coffee (리버커피)
River Coffee is a Han River view café a short walk from Exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station. We recommend borrowing a book from the nearby Gwangjin Information Library and relaxing on the café terrace while enjoying the Han River and coffee. River Coffee boasts delicious desserts as well as coffee and views, so it’s great for a bite to eat too.
📍 90 Achasan-ro 78-gil, 광장동 Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
5. TYPE Coffee
TYPE Coffee Hangang is located on the 5th floor of Seogang 8 Gyeong Building across the street from Yeouido and Bamsom Island, which means it commands beautiful views of the Han River. The signature hand-drip coffee and Korean-style einspenner coffees (increasingly found in Seoul cafes!) are popular, and the café also serves wine and small bites.
📍 128 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
6. Lounge of Light (빛의라운지)
Five star hotel Grand Walkerhill is also noteworthy for Lounge of Light, its café overlooking the Han River along Gangneungbuk-ro. When you think of hotel cafes, the first thing that comes to mind might be a high price tag, but here you can enjoy reasonable desserts and drinks, including signature cakes, for less than $10. Lounge of Light is a gallery and café in one, so you can enjoy not only the view of the Han River but also the artworks.
📍 Walkerhill Hotel B1F , 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
7. Blurr
Once known as Hills Café, now known as Blurr, you’ll find this Seoul café on the 4th floor. The building’s tall, cool glass windows offer views of the Yanghua Bridge, Parc.1, and the National Assembly, whilst there’s also a terrace area where you can soak up the sun and cool nighttime breezes. Cakes, cookies, and sweet treats are a must on your visit, too.
📍 4th floor of Hapjeong, 28-10 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
8. Check Grow (채그로)
A beautiful book café with a panoramic view of the Han River, Check Grow offers a quiet moment of contemplation sipping coffee or reading a book. There’s also a separate area in the back where you can relax and talk, so you don’t have to worry about being shushed for chatting with your friends. If you’re here alone, you’ll find a peaceful spot for some alone time!
📍31 Mapo-daero 4da-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul