It’s that time of year when banks line the streets. We’ve gathered a list of cafes in Seoul with beautiful fall foliage, so you don’t miss out on this peak moment. This fall, take a stroll through a large park or ginkgo tree-lined forest and head to a nearby outdoor cafe for a cup of coffee.
1. Staples
If you walk from Samcheongdong-gil along Gyeongbokgung Palace and go near Madong Elementary School, you will find Staffix, a famous ginkgo tree spot. The large ginkgo trees and spacious yard are beautiful, and it is also famous as a place where Lee Young-ja and her manager visited a few years ago.
📍22, Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu (Naver map)
2. Boot Cafe
There is another cafe near Samcheongdong-gil where you can enjoy autumn leaves and ginkgo leaves. It is Boot Cafe. Signposted with the name ‘Assi Classics‘, it is the Seoul branch of the Boot Cafe in the Marais district of Paris, France. It is located in a renovated hanok and uses the same Puglen coffee beans as the French branch.
📍46, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu (Naver map)
3. Mishmash
This contemporary Korean restaurant has been visited by many celebrities, including Han Ye-seul, Uhm Jung-hwa, and IZONE’s Minju. The owner-chef, who studied at the world-renowned culinary school École Ferrandi and worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, opened the restaurant in a hanok, and the view of Changdeokgung Palace and ginkgo trees through the windows is beautiful.
📍47, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu (Naver map)
4. Jebi Flower Tea Room
Thanks to its owner, who is a film music director and singer-songwriter, the complex cultural space Jebi Flower Da Bang hosts programs by various writers and artists every month. The yellow ginkgo trees that can be seen through the large windows behind the artists who play their hearts out add to the beauty of the performances.
📍146, Changamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Buam-dong (Naver map)
5. Mamö
This cafe overlooks Namsan Seoul Tower, ginkgo trees, and vines. The terrace area is lined with vines and a large ginkgo tree greets you at the entrance of the cafe. Located near Namsan Park, it’s a great place to take a break after a walk in the park.
📍41, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu (Naver map)
6. Travertine
Hangangdae-daero 7-gil is also known as Yongsan Ginkgo Street, and it is home to the famous cafe Travertine. The cafe looks hip at first glance and attracts many people. The savory lattes are delicious, and they also sell merchandise and package deals.
📍18-7, Hangangdae-ro 7-gil, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
7. 3F LOBBY
What’s so special about hand-drip coffee from an architect? 3F LOBBY is a cafe run by three architectural firm lobbyists. The cafe was built by architects, and for some reason, the design is expected to be unique. You can also see a large ginkgo leaf over the coffee making area, so if you’re curious about how the cafe will look and taste this fall, we recommend visiting the 3F LOBBY.
📍19-19, Hangangdae-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
8. Bamboo Bakery & Brewing Seorae
Bamboo Bakery & Brewing started in Hapjeong with the goal of creating a cafe with delicious baked goods and coffee, and now has a branch in Seorae Village. The three-story building has large windows and large trees outside, so you can enjoy the autumnal atmosphere. Recommended as a fall foliage spot!
📍77, Donggwang-ro, Seocho-gu (Naver map)
9. Cattle B&B Yangjae
Cattle B&B Yangjae is a cafe located right near Yangjae Stream’s fall foliage path. You can enjoy brunch, baked goods, and drinks. The interior is spacious, so you can sit anywhere, but if you sit on the terrace and watch the fall foliage, you will lose track of time. If you’re looking for a light coffee to accompany your view of the leaves, we recommend the Summer Latte with vanilla ice cream!
📍131, Yangjaecheon-ro, Seocho-gu (Naver map)