*Sadly, Seoulism Cafe closed its doors to the public in May 2023, and has re-opened as a performance and event venue. Bummer!
You’ve no doubt seen pics of this Seoul sign, backed by a stellar view of the Lotte World Tower in the background? Well, it’s at Seoulism Cafe, and the first time I saw it, I knew I HAD to go there to get a pic myself.
This is the pic you HAVE to get when visiting Seoul.
There’s a reason why it’s been tagged over 10,000 times! It’s literally the perfect, unforgettable souvenir of the city, for locals and tourists alike.
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In this guide
How to Get to Seoulism Cafe
Address: 435 Yes Building 1, Floor 6, Baekjae Goboon-ro | 서울 송파구 백제고분로 435 예스빌딩 1, 6층
I’m betting there’s many a person that’s walked right past Seoulism Cafe without realizing it. We sure did.
That’s because it’s on the 6th floor of a building that really doesn’t look like it has any business hosting a cafe that looks like this one. If you find yourself in a building that looks kind of industrial and unkempt on the ground floor, you’re in the right place.
On top of that, there’s no obvious Seoulism sign on the exterior to direct you towards the cafe. You’ll have to wait until you’re actually IN the building’s elevator to confirm that you’re in the right place, by looking for the tiny Seoulism logo next to the 6th floor button.
That said, it’s otherwise easy to get to Seoulism Cafe. Just hop on subway Line 9, and get off at Songpanaru Station | 송파나루역, Exit 1 and walk straight for about 5 minutes to reach the building.
What to Expect at Seoulism Cafe
Despite being located in a “not-very-touristy” area of the city, Seoulism Cafe was a sensation from the moment it opened in summer 2017.
Locals flocked to the vintage inspired cafe in Jamsil, shared photos on Instagram, and a new IT spot was born. It wasn’t long before tourists and crowds followed. It’s been a few years now, but Seoulism is still a popular spot for visitors seeking out the perfect iconic pic to symbolize their trip to Seoul.
Entering the Cafe: No drink, no admission
I’m guessing that Seoulism Cafe’s insta-fame led to influencers and their ilk descending upon the cafe in droves… because when we visited, we were not allowed to take a step past the cash without ordering a drink. Understandable, I suppose.
You’ll have to purchase at least 1 drink to enter Seoulism.
The drinks are definitely not cheap…even for Seoul. A basic shot of espresso, or a long black will run you 7,000 won. You can check out their full menu further on in this post.
Interior and Seating
Seoulism Cafe is designed in a retro-vintage style, and it’s actually very spacious. Each table or seating area is unique and set pretty far apart, so you can actually enjoy some privacy. There are also bar style seats next to wide windows on the exterior wall, so you can choose to drink your java with a stellar view.
The interior at Seoulism Cafe is wide and spacious.
As a writer, I always check out cafes for their workability factor. And I have to say that Seoulism is not the best cafe for getting work done. I found the seating to be pretty uncomfortable from an ergonomic point of view. Best to go there for a chat, coffee, and picture taking sesh instead.
The Rooftop and Patio
Seoulism Cafe is definitely a nice spot, but let’s be real here. The reason you went there is for that signature photo op.
To get it, you’ll have to head up to the rooftop. When we visited on a weekday morning, the cafe and rooftop were pretty empty, so we had tons of time to take as many pictures as we wanted.
If you visit at more popular times, like sunset or anytime after, you’ll likely find yourself in a line, waiting for your chance to take pictures.
I just know you’ll need to get this picture too! by Yeajin12 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
There’s good reason. Night time photos of the Seoul sign, glimmering Lotte World Tower, and city lights are well worth the wait.
It’s also worth noting that the look of the sign and rooftop seems to change seasonally. So if you’re visiting Korea in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you can get different pictures, depending on the season.
Things to Do Near Seoulism Cafe
If you’re headed here from other parts of the city, it makes sense to combine a few activities in the area on the same day. This is where I live, and I can vouch for the fact that there’s a ton of great attractions to check out near Seoulism Cafe.
Have a read of the following articles to learn about Jamsil and the surrounding neighbourhood.
- Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower Visitor’s Guide
- Be Awed at the Incredible Lotte World Aquarium
- 7 Fantastic Things to do at Seokchon Lake Park in Jamsil
- Le Tatin: An Affordable Creperie in Seoul
- Paint your Cares Away at Peach Gray Cafe
Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky Observatory
After seeing Lotte World Tower from the outside, you’ll probably want to get INSIDE. This is the tallest building in Korea, and the 5th tallest building in the world. Views of the city from the Seoul Sky Observatory, on floors 117 – 123 are extraordinary.
You can’t get this stunning view anywhere else in Seoul.
Lotte World Adventure
Lotte World Adventure is an amusement park for all ages, located in the heart of Seoul, on Seokchon Lake. It’s not too far to walk there from Seoulism Cafe.
Lately, it’s all the rage to rent a Korean school uniform at Ehwa Gyobok, and wander around Lotte World snapping pics. Every time I pass this place, it’s lined up out the door. The store is located on the B1 level, near the ticketing and entrance gates for Lotte World.
You can catch a free traditional performance at the Seoul Norimadang
If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can check for free traditional performances at the Seoul Norimadang, which is also located on Seokchon Lake.
Lotte World Aquarium
I spent a ton of time at Lotte World Aquarium with my daughter when she was younger, and it’s well worth a visit. It has the world’s largest ocean ecology tank, and is home to 650 species, and 55,000 sea creatures.
Lotte World Aquarium has Korea’s largest ocean ecology tank.
TIP | The Songpa L Pass combines admission to Lotte World Adventure, Lotte Aquarium, and the Seoul Sky Observatory in one convenient pass. With it, you can visit all 3 attractions for 65,000 won (vs 119,000 won on-site). Reserve a Songpa L Pass here.
Seoulism Cafe characterizes itself as a brunch cafe and casual bar, and the menu reflects that. I won’t list every single thing here, but a quick rundown of the highlights, so you have an idea of what to expect taste and price-wise. All prices in Korean won.
Coffee, Tea & Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Espresso: 7,000
- Long Black: 7,000
- Latte: 7,500
- Flat White: 7,500
- Cold Brew Coffee: 11,000
- Cold Brew Latte: 11,000
- Salted Caramel Cream latte: 8,500
- Coconut Frozen Latte: 11,000
- Berry Ade: 8,000
- Matcha Latte: 8,000
- Choco Latte: 8,000
- Selection of Teas: 9,000 – 11,000
Cocktails, Wine & Beer
- Fresh Lime Mojito: 18,000
- Bailey’s Cream: 18,000
- Piña Colada: 18,000
- Cosmo: 17,000
- Martinmiller’s Gin & Tonic: 17,000
- Malibu Sunset: 17,000
- Apple Martini: 16,000
- Stella Artois: 11,000 – 13,000
- Hand & Malt Hop Cider 385ml: 11,000
- Glass of House Red or White: 13,000
- Sangria: 15,000
- Bottles of Wine: ranging from 49,000 – 155,000
Brunch and Food Platters
- Avocado Salmon Sandwich: 18,000
- Smoked Salmon Salad: 18,000
- Avocado Shrimp Sandwich: 18,000
- Big Breakfast: 22,000
- Cheese Plate: 25,000
- Nacho Plate: 18,000
- Beef Chilli & Bread: 26,000
- Gambas: 28,000
- Ham Plate: 25,000
- Seoulism Big Platter: 35,000
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Seoulism Cafe: Essential Info and FAQs
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