Spring in South Korea is a magical season – the country shrugs off her winter chill and re-emerges with a backdrop of breathtaking floral displays. Here are 11 cherry blossom cafes you can hop to for a warm cuppa while you take your time admiring the wonders of spring.
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Dear Moment is situated in Mapo-gu, amongst rows and rows of cherry blossom-lined streets. As Mapo-gu is centrally located, it’s a convenient location where you can properly admire the blossoming trees and explore the vibrant district.
Image credit: @soo._.moment
The place is well-lit as the cafe has huge windows that let in plenty of natural light, and it boasts a bright and open concept.
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Dear Moment has a unique selection of cakes and pastries, and notable items include their mugwort cake (KRW 6,000, ~USD4.96) and chestnut cake (KRW7,000, ~USD5.78).
If you are intending to stay at the cafe for a longer period of time, you can also fill your stomach up with a proper meal as they serve pasta and other mains.
Image credit: @soo._.moment
Cottagecore enthusiasts will look forward to visiting this cafe as it is furnished with rustic wood furniture and ornaments that give the cafe a warm ambience.
Address: 2nd floor, 80-34 Daeheung-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Tues – Sun 11AM-10PM, Closed on Mon
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Cafe ARC spans an impressive three floors. On the third floor, you’ll find a rooftop terrace where visitors gather to take in the sweet view of cherry blossoms.
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The cafe also offers an impressive view of the Inwangsan mountain, so it is a popular location all year round, even after the cherry blossoms have faded away.
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Their signature drinks are the deep caramel latte (KRW 6,000, ~USD4.96) and the ARC latte (KRW 6,000, ~USD4.96), and these two choices are perfect for those who prefer their coffee on the sweeter side.
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Their iced americano goes for just KRW4,500 (~USD3.72), and we recommend getting a freshly baked cookie (KRW3,500, ~USD2.84) with it to balance out the rich flavours of the coffee.
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Located in the heart of Jongu-gu, the cafe has a view of many hanoks (traditional Korean houses) in the vicinity, and it is also a short bus ride away from the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Address: Cafe Arc, 1st floor, 3 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu Seoul
Opening hours: 10AM-7PM, Daily
Telephone: 070-5220-1771
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At first glance, Greylab may not strike you as a location for cherry blossom viewing – the indoor area of the cafe is dark, with no cherry blossom trees in sight.
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But once you step into the cafe, you’ll notice that there’s a huge outdoor backyard, and it is a cherry blossom haven when spring arrives.
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Greylab is famous for their apple tea (KRW7,000, ~USD5.78), and it’s no wonder why. The apples in the tea are thinly sliced and made to resemble a rose, and the visuals of the tea will instantly level up your mood.
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Their coffees are freshly brewed daily, and their yellow latte (KRW 6,000, ~USD4.96) is topped with a sweet cream foam that will make you come back for more.
Address: 16, Tojeong-ro 3-gil, Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-10PM | Sat – Sun 12PM-10PM
Telephone: 02-333-5694
Instagram
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The Yeonnam-dong Cherry Blossom House is a unique cafe for blossom viewing as it occupies a building that used to be a house.
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It has three storeys, including an outdoor terrace that overlooks a flourishing row of cherry blossom trees.
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You can satisfy your sweet tooth with their unique dessert menu and wide assortment of fruit-based soda drinks.
Those who are not huge fans of coffee can opt for their grapefruit squash (KRW5,000, ~USD4.13) or organic hibiscus tea (KRW5,000, ~USD4.13).
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Sticking to their branding, Yeonnam-dong Cherry Blossom House has a signature drink – the blossom spanner (KRW7,000, ~USD5.78), which is decorated with pink sprinkles that resemble cherry blossoms.
Image credit: @bokchon_jennyunnie
The cafe is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for a day out.
Address: 50 Donggyo-ro 29-gil, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 11.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 010-8985-3121
Instagram
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Tucked away in the neighbourhood of Seochon, Apostrophe is a quaint cafe that specialises in wine, beer, and freshly brewed coffee.
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There is a large cherry blossom tree right in front of the cafe, and you can either admire the flush of pink while seated on the cute little outdoor seat located on the patio, or from within the premises.
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Spend your afternoon sipping on an ice blended coffee (KRW5,500, ~USD4.54) and read a book at Apostrophe if you need some well-deserved me-time.
Image credit: @apostrophe_nuha
Their speciality wines go for KRW9,000 (~USD7.43) per glass, or KRW29,000-KRW49,000 (~USD23.96-USD40.48) per bottle. And yes, if you find a wine you like, you can bring it home to savour together with your friends and family.
Their draft beers go for an affordable KRW8,000 (~USD6.61) per glass.
Image credit: @apostrophe_nuha
You can also get your brunch fix at Apostrophe, where they serve a hearty meal of truffle mushroom soup and bread for just KRW8,000 (~USD6.61).
Address: 32 Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Tues – Sun 12PM-9PM | Mon 12PM-5PM
Telephone: 02-736-0601
Instagram
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One of the most popular places in Busan to catch the cherry blossoms in all their glory is Cafe ITTI, as the cafe is surrounded by tall cherry blossom trees.
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You can catch a great view of the cherry blossoms on your walk towards the cafe, where the pavements are dusted with pink petals every spring.
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Cafe ITTI is known for their adorable character-themed macarons, although they look almost too cute to be eaten.
Pair the macarons with an aromatic cup of espresso (KRW1,800, ~USD1.49) and you’ll have a perfect harmony of bitter and sweet.
Image credit: @kwonbeauty
Address: 46 Jurye-ro, Sasang-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-9PM | Sat – Sun 12PM-9PM
Telephone: 010-5596-3242
Instagram
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If you are in Busan, L’essai is a must-visit cafe as it has one of the most picturesque views of cherry blossom trees in town.
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We recommend choosing an outdoor seat as you’ll be treated to an unobstructed view of the cherry blossom trees, and complete your experience with a refreshing cup of iced americano (KRW4,000, ~USD3.30).
Don’t fret if you can’t get a seat indoors, as the cafe boasts a minimalist and neat interior that will instantly lift your spirits.
Image adapted from: @mymy._0
The cakes in L’essai are all handmade and fresh, so you can be assured of their quality.
The decadent strawberry cream cake goes for KRW6,000 (~USD4.96), and while the layer of cream may look thick, it’s surprisingly light and fluffy and pairs well with the fresh strawberries.
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L’essai has two floors – take note that the second floor can get especially crowded during the cherry blossom season. To get the best seats in the house, visit the cafe as soon as they open.
Address: 467-1 Oncheoncheon-ro, Dongnae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 11AM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 051-527-2933
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Located in Daegu, LIT is both a furniture store and a cafe. Here, you can shop for lifestyle goods while having your afternoon tea.
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The cafe has a homely feel, and that’s because it was previously a home before it was remodelled and transformed into what it is today.
Note that you’ll have to take off your shoes before entry, so we recommend not wearing laced boots when visiting LIT. The cafe will provide you with a comfy pair of slippers so that you’ll feel right at home.
Image credit: @voirghye
Cherry blossoms are aplenty in the backyard, and you can sit by the window to properly admire the pastel pink blossoms.
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On days when the skies are clear, you can chill out on the small rooftop terrace while taking in the warmth of the sunlight.
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Their basque cheesecake (KRW6,000, ~USD4.96) and tiramisu (KRW6,000, ~USD4.96) are both hot items on the menu, and they’re delicious enough to justify cheating on your diet for one day.
To balance out the sinful desserts, get a hot jasmine tea (KRW4,500, ~USD3.72) to cleanse your palate.
Address: 64 Dalgubeol-daero 447-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
Opening hours: 12PM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 070-8808-7772
Instagram
Image credit: @na_jungjung
Akinyi is a cafe that you don’t want to miss out on – it has pretty aesthetics, picture-perfect drinks, and cherry blossoms growing right in the courtyard of the cafe.
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The two-storey cafe is strategically located, such that you’ll get a clear view of the cherry blossoms no matter where you chose to sit.
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Their signature drinks are the classic lemon tea (KRW5,000, ~USD4.13) and cream latte (KRW5,000, ~USD4.13).
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The unique stone furnishings and wood furniture in the cafe add to the earthy vibe of the cafe, and it is the prime location for a quiet coffee break as it usually isn’t crowded.
Address: 314 Daemyeong-ro, Daemyeong-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu
Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
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Ulsan isn’t usually a top location for tourists, but the gorgeous Inalit cafe is a good enough reason to visit the region.
Image credit: @inalit.cafe
Inalit occupies a large standalone building, and the sleek facade of the building makes it easy to spot from afar.
The cafe has two floors and an outdoor area, and every inch of the premises is a scenic spot for photo-taking.
Image credit: @b.uung
There’s one more perk: the cafe is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog to enjoy the cherry blossoms together.
Image credit: @eom_zzang
Inalit cafe is well-known for their warm and fluffy croffles, with the strawberry cream croffle (KRW5,500, ~USD4.54) being a particularly popular choice among customers.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their basil croffles (KRW5,500, ~USD4.54), which are on the savoury side.
Image credit: @inalit.cafe
Grab a cup of coffee and relax in the outdoor seats while you gaze at the greenery in the outdoor area.
Address: 9 Sunan Beotkkot-gil, Samnam-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Opening Hours: 8.30AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 052-254-7677
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Cafe Vertz spans over four storeys, and the third and fourth floor are no-kids zones.
The cherry blossoms are located along a road near the cafe, and you can view them from the second to fourth floors of the cafe.
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The menu in the cafe will leave you feeling spoilt for choice as they have a wide variety of bread and pastries. Try the crispy sausage pastry (KRW6,500, ~USD5.37), which is a favourite amongst children.
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The cafe also has a specialised zone where they prepare hand-drip coffee. The baristas roast their coffee beans freshly to ensure that the aroma of the coffee is maximised, and the flavour is full-bodied.
Image credit: @vertz_yulri
Take in the stunning view of the reservoir in the outdoor seating area as you sip on an iced latte (KRW7,000, ~USD5.78) – for the best experience, we recommend ignoring your phone and just immerse yourself in nature.
Address: 75 Sangboduhyeon-gil, Cheongnyang-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Opening Hours: 10.30AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 052-222-9955
Instagram
Cherry blossoms in Korea typically come into full bloom for one or two weeks from the end of March to early April, so mark your calendars and make a plan to visit these cafes when the streets turn pink.
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Cover image adapted from: @b.uung, @jimingggg, @mini._.mei
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