Discover Korean Comic Book Cafes

(Updated: 2025) Looking to escape the heat or cold? Need to take a little rest in the middle of the day? Time to discover the delightful world of comic book cafes!

About Comic Book Cafes in Korea

Comic book cafes offer a space to relax, enjoy reading, play games, or take a brief nap. Who hasn’t been out in town, exhausted, just wanting to lie down in a quiet place with a nice cup of tea or coffee and just relax for an hour or two? Oh yeah, and read something… maybe.

Comic Book Cafes Offer Rest

What we mean is that although these are amazing places to go read comic books and study your Korean, and have fun. They are also spaces to escape the heat and cold on a busy day and get a little rest, especially for families. A place where your mind can take a break and your body can have a rest. Embrace it. Own it. Do it. This is how many of us expats have learned to survive life when we get overwhelmed.

Different comic book cafes in Pyeongtaek operate in different ways. Some require a drink purchase, and others allow you to just pay by the hour. This week we went to one near AK Plaza and two hours at the cafe with an americano and a green tea was only 7,000 won. That’s crazy affordable. The spaces also usually have snacks you can buy, like ramen or chips, just in case you get hungry.

We go to these cafes for a variety of reasons: to take a nap, to study Korean, to read our own books, to eat a snack, and to study for graduate school. 

What you need to know when you visit

Since you haven’t been to a comic book cafe before, here is some of the hidden culture you might need to know:

• You need to be quiet. Think quiet like a library. Whisper at most. This is not where you go to gossip and chat.
• No shoes allowed. You will put your shoes in a locker near the door and change into slippers.
• Not for young children.
• There is usually a place to charge your devices in each cubby.
• They can be very busy during times when kids aren’t in school.
• Adults are welcome; these aren’t just for kids.
• The owners may warn you that none of the books are in English, just smile and let them know it’s ok.

Hidden Culture and Unspoken Expectations

Comic book cafes are usually quiet and low-key spaces. They’re built for reading, resting, and decompressing. Here are a few unspoken rules and cultural points to know before you go:

No Loud Talking or Phone Calls

These cafes are not social hangout spaces like regular coffee shops. Even if you’re with friends, conversations should be whispered or kept to a minimum.

Use Earbuds

If you are going to watch a movie on your phone, use earbuds.

Shoes Off at Most Locations

Some comic book cafes have private floor seating and ask you to take your shoes off. They often provide lockers where you put your shoes and then take the key with you. Check for signs or watch what others are doing.

Not for Running and Jumping

Think library.

You Can Sleep

If you fall asleep, it’s ok. You can pay for the extra time when you check out.  

Pay First, Then Pick Your Seat

You usually pay for a set amount of time when you enter (like 1, 2, or 3 hours), and then you choose your seat. Many cafes have booths, private cubicles, or floor mats. Some offer unlimited drinks or snacks, while others charge extra.

Overnight Options

In some areas, comic cafes are open 24 hours and may offer a place to nap. These are often used by locals who miss the last train. Expect lower lighting and more of a “crash space” vibe after midnight.

Search for Comic Book Cafes in Korea

If you’re using Naver Maps, Kakao Maps, or Instagram to search for comic book cafes in Korea, using Hangul will give you better results than English. Try searching the following terms:

• 만화카페 (manhwa cafe) – This is the most common term. It literally means “comic cafe.”
• 만화방 (manhwa bang) – A slightly older term meaning “comic room.” These tend to have a more classic, sometimes less-polished vibe.

You can combine these terms with your location name for better search results. For example:

• 만화카페 평택 (manhwa cafe Pyeongtaek)
• 만화방 홍대 (manhwa bang Hongdae)

Also, check hashtags on Instagram for real-time updates and user photos:

• #만화카페
• #만화방
• #웹툰카페

Are Comic Book Cafes Family Friendly?

Comic book cafes can be a great family outing, but a few things to keep in mind:

• Ages 10+ recommended: Most spaces are better suited for tweens, teens, and adults. The furniture and vibe aren’t always built for very young kids.
• Parental supervision required: If your child is under 13, a parent or guardian should stay. There are no staff supervising the reading areas.
• Book content varies: Not all books are family-friendly. Many cafes separate adult comics in a discreet section, but you should still glance at what your kids are browsing.
• No strollers: These spaces are often cramped, with narrow aisles between bookshelves. There may not be space to maneuver or park a stroller comfortably.

If you want to visit a comic book cafe with your child, we recommend:

• Explaining how it will work before you arrive.
• Set your rules and expectations before you arrive, and let them know it’s your first time as well, and you are learning together.
• Setting clear time expectations (1–2 hours max is usually enough for kids) so they can commit to the bit.
• Bring socks for everyone so you can feel more comfortable wearing the provided slippers or taking a rest without slippers or shoes.
• Carry your own hand wipes or wet tissues.

Locations in Pyeongtaek-si

Now that you know what is expected, here are some comic book cafes around Pyeongtaek. Each cafe is in a different neighborhood. We did this so that wherever you are while you are out on an adventure, you can find a place to take a quick rest.