Looking for the best autumn cafes in South Korea? Well, you came to the right place. As an Admin for the Cafes in Korea Facebook, I’ve visited cafes across the country over the years. After all that time, the following cafes remain my favorite for fall colors in Korea. Click to jump to the list if you don’t have time for the rest of the information
About Cafes in Korea
It is estimated that Korea has over 70,000 cafes. Additionally, such cafes range from simple “grab and go” shops to massive and elaborate themed cafes. Seoul alone has an estimated 18,000 cafes.
Coffee was introduced in Korea over 100 years ago and now it’s one of the 6 largest consumers of coffee in the world. In fact, historically speaking, coffee has a stronger presence in Korea than tea. The Japanese even tried to shift Korea toward tea by turning Korean coffee shops into Japanese tea shops, but that didn’t last. The Korean War also brought more coffee into the culture.
When to Visit Fall Cafes in Korea
As we welcome the cool chill of the Autumn months in Korea – September, October, and November – we often have to wait until mid-October or early November to see the Fall season foliage.
So, much like the cherry blossom season in the Spring, the fall colors begin to change at different times, depending on where you are in Korea. But do not fret; you’ll be able to admire them across the country.
What ‘Best’ Means to Me
Everyone has their own rubric for choosing what goes on a “best of” list. This blog post includes a few family-friendly locations but all of them can be enjoyed as solo trips or romantic walks. In addition, each location includes beautiful views and easy access to walking or hiking. Of course, they also have great coffee, tea, or snacks.
Locations Across South Korea
This blog does not focus on cafes in one small area of South Korea. Instead, the blog looks at many different locations that I love to visit across the country.
Best Autumn Cafes in South Korea
Cafe Notes: Gallery Cafe Monet, Asan Gingko Road – Definitely one of the most popular destinations during the Fall. The cafe includes a cat play area, a gallery, and a beautiful view of Asan Gingko Tree Road.
Darujeong
0507-1330-6225
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Located at the entrance of Magoksa Temple, a thousand year old temple.
Hangul Address
충남 공주시 사곡면 은적길 1 다루정
Cafe Notes: Darujeong Cafe is just outside of Magoksa Temple, founded by Monk Jajangyulsa in 640, a representative temple of the Chungcheongnam-do Province. Additionally, this cozy, little tea house serves brown chestnut bread that look like fluffy chrysanthemums.
Swing Cafe
031-580-8020
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
A beautiful cafe on Nami Island.
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
Cafe Notes: Cafe Swing, Namiseom Island – Nami Island (남이섬) – If you’re planning a trip to Namiseom Island, here are a couple of helpful blogs.
- Nami Island and Petit France Family Itinerary > The South of Seoul Blog
- 6 Places To Stay Near Nami Island > The South of Seoul Blog
Hanul Gurumi
010-4431-0320
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Located at the entrance if Seonunsa Temple in Gochang
Hangul Address
전북 고창군 아산면 선운사로 84
Cafe Notes: Cafe Hanul Gurumi – This cafe is on the way to Seonunsa, head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on the slopes of Dosolsan Mountain of Gochang. Since you are enjoying a beautiful Autumn walk or temple stay, stop for brunch at Cafe Hanul Gurumi.
Sono Felice Delpino The Ambrosia
0507-1320-8340
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Offers beautiful views if Seorak while you enjoy your coffees and treats.
Hangul Address
강원 고성군 토성면 미시령옛길 1153 소노펠리체 델피노 E
Cafe Notes: Cafe Sono Felice Delpino The Ambrosia – While enjoying the lovely view of Seoraksan (설악산), try the Pine Cone Latte, iced pinecone-shaped espresso with milk poured over the top.
NaeRyuSa
054-773-9446
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Instagram: naeryusa_coffee
Hangul Address
경북 경주시 영불로 263-7 내류사
Cafe Notes: Naeryusa Coffee – While on the way to Bulguksa (불국사) Temple, founded in 528 at the request of King Beopheung’s mother, Lady Yeongje, visit this tranquil hanok-cafe. World Heritage Site (bulguksa.or.kr)
Seonin Tea House
070-4634-1014
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Instagram: sunindawon Brew and drink tea in the traditional Chinese way
Hangul Address
경기 고양시 일산동구 연리지로 50 테라스트리상가 302호
Cafe Notes: Seonin Tea House – While enjoying a day trip to Ilsan Lake Park, take in the magnificence, with your tea, from a rooftop view, Sun Coral Water Park (goyang.go.kr)
Heritage 815 Cafe No. 2
Hangul Address
경기 포천시 소흘읍 광릉수목원로 415
Cafe Notes: Heritage Cafe No.2 – Spend a day at the Korea National Arboretum which is located in Gwangneung Forest, Pocheon-si of Gyeonggi-do. Undoubtedly, Heritage Cafe No.2 will be there for your caffeine needs.
Cafe De Monde
010-5507-2899
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Instagram: demonde_cafe
Hangul Address
전남 담양군 담양읍 깊은실길 25 1층
Cafe Notes: Cafe De Monde has large, glass windows, cakes, and Einspanners. It is located along Damyang Metasequoia Road, not far from the Damyang Bamboo Garden. Therefore, you could easily spend a day just walking around Damyang Metasequoia Land Children Provence.
Cafe Hongsi Gung Changdeokgung
02-6449-6674
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Instagram: hongsigoong
Hangul Address
서울 종로구 창덕궁길 35
Cafe Notes: Cafe Hongsi Gung (Changdeokgung Palance Branch) – During your visit to this popular Autumn foliage and historical destination, enjoy many persimmon-flavored drinks and treats.
Other Fall Blogs
For Muhly Grass, which is also popular in the Autumn, we also have you covered, check out our blog with 7 great photo opportunities!
Join the Cafes in Korea Group
Interested in discovering more cafes across Korea? Join our group to discover new cafes and share your cafe adventures. Discover more of the best Autumn Cafes in South Korea for you personal list.
LeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech.
As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers. She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors.
Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.
