6 cafes for a post-art museum stroll that’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face

when you need to take a break from art to soak up the lingering effects of a work of art, a cozy café is the perfect sanctuary. we’ve handpicked a selection of cafes next to museumsthat are sure to inspire you, whether you’re looking to soak up the excitement of an exhibition or find new inspiration. From the quiet alleys of Bukchon to the lively streets of Changchung, you’ll find special spaces to complete your artistic day.

artistic breaks in Bukchon

arari Bukchon

located in the tranquil hanok ‘Sukyungjae’ in Bukchon, this space reimagines the dining experience of Michelin-starred restaurant Gaon for dessert. using seasonal Korean fruits such as yuzu, raspberries, and red seeds as the main ingredients, they create artistic desserts that combine traditional values with a modern aesthetic.

location: 60-3, Bukchon-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @arari_bukchon

[translate:ETBA] Hanok Bukchon Branch

this is a secret hanok cafe that appears when you open a hidden iron gate next to the Art Sunjae Center. this is the second location after the first one in Seoul Forest, and it combines the beauty of a quiet hanok with the intense flavors of Italy to create a unique atmosphere. enjoy a strong espresso and a refreshing Positano lemon slush to wash away the post-exhibition fatigue.

location: A hanok inside Art Sunjae Center, 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @etba.seoul

kotton Seoul ([translate:Kotton Seoul])

this specialty cafe, located near the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, underwent a rebranding in 2023. the café’s creative menu of traditional Korean desserts and reinterpretations of traditional Korean desserts are served in a space that retains the rafters and girders of a hanok, creating a unique experience where the past and present coexist.

location: 17 Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @kotton.seoul

scenery and coffee in the city center

rewind Seoul ([translate:Rewind Seoul])

located on the second floor of a building in front of An Guk Station, this is a picturesque cafe with a view of An Guk from the window. from the sprawling courtyard of the Seoul Museum of Arts and Crafts to the ridge of Bukhaksan Mountain beyond, you can enjoy sweet desserts and specialty coffees made in-house by the pastry chef every morning while taking in the views.

location: 2F, Ankuk Building, 33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @rwndseoul

fritz ([translate:Fritz]) Jangchung Branch

located across the street from Hyunghwa Gallery Seoul, this space has been the talk of the town since before it opened. the unique structure of several old buildings and the cozy courtyard are a draw for foodies, who not only enjoy Fritz’s specialty coffee, but also the special brunch menu, which is a collaboration between chef Kang Min-koo of Mingles and wine importer Vinebro.

location: 188-11 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @fritzcoffeecompany

relax with nature and architecture

hoam Museum of Art Hoam Cafe

this is a newly opened permanent cafe inside the Hoam Museum of Art, and is only open to museum visitors. designed by Kim Nam Architects, who won the Young Architects Award in 2023, and Seoan Landscape Architecture, who created the traditional garden ‘Heewon’, the café offers a perfect blend of architecture and nature.

location: 38, Everland-ro 562beon-gil, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @leeummuseumofart