retro cafes, where the familiar and the new coexist, have never ceased to be popular. a special space that brings back memories of ‘tea houses’ with sweetened tea and Viennese coffee for a mom in her 50s, or a new-fangled experience of an era she never experienced for her daughter in her 20s. take a trip back in time with these three Seoul gems that aren’t just retro, but have a modern twist. these are the best places to visit in Seoul for moms and daughters.

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1. arcade Toobe: a Secret Teahouse Hidden Underneath a Forest of Buildings (City Hall)

insadong’s famous teahouse, Toobe, has opened a second space in the basement of Seoul City Hall’s Korea Press Center. the red carpet, velvet sofas, and lace-upholstered chairs make you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a 1980s Hong Kong movie. serving shaved ice made with a variety of teas, including oolong and white teas, and seasonal fruits instead of coffee, it’s a charming hideaway where you can escape the noise of the city and focus on tea and conversation. The “shaved ice and tea set of the month” is their signature dish, so be sure to try it.

address: B1F, Korea Press Center, 124 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul | Instagram: @arcade.tove

2. pirotz Coffeehouse: The perfect return of the old-school coffeehouse menu (Sinsan)

if you pass by the tacky Korean sign on the second floor of a ramshackle building, you’d be making a big mistake: the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be enchanted by the warm atmosphere created by the dark wood-toned interior and vintage lighting. Pirotz Coffeehouse perfectly recreates the staple menu of the tea houses of the era, including Viennese coffee, ssanghwa tea, and jujube tea. The Viennese coffee, which is not too sweet and has a smooth creamy consistency, will appeal to your parents’ generation. the checkered floor tiles and differently shaped teacups are adorable touches that add to the neo-noir feel.

address: 2F, 56-1 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | Instagram: @pirultz_coffeehouse

3. hummingbird: An urban sanctuary with vinyl records (Gwanghwamun)

in the basement of a building behind Saemunan Church in Gwanghwamun Alley, an alley that’s bustling with office workers on weekdays, you’ll find Hummingbird, a space where time seems to stand still. the soft sunlight streaming through the small windows in the basement, the wooden interior, and the owner’s hand-picked vinyl music create a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. already well known for its hand-drip coffee, this is the place to go when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. the wait is frequent, so we recommend going after 2pm on weekdays or on Saturday mornings when it’s relatively quiet.

address: B1F, 22,23, Shinmunro Building, 12, Samunan-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul | Instagram: @beolsae8

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. what does ‘Newtro’ mean?

A. It is a neologism that combines the words ‘New’ and ‘Retro’. it refers to a trend that goes beyond simply recreating the culture of the past and reinterprets it with a modern twist, creating a sense of freshness for new generations and nostalgia for older ones.

Q. where is the best place to go with your parents?

A. All three locations are charming, but Pirotz Coffee House is a great place to share memories with your parents, especially since it has a menu of traditional teas familiar to their generation, such as pearlized tea and jujube tea.

Q. do you have any recommendations for non-coffee drinkers?

A. Arcade Toobe is a teahouse that doesn’t sell coffee, but offers a wide variety of teas and specialty shaved ice, making it a good choice for those who don’t prefer coffee.