Our Favorite Cafés & Bakeries in South Korea - Part 1

Hi everyone!

We’re thrilled to kick off a brand-new series, this time sharing some of our absolute favourite cafés and bakeries in South Korea! One thing we’ve learned about Koreans is that when they commit to something, they go all the way, and their café and bakery culture is no exception. Whether it’s coffee, desserts, or pastries, they strive to master every detail, and the results are, as always, nothing short of AMAZING. It often feels like every café is run by a world-class barista, and the desserts and pastries? Simply irresistible!

After seven visits, we’ve uncovered a treasure trove of cozy cafés and delightful bakeries that have left a lasting impression on us. Some of these places have become so special that the owners recognize us and greet us like old friends, a heartwarming connection we cherish. We’re eagerly looking forward to revisiting them soon! With so many wonderful spots to highlight, we’ve decided to break this series into several parts.

Our love for Korea and its incredible café culture makes it even more special to share these hidden gems with you. We hope you enjoy reading about our picks, and we’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your own favourite spots or recommendations in the comments.

Let’s swap tips and celebrate the magic of Korean coffee, desserts, and pastries together!

Here’s Part 1, let’s get started!

Here’s a map featuring the five amazing cafés and bakeries we visited, highlighted in Part 1.
We hope you’ll use this map to explore the diverse and unique café and bakery culture of South Korea!

★★★ Uljin Mulchi Sanghoe Café ★★★

Mulchi Sanghoe Café is located in a peaceful spot along the coast, more than just a café, it’s a place where you can slow down, enjoy a refreshing drink, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding seaside atmosphere.

Known for their light and refreshing strawberry lattes and delightful pastries, Mulchi Sanghoe offers a taste experience that’s both simple and unforgettable. Their desserts, packaged with care and decorated with cute stickers, add a touch of charm to every bite.

With its quaint thatched umbrellas and cozy outdoor seating, Mulchi Sanghoe gives off a warm, rustic vibe. The red van parked outside, styled as a mini café, adds a quirky charm that makes the place even more memorable. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful, intimate setting with thoughtful decor, creating the perfect escape from the busy world outside.

For us, Mulchi Sanghoe is a hidden gem along our journey. The welcoming vibe and thoughtful touches have left a lasting impression, and we can’t wait to return. It’s the kind of place where you feel at home instantly, with the friendly owner and cozy setup making each visit feel like a warm reunion.

Address: 289-1 Uljin Daege-ro, Hupo-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM / Weekends: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Open year-round)

Reservation Inquiry : No reservation needed, feel free to visit anytime!

★★★ Donghae Al Mare Café ★★★

Al Mare Café is beautifully located with a stunning view of the East Sea, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene seaside atmosphere. More than just a café, it offers a peaceful escape from the city’s noise, allowing you to unwind with a scenic backdrop.

The café’s signature items include the fresh and sweet strawberry latte and their crispy waffles. Each waffle is prepared with different toppings, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Every dessert here is crafted with care, and the beautiful plating enhances the joy of each bite.

The spacious rooftop offers a panoramic view of the ocean and cityscape, making it an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing drink in the open air. Inside, the cozy wooden furniture and lush greenery create a warm, nature-inspired ambiance.

For us, Al Mare Café has become a special stop on our journey. The beautiful scenery, along with the care and attention put into each dessert and drink, made every moment here memorable. We’re already looking forward to visiting again, relaxing with a coffee, and enjoying their delicious waffles.

Address: 4th Floor, 40 Gamchu 6-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM / Weekends: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Open year-round)

Reservation Inquiry: No reservation needed; feel free to visit comfortably.

★★★ Changnyeong Café Gwichoen ★★★

Located in Changnyeong, Cafe Gwichoen offers a serene escape into the peaceful countryside. Our visit started on a delightful note as the owners looked genuinely surprised when we ordered in Korean and already knew exactly what we wanted. This small, unexpected reaction added a personal touch to our experience, making us feel warmly welcomed, as if we were visiting old friends.

Every coffee at Cafe Gwichoen is a treat, crafted with care and flavors that linger pleasantly. The rustic wooden decor and thoughtful presentation create a cozy, homely atmosphere that enhances the café’s unique charm. Whether you’re savoring a velvety latte or a fragrant espresso, each sip feels like a journey through flavors that are truly special. Cafe Gwichoen has left a lasting impression on us, and we’ll cherish it as one of the true hidden gems we’ve discovered along our travels.

Address: 2nd Floor, 8 Wondari-gil, Yeongsan-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Opening Hours: (Tue-Sun) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed every Monday - Open on Mondays if it’s a public holiday)

Reservation Inquiry: You can call 0507-1333-5123.

★★★ Sinan Natural Sea Salt Bakery Café ★★★

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Bigeum-myeon, Sinan County, Natural Sea Salt Bakery Café offers not only a serene escape but also an extraordinary culinary experience. This striking white building, framed by clear blue skies, provides a peaceful ambiance that complements the delectable offerings inside. The café’s owner, Chef Joh Yoonbin, is a skilled patissier who trained extensively in France, bringing an international flair to his craft. His years of experience and dedication to perfection shine through in every pastry and bread he creates.

Inside the café, the modern, thoughtfully designed interior warmly welcomes visitors, with neatly displayed baked goods that instantly catch the eye. From flaky croissants to delicate cakes, Chef Joh’s creations are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Known for his warm hospitality, Chef Joh and his family have become friends to us, greeting us as old friends with each visit. This personal connection adds a special touch to our experience, making each visit feel like a warm reunion.

What truly sets Natural Sea Salt Bakery Café apart is its unique blend of modern bakery culture with a deep respect for Sinan’s heritage. The café is adorned with photographs and displays showcasing the traditional sea salt production process for which Sinan is renowned. This tribute to local culture creates a meaningful connection between the café and the surrounding natural beauty, reflecting Chef Joh’s commitment to honoring his roots.

Natural Sea Salt Bakery Café has become one of our cherished stops, a place we look forward to revisiting for both the exceptional pastries and the friendship we have built with its owners.

Address: 305-31 Seonammun-ro, Bigeum-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do

Opening Hours: (Tue-Sun) 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed every Monday)

Reservation Inquiry: No reservation needed; feel free to visit anytime.

★★★ Damyang Café Mill ★★★

Situated in Damyang, Mill Coffee embodies simplicity and elegance, both in its minimalist architecture and the artistry of its pastries. The spacious interiors are complemented by natural light pouring through large glass windows, offering patrons a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy their coffee and pastries. The café’s aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and calming tones, provides a serene escape for visitors. Outside, the sleek, modern exteriors and landscaped pathways invite you into a world of calm sophistication before even stepping inside.

Mill Coffee is not just a stylish space; it’s staffed by top-notch professionals. The kindness and exceptional “know how” of the staff are truly remarkable, making every guest feel valued. Every member of the team works together to ensure each visit is a memorable experience.

Mill Coffee specializes in an array of handcrafted pastries and freshly brewed specialty coffee. The selection includes richly layered croissants, soft brioche buns, and an impressive variety of viennoiseries, from buttery almond croissants to sweet, fluffy choux pastries. For those looking for something unique, Mill Coffee also offers visually stunning and delicious tarts, cakes, and cookies that perfectly accompany their smooth, well-balanced coffee and various delicious drinks.

Address: 578 Hansudong-ro, Subuk-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do

Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Reservation Inquiry: You can call 0507-1449-5780.