In Korea, a rich coffee culture is a crucial part of the modern lifestyle. Not only do you find far too many Starbucks branches. No, there are countless cafés where you find peace and space to study, work, or just relax while enjoying a house specialty. In Busan, they even have a so-called Cafe Street! For you, I bit the bullet and immersed myself in the city’s vital café culture. This allows me to introduce you to the 7 best and most beautiful coffee houses in Busan.
Key Takeaways
- Busan offers a diverse and rich café culture that caters to all coffee lovers.
- Vintage 38, Space And Mood, and Alike Café are some of the top spots to visit.
- Cupnut and Hynyeoul Beach provide unique settings for a relaxing coffee experience.
- The International Coffee Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the history and culture of coffee.
- Cafe Street in Busan is a dedicated area where you can explore numerous unique cafés.
Vintage 38
Vintage 38 is a must-visit café in Busan, especially if you love vintage vibes. This café is located on Jeonpo Cafe Street and is known for its delicious tarts. The café occupies three floors, each with its own unique concept. The first floor has high ceilings, brick walls, ambient lighting, and antique décor. On the second floor, you’ll find cozy bean bags, perfect for relaxation. The third floor boasts vintage chairs and unique accessories.
Vintage 38 used to be an old factory but has been transformed into a trendy space with rustic brick and sleek cement walls. It’s a popular spot for vintage enthusiasts and can get quite busy, especially on weekends. If you want to grab a seat, you might need a bit of luck!
Don’t miss out on their exquisite cakes and other desserts. They also run an excellent bakery in addition to the café.
Vintage 38 is located on Jeonpo-daero 199beon-gil #38 and opens every day from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. On Tuesdays, however, they close at 11 p.m.
Space And Mood
Space And Mood is a luxurious café located on Saessak-ro #22-1. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. This café is famous for its precious chandeliers and minimalistic interior. The oversized chandelier hanging above the spiral staircase is especially popular on Instagram.
If you love the place so much that you don’t want to leave, you can stay overnight! Space And Mood also runs a beautiful hotel on the lower floors.
The stairs lead down to rooms on the two floors below, where art courses take place. A different course is scheduled every day. If you’re interested, just ask at the bar.
Be prepared to venture into hidden spots, like inhospitable backyards and dark hallways, to find some of the most beautiful cafés in Busan.
Alike Café
Alike Café, sometimes called Hyangmi Gonggan Café, is a hidden gem in Busan. Located at number 41 of Dongcheon-ro 108beon-gil Street, finding it can feel like an expedition. The journey is worth it once you step inside. The interior is cozy and thoughtfully designed, with signature coffee options that come in various forms. Desserts are also released seasonally, and they taste great!
The café is open from Monday to Friday between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., and on Saturdays, they open at 1 p.m. It’s a perfect spot to relax, whether you’re alone or with someone else. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are just right—not too large or small.
The comfort of the space and the original taste of the café make it a must-visit spot in Busan.
Awluk Café
Awluk Café is a cozy spot located on the second floor at Jeonpo-daero 210beon-gil #48. It’s open daily from noon to 9 p.m. The café is decorated with warm raw wood, giving it a sophisticated charm. It’s not very big, with about 6 to 7 tables, making it an ideal place to read a book or have an intimate chat with a friend.
The background music is loungey, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Awluk Café is a unique combination of a café and a leather workshop, which might seem unusual at first, but it works perfectly. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Cupnut
Cupnut is a unique café located in Hynyeoul, set in a former residential building spread over three floors. The walls are painted dark, and the furniture and decoration are extremely minimalist. Cupnut also has a large roof terrace that offers a fantastic view of the sea and Busan’s coast. If you’re in a hurry, you can order everything to take away from Cupnut’s street-side sales window.
Cupnut is famous for its delicious donuts. They offer a wide range of flavors, from traditional ones like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate to exotic, local flavors like lotus and sweet potato. Each donut is generously filled with cream, topped with the appropriate glaze, and often beautifully decorated. Cupnut’s donuts are big and chewy, making them a real treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The presentation of the baked goods is beautiful and very tempting. Each donut is a work of art, making it hard to resist trying them all.
Hynyeoul Beach
Hynyeoul Beach is one of the most scenic spots in Korea’s Culture Villages. This picturesque place is right by the sea, offering a perfect blend of art, snacks, and quenchers. You can take a long walk along the coast while enjoying the magnificent skyline of Busan’s city center.
The beach checks all the boxes for a perfect seaside Instagram photo. There is an outdoor terrace area in addition to the indoor space, making it a great place to sit and enjoy the sea breeze. Don’t forget to visit the spacious roof terrace where you can sit under pretty straw umbrellas, looking over the sea and back at the skyline of Busan.
Hynyeoul Beach Café is by far the most lovingly decorated coffee house in the entire Hynyeoul Village. Order at the bar and enjoy the tropical vibes.
The café is located on Yeongseon-dong 4-ga #1109 and opens every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturdays, they stay open until 9 p.m.
Café Jimmy
Café Jimmy is like stepping into a cozy, eclectic mix of bric-a-brac and antiques. The room is painted in a friendly white, reflecting the maritime surroundings. The furniture, though wildly thrown together, complements each other in unexpected harmony. Old ornate dishes wait in fancy cupboards to be used, and glass tops protect Grandma’s white-starched tablecloths from coffee splashes.
This cute little oasis is hidden in the middle of the maze of Hynyeoul’s alleyways. There’s also a spacious terrace for those who prefer to enjoy their coffee with a panoramic view of the sea. The Café Jimmy is located on Jeoryeong-ro #224 and opens every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Like in grandma’s living room.
Momos Coffee
Momos Coffee is the gold standard of coffee in Busan. The baristas here are not only skilled but also friendly and helpful, making it a great spot even if your Korean isn’t perfect. The atmosphere is superb, ideal for meetups or dates.
Unique Experience
One of the biggest strengths of Momos Coffee is their 1:1 service. The barista in charge will give you detailed explanations while brewing the coffee, sharing interesting stories. It’s a great way to satisfy your curiosity about coffee.
Special Coffee
Momos Coffee offers special blends that you can only taste in Busan. Don’t miss their signature ‘Candy’ coffee with orange zest and earl grey flavors.
World-Class Barista
Momos Coffee is famous for being the workplace of Jeon Joo-yeon, the first Korean barista to win the World Barista Championship in 2019. This adds an extra layer of prestige to your coffee experience.
The operation method of Momos, which proposes various ways to enjoy coffee beyond the limitations of existing cafes, seems to become another culture.
The International Coffee Museum
The International Coffee Museum in Busan is a must-visit for coffee lovers. This place is filled with a variety of coffee equipment collected by a passionate coffee enthusiast. You can see coffee machines from all over the world and learn about the history and culture of coffee.
What to Expect
- Docent Experience: Join a guided tour to hear unique stories and get a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
- One-Day Class: Try your hand at coffee extraction using different methods like siphon, percolator, and moka pot. You even get to drink your own brew!
Extra Tips
- The museum is free to enter, so it’s a great budget-friendly activity.
- After your visit, take a stroll to the nearby Cultural Platform Citizen’s Yard, which lights up beautifully at 6 pm.
Visiting the International Coffee Museum is a special experience that you won’t easily forget. It’s a perfect blend of learning and fun, making it a highlight of your Busan trip.
Cafe Street
Cafe Street in Haeundae, also known as Haeridan-gil, is becoming a popular spot, much like the famous Jeonpo Cafe Street. Located in the heart of Haeridan-gil, you’ll find Cafe Prahran, a charming botanical brunch cafe with a mint-colored exterior. This small cafe has only four tables and offers a menu that includes coffee, tea, sandwiches, and desserts. One of the must-try dishes here is the Prahran French toast, served with caramelized banana and seasonal fruits.
Another notable spot is Motto Coffee, housed in a brick building with plenty of parking. The interior is filled with plants and natural light, making it a cozy place to work or relax. Although the menu is simple and lacks filter coffee, the atmosphere more than makes up for it. It’s just a short 5-minute walk from Mangmi Station Exit 2.
Jeonpo Cafe Street is also worth mentioning. At the top of this street, there’s a hidden gem on the second floor of a small, unassuming house. Here, you can enjoy high-quality coffee and even purchase high-class leather goods.
If you’re a coffee lover, Cafe Street in Busan is a must-visit. With its unique cafes and cozy atmospheres, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your taste.
Conclusion
Exploring the café culture in Busan has been an absolute delight. From hidden gems like Café Space And Mood to the bustling vibes of Café Jimmy, there’s something for every coffee lover in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to study, a trendy place to catch up with friends, or just a peaceful corner to enjoy a house specialty, Busan’s coffee scene has got you covered. We hope this list has given you a taste of what the city has to offer. Now it’s your turn – which of these cafes in Busan stood out to you? What are your favorite spots in the city? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Busan for café hopping?
The best time to visit Busan for café hopping is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal to explore the city’s vibrant café culture.
Are there any unique coffee specialties in Busan?
Yes, Busan offers unique coffee specialties, including locally roasted beans and specialty drinks that you can only find in the city. Momos Coffee, for example, offers exclusive blends that are worth trying.
Is Wi-Fi available in most Busan cafés?
Yes, most cafés in Busan offer free Wi-Fi, making them great spots for studying, working, or simply relaxing while enjoying your coffee.
What is Café Street in Busan?
Café Street in Busan is a popular area filled with numerous cafés, each offering unique atmospheres and coffee specialties. It’s a must-visit for coffee lovers looking to experience the city’s café culture.
Can I find vegan or dairy-free options in Busan cafés?
Yes, many cafés in Busan offer vegan and dairy-free options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. It’s always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff for specific options.
Do I need to make reservations at Busan cafés?
While most cafés in Busan do not require reservations, some popular spots might get crowded, especially on weekends. It’s advisable to visit during off-peak hours or call ahead if you plan to visit a specific café.
No comment yet, add your voice below!