Written by Sesam Rana Magar, Terafty Manager
All the images are sourced from Pinterest
Cafes today are brewing more than just coffee; they are crafting immersive and memorable experiences for their visitors.
In the modern era, a cafe’s charm extends beyond its menu. The ambiance and aesthetic appeal are now equally, if not more, important. With the rise of social media, visual factors have become essential for standing out among the plethora of cafes. People are now drawn to “Instagrammable” cafes that offer unique themes. As a result, cafe culture is undergoing a revolution.
In the midst of this revolution, Korea is thriving and showcasing creativity in response. The country features cafes with the most unusual and captivating themes. From the themes of books to animals, cafes in Korea are curating wholesome experiences for visitors, which we’ll delve into in this blog.
1. Greem Cafe / Yeonnam-Dong 223-14
Greem Cafe is also known as “Yeonnam-Dong 223-14.” It is located in Jeju on the observatory level (4F) of the Jeju Aerospace Museum. Besides visitors, the cafe is also popular among photographers. The cafe opens every day from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. The cafe was opened by J.S. Lee, inspired by the Korean drama “W”, a fantasy series where a man gets caught between real life and a web cartoon.
Greem Cafe is a black and white themed cafe whose every corner looks like pages of webtoon. The cafe is no less than an escape from the two-dimensional world of cartoons. The walls are covered with hand-painted murals, that reflect a 2D comic book world. Every corner of the cafe looks like a drawing. The cafe is so popular that people wait in long queues to get into the cafe.
2. Ddo-ong Cafe
As unconventional as it may seem, Ddong Cafe in Korea has embraced this quirky theme. The cafe is situated within the Ssamziegil Cultural Complex in Insadong, Seoul. The cafe opens every day from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm.
From interiors to decor and food to drinks, everything in the cafe is poop-themed. The walls and the floor are painted with poop-shaped smiley faces and even hang from the ceilings. The dishes and desserts are served in lavatory-themed utensils such as toilet-shaped bowls and mugs. Moreover, ice cream and waffles are also poop-shaped.
Outside the cafe, a separate vendor offers a unique twist on the traditional Korean street food “bungeo-bbang,” typically shaped like a fish but in this case, resembling feces. Despite being distinct entities, visitors can buy this unconventional treat and enjoy it inside the cafe.
3. The Amoene Cafe
The Amoene Cafe is a structurally, architecturally, and unconventionally built establishment. Its exterior resembles two conjoined, tilted houses with a heart-shaped entrance. It is located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon. The cafe is two-storied and also has a terrace on the upper floor. The cafe looks like something from Alice in Wonderland.
Inside, the cafe is spacious and just as intriguing as the exterior, with tilted doors and windows adding to its unique charm. However, the floors remain perfectly horizontal and level. The walls are brightly colored. The cafe specializes in cakes and tarts, so these desserts are a must when you visit Amoene.
4. 33gate
33gate is an airport-themed cafe that looks exactly like a departure gate area at the airport. From the exterior to the interior, the entire environment of the cafe resembles an airport. The cafe is located in Busan. When you arrive at the cafe, the visitors are given “airplane tickets” that they can personalize with a label printer provided in the cafe. The tickets also include useful information like the Wi-Fi password of the cafe.
Additionally, there’s a photo corner equipped with luggage props, perfect for capturing travel-themed pictures. Orders are placed at a counter that looks just like the ones near airport boarding gates, enhancing the unique atmosphere of the cafe.
5. Character-Themed Cafes
Character-themed cafes in Korea immerse visitors in the world of characters from movies, shows, comics and games. The cafes feature decorations, menu items, etc inspired by the characters. In addition to food and drinks, character-themed cafes may also sell exclusive merchandise related to the characters.
i) 943 King’s Cross
943 King’s Cross is a must-visit Harry Potter-themed cafe located in the vibrant district of Hongdae, Seoul. Spanning seven stories, this enchanting cafe captures the magic of Hogwarts with its detailed decor and immersive atmosphere.
Every corner of 943 King’s Cross is designed to be photogenic, with Harry Potter-themed props such as brooms, wands, robes, and costumes available for guests to use in their photos. Each floor offers a unique experience. Whether you’re a fan of the series or simply looking for a unique cafe experience, 943 King’s Cross provides an unforgettable journey into the world of magic.
ii) Ryan Cafe
Ryan is a cutesy lion character by KAKAO, a mobile messaging application. It is one of the eight characters featured on the application and it is the main icon for the application. Ryan’s emoticon character was released in 2012 and since then, it has gained huge popularity. In Hongdae, Seoul, you can visit the dedicated Ryan Cafe, a charming spot filled with models, decorations, and various items related to this beloved character.
iii) Moomin & Me
This cafe in Apgujeong, Seoul is themed around the characters from the Swedish book and comic series Moomintroll (Moomin), created by Tove Jansson. Korea became the fifth country in the world to open its own Moomin cafe after Finland, Japan, Hongkong and Thailand. The cafe has Northern Europe vibes.
6. Animal-Themed Cafes
There are numerous animal-themed cafes in Korea. The cafes have provided a space where animals and humans, the two significant beings of nature and the ecosystem, can co-exist and create better relationships over coffee or other treats with friends and families. The most common pet cafes feature cats and dogs.
During COVID-19, many businesses closed due to restrictions on physical gatherings. Animal-themed cafes, in particular, were forced to shut down over concerns about disease transmission from animals. Additionally, these cafes also face increasing scrutiny and strict regulations concerning animal rights and protection from activists. Amidst all these, the popularity of animal-themed cafes has still managed to explode in the country.
i) Thanks Nature Cafe
Thanks Nature Cafe is one of Seoul’s oldest animal cafes. The cafe was opened back in 2011 by Mr. Lee Kwang-Ho. The cafe gained immense popularity in 2015 as it was the year of the sheep. According to the Smart Travel Website, the cafe has been named one of the “9 cutest animal cafes in the world.”
The café is divided into two distinct areas: the cozy indoor seating space and the sheep pen just outside. Visitors can enjoy feeding the calm and adorable sheep with hay. Additionally, the café offers an array of sheep-themed treats, including coffee, ice cream, waffles and other desserts. It’s a delightful experience that combines the joy of interacting with animals and savoring unique, themed delicacies.
ii) Raccoon Cafe
In Korea, numerous cafes offer the unique experience of spending time with raccoons. Some of the most popular raccoon cafes include Raccoon Cafe Kkukkune, Maengkun Raccoon Cafe, Bonita Di Cafe, Blind Alley among others. In such cafes, the visitors are usually handed over a set of rules that should be followed during their time there. It is done to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the raccoons.
iii) Reptile Cafe
The concept of keeping reptiles as pets is unfamiliar and somewhat doubtful for many people. However, cafes in Korea have cleverly embraced this idea, creating unique spaces where visitors can observe reptiles up close. These establishments are typically reptile shops that include a supplementary cafe. They showcase a variety of reptiles such as tortoises, chameleons, lizards, and snakes. Notable examples include Koopet and Super Dragon Reptile Cafe.
CONCLUSION
From character-inspired to animal-themed cafes, Korea’s innovative approach ensures there’s a cafe adventure for everyone.
In Terafty’s upcoming movie “Cafe Diem”, we introduce a one-of-a-kind cafe concept: a funeral-themed setting where visitors find renewed hope and purpose. Join us as we reveal the intriguing world of “Cafe Diem” to you.
Terafty 
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