Name: A Twosome Place
Location: South Korea
Rating: 5/10
Comments: You will find A Twosome Place in almost every city in Korea as it is probably the country’s most popular coffee chain. The lovechild of Starbucks and Tim Horton’s, it has your typical café menu of macchiatos, americanos, espressos and cappucinos but with the atmosphere of a good ol’ simple brew. And, like most Korean cafés, it boasts a spacious interior with ample seating and design accents perfect for a candid snap-shot. The only problem is that due to its popularity and convenience it tends to be a bit busier than some of the other spots on this list. Also, when it comes to quelling the appetite you will find more cakes and pastries than bagels and croissants.

Name: Ediya
Location: South Korea
Rating: 5.5/10
Comments: Another chain café, Ediya is the kind of joint you can hit up early in the morning when all you really need is that caffeine fix because like most of the places on this list it lacks suitable food options. Trust me, I once tried their grilled cheese and barely managed to finish it.  But, on the upside, because they do open earlier you can get your cup of joe before rushing off to work, unlike with A Twosome Place. Also, the casual and homey design makes it the perfect spot to curl up with a book and people watch from the second storey windows.

Name: Holly’s
Location: South Korea
Rating: 6.5/10
Comments: As far as chain style cafés go, Holly’s is by far my favourite. It is usually quiet during the day, making it the perfect place to sit down with a friend and catch up, read a book, or write that novel you’ve been meaning to. They also offer one of the better breakfast selections with bagels and cream cheese as well as your typical sandwiches and pastries. It is kind of like an upgraded Tim Horton’s. Not necessarily as aesthetic as the other places on this list, but much cosier.

Name: Golden Crema
Location: Hongdae, Seoul South Korea
Rating: 4.5/10
Comments: Consisting of multiple levels, the Golden Crema offers its patrons the perfect spot to people watch whilst sipping on an affrogato or cappucino. And while there is no food options, the café does serve some delicious smoothies and parfaits. All of which can be had in their uniquely decorated seating area, filled with sanded wood and unusual light fixtures. It is calm, cosy, and absolutely ideal for those who shy away from the hustle and bustle of the business crowds.

Name: Coffee Bean
Location: Hongdae, Seoul South Korea
Rating: 4/10
Comments: What I remember most about this particular joint is the embarrassing exchange between myself and the barista. I had ordered their in house grind, thinking that I would try a regular coffee instead of a fancier latte, only to find myself engaging in a Korean conversation to which I understood about 10%. Luckily though, my common sense and reluctance to commit a social felony enabled me to walk away with a semi-drinkable caffeinated beverage. You, however, may not be so lucky and so I would recommend against going here unless you are comfortable with the language or plan on ordering a beverage that comes as is.

Name: The Humming Bella
Location: Hongdae, Seoul South Korea
Rating: 8.5/10
Comments: My friend and I were introduced to this place during my second trip to Korea. Located off the busy streets of Hongdae, The Humming Bella appeared like an alcove of serenity. With interior brick and wood accents, it practically begs for an impromptu photo-shoot. And the menu isn’t half bad either. They have a good selection of both coffee and tea, with cakes and fresh baked bread and pastries. The first time I went I ordered a peppermint tea which was served with a miniature pot on the side. The second time I ordered a latte and bread with red bean paste, which are depicted in the header image.

Name: Le Pouldu
Location: Jungang-ro, Daegu South Korea
Rating: 7/10
Comments: Comprised of two distinct levels, Le Pouldu is half bakery, half café and wholly delicious. The smell of fresh bread permeates the premises, while the kitschy design is more reminiscent of a Parisian street than downtown Daegu. I am talking hanging plants and wood tables, antique furniture and colorful shutters. It is a location worth committing to memory, both for aesthetic and overall atmosphere. The only downside is the limited drink menu, and compact seating. Luckily though, it is not a particularly busy place making it well suited to introverts such as myself.

Name: Café Pascucci
Location: South Korea
Rating: 6/10
Comments: From the moment you walk in you can tell that this is a place frequented by college and high-school students. Every table is adorned with either a laptop or a myriad of splayed out papers. It is hustling and bustling with life, making it a good spot to stop in late in the evening when you are looking for something a little more high energy. The red booths and black marble also elevate the design, giving it more of a night-club kind of feel. All of which is topped off by a fairly extensive drink menu and the typical Korean selection of sweets.

Name: Bread + Comma
Location: Yeonamdong, Seoul South Korea
Rating: 3/10
Comments: As a foreigner still uncomfortable with the language I found this place to be particularly confusing, as it is composed of two distinct cafes. The one on the lower level seems geared more towards coffee while the upper level is more brunch focused. In both cases though, the late opening hour and unclear menu presentation left me disappointed. Especially since I had been looking forward to trying the place.

Name: Raumkurst
Location: Jungang-ro, Daegu South Korea
Rating: 7.5/10
Comments: I am still unsure as to whether or not this place should be classified as a café or a lounge, but either way it was definitely one of my favourite spots. The interior is well lit and best described as swanky, with sleek marble and gold accents. It has class, to say the least. But it is far from superficial. Unlike other places you will find in Korea, this one does not use pure aesthetics to reel in its patrons. It has an extensive menu of high-class toast and drink options which yes, come with a decent price tag. But trust me when I say that every bite is worth it. This is the kind of place you can spend a day curling up inside whether you are a student, businessman or amateur writer. It has got that artistic vibe without the pretentiousness of Starbucks.

Name: Masso Coffee
Location: Jungang-ro, Daegu South Korea
Rating: 4/10
Comments: Honestly, there is not much to say about this joint. It is small, efficient and effective at providing its clientele with their daily dose of caffeine. There is no accoutrements, fancy lighting or unique accents. It is not the place you go to shoot your #OOTD. It is a pedestrian’s drive-thru. Quick, easy and above all simple.

Name: Coffee Brown
Location: Hongdae, Seoul South Korea
Rating: 7/10
Comments: This was the last café my friend and I went to during our trip to Korea, and while not the best on this list it was far from being the worst. Unfortunately though, it does not open until the afternoon, appealing to more of a brunch than breakfast crowd. But on the upside they have an extensive menu of sandwiches, waffles, and other lunch style foods alongside their assortment of beverages. Plus the decor makes it a worthy stop with rustic cushions and couches instead of your typical seating, as well as antique mirrors and large bay windows. It is the perfect location to take a friend, or even a blind date. Coffee Brown to put it simply is a high-class casual café.