I Tried TikTok-Famous Cafés in Seoul: What’s Worth It (And What’s Not)
Seoul is the city for aesthetic cafés. If you’ve spent even five minutes on TikTok, you’ve probably seen at least one of these spots pop up on your feed.
Naturally, I had to try them for myself.
I spent my time in Seoul café-hopping across some of the most viral, talked-about places to see if they actually live up to the hype. Some were absolutely worth it… and others felt more like they were built for Instagram than for coffee.
Here’s my honest take.
Mil Toast
Verdict: Worth it (for the food, not the coffee)
Mil Toast is one of the most popular cafés in Seoul—and after going, I get why.
The toast here is so good. Soft, fluffy, and honestly more of a full breakfast than just a quick bite. If you’re coming hungry, this is your spot. That said, the coffee didn’t really stand out. It was fine, but definitely not the reason to come.
What you should know is the wait. I arrived about 25 minutes before opening on a Saturday, and there was already a line. By the time I got seated, I had waited a little over an hour.
No reservations, so try to go on a weekday and get there early!
Soha Salt Pond
Verdict: Not worth it
I wanted to love this one… but I just didn’t.
I ordered their signature salt bread and a flat white, and honestly, neither impressed me. I didn’t even finish them—which says a lot.
The space is cute, very minimal and aesthetic, but it felt like one of those places designed more for photos than for actual quality.
To be fair, I went when it wasn’t crowded, which made the experience better—but I still wouldn’t go back.
Artist Bakery
Verdict: Worth it
This one lived up to the hype.
I tried the cinnamon cream bread and the Earl Grey bread, and both were really good, but the cinnamon was definitely the standout.
Even the flat white here was solid, which isn’t always the case at trendy cafés.
I went on a Thursday morning and still waited about an hour, but the process is a bit more organized thanks to their electronic queue system if you want to sit inside.
Pro tip:
Join the queue early, then plan to explore the area while you wait.
Rain Report: Rainbow
Verdict: Depends
This one really comes down to your preferences.
The concept is super unique. A constant “rain” effect that gives the whole café a moody, cozy vibe. It’s definitely one of the more memorable spaces I visited.
I ordered the apple cake, which was good, but huge. I couldn’t finish it, so keep that in mind if you’re solo. The coffee was good, and I had no wait since I arrived right when they opened.
If you love sweets and want a unique café experience, you’ll probably enjoy it. If not, you can skip.
Leedorim
Verdict: Worth it
Leedorim is modern, spacious, and has multiple levels, so it never felt overly crowded. The design is stunning, especially the mountain centerpiece, which makes it perfect for photos.
I ordered a yogurt bowl, and it was honestly the thickest yogurt I’ve ever had. Paired with fresh strawberries and an iced coffee, it was the perfect lighter option after a few heavier bakery stops.
This is a place I would actually go back to. Not just for content, but to hang out.
