Best Coffee in Gangnam from a Specialty Coffee Nerd
Discover Gangnam’s top specialty coffee spots! From expert pourover brews to cozy atmospheres, explore cafés that every coffee lover will enjoy.
by Steven Lee
Dec 18, 2024
Gangnam is one of the busiest parts of Seoul filled with towering office buildings and bustling streets. With space at a premium, you might think there’s little room for unique specialty coffee shops to thrive here. Yet, Gangnam is home to a select few coffee spots that truly stand out. In this article, I’ll share my favorite cafés in Gangnam that have passed my (very picky) standards – places that not only serve exceptional coffee but also offer a memorable experience worth seeking out.
Best Coffee Near Samsung Station(삼성역)
Entêtê Coffee Roastery (앙떼띠)
Entêtê Coffee Roastery is one of the best all-rounded coffee shops in Seoul. They have a killer location with views of Lotte World Tower across a river, a wide selection of coffee that they roast on-site, and amazing desserts.
I love that they let you choose what coffee beans you'd like from a selection of 7+ beans, and then how you would like it prepared (espresso, milk, or pourover). I recommend checking out their Instagram for their current desserts.
They are a bit far away from Samsung Station, but I think it's worth the walk.
Peer Coffee Coex
Peer Coffee started back in 2015 when the owner originally wanted to open a bakery-focused shop but fell in love with specialty coffee while pairing coffee with bread. Peer Coffee always has some unique fruity single origins pourovers to try, and also has plenty of great menu options for non-coffee drinkers too.
Although I don't think this is their best location (as their other locations are so unique), it's great to have high-quality coffee at one of Korea's largest malls, Coex. The shop has plenty of seats, so I never had any trouble finding a seat even during busy hours. In my opinion, Peer Coffee offers the best coffee available at the Coex Mall.
Best Coffee Near Seolleung Station
Toch Coffee (토치커피)
Toch Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery and cafe that also imports coffee from origin. The coffee is consistently good and I like that they always have new uncommon high-end single origins coffees every time you visit.
The cafe experience is superb with unique glass furniture, cool lounge music, and a really nice view of the vegetation in Seolleung through large glass windows making it a nice spot to chill with a cup of coffee.
Alexander Coffee Studio (알렉산더 커피 스튜디오)
Alexander Coffee Studio is definitely one of my favorite coffee shops in Seoul. They have an amazing chocolatey house blend espresso from a Synesso machine and a curated selection of single origins from roasters around the country. The non-coffee menus are all super high quality, and they have a nice dessert selection of cookies and bread that pairs well with coffee.
Not only does this shop serve great coffee, but it also has the nicest staff you’ll find in any cafe across Seoul. The owner and the staff always welcome you with a smile and friendly small talk.
The wood interior gives a cozy vibe to the shop which is located a short walk from Seolleung Station. The shop is small with only a few seats, so I like to pair the coffee with a peaceful walk around the UNESCO World Heritage site Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tomb when full.
Alexander Coffee Studio on Google Maps
Terarosa Coffee - Posco Center (테라로사 커피)
Terarosa is one of the most successful specialty coffee brands in Korea. I would compare it to Blue Bottle as Terarosa was a major driving force that pushed specialty coffee into the mainstream in Korea.
Their coffee is a little bit darker than what I usually enjoy but they use amazing quality green beans which I can definitely taste. Their pourovers have a unique old-school vibe that reminds me of Japanese-style coffee since they use old-school Kalita drippers and serve coffee in fancy cups with saucers.
This location is my favorite Terarosa location because of the amazing interior architecture. The location has a huge set of open stairs right in the middle of the store where you can watch the baristas work. There is a lot of steel is used on everything from the stairs to the tables which is a homage to the steel company, Posco, who owns the building where the cafe is located. The café offers spacious tables perfect for working on your laptop or relaxing with friends, though finding an open spot can be challenging due to its popularity.
Best Coffee Near Gangnam Station
Soosoo Coffee - Gangnam N Tower (수수커피)
Soosoo Coffee is located in the back of the same building as Blue Bottle, but I choose Soosoo every time. The Gangnam branch has a very simple modern aesthetic but with delicate details in material choice and furniture. When I first visited, I didn't really have high hopes for the coffee thinking it was just an Instagramable cafe. I was totally wrong.
All the coffee served is great and they have a great selection of unique pourover coffees. The cafe's desserts go well with their drinks because they aren't too sweet. I especially recommend their lemon cookies.
Gangnam’s specialty coffee
Gangnam’s specialty coffee scene may be nestled amid skyscrapers and bustling streets, but it holds its own with a collection of cafés that cater to true coffee lovers. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast, a fan of pour-overs, or just looking for a great atmosphere to unwind, Gangnam has a coffee spot for you. So next time you’re in the area, take a break from the hustle, explore these unique cafés, and enjoy a taste of Gangnam’s finest.
