Mangwon-dong’s Top 5 Specialty Coffee Cafes
Explore the charming neighborhood of Mangwon-dong in Seoul and uncover its best specialty coffee spots—from Deep Blue Lake’s fruity roasts to Vision Stroll’s delectable blueberry galette. Enjoy unique vibes, cozy atmospheres, and unforgettable brews.
by Steven Lee
Feb 4, 2025
Even amidst the bustling heart of Seoul, there’s a little jewel of a neighborhood that still holds a sense of calm leisure and warm sentiment—Mangwon-dong. Every alley here is lined with quaint cafés and boutique shops, and the pristine atmosphere of Mangwon Market adds a unique vitality to the area. In particular, the true charm of Mangwon-dong lies in its distinctive cafés. In this post, I’m excited to introduce several cafés that are especially loved for their incredibly delicious coffee.
딥블루레이크 | Deep Blue Lake
Deep Blue Lake is a specialty coffee café that represents Mangwon-dong. Located near Mangwon Market, it’s housed in a pastel, sky-blue building that immediately catches the eye. While the charming exterior is an iconic symbol of the place, the real allure of Deep Blue Lake is its Nordic-style light roast coffee, celebrated for its bright and sweet fruity flavors. The filter coffee—reminiscent of a fruity tea—and the single-origin espresso, which offers an intense, vibrant fruit-juice-like taste with minimal bitterness, are both top-notch. In particular, if you order the “Espresso Taste” menu, you’ll receive two espresso shots—one of which is brewed using a pre-frozen chilling ball—unlocking a distinct, vivid fruit flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Thanks to a weekly rotating lineup of beans, it’s worth visiting frequently. Plus, if you purchase beans decorated with a cute cat illustration, you even get a free cup of coffee, making it a great spot for bean shopping. The spacious three-story area is perfect for taking a break after exploring Mangwon Market, though it can get busy on weekends—so plan accordingly.
올웨이즈어거스트로스터스 | Always August Roasters
Situated in Mangwon-dong, Always August Roasters offers a unique experience where you can enjoy both delicious coffee and high-quality desserts in one place, all within a warm, wooden interior that exudes coziness. The café serves filter coffee brewed with Sweden’s Drop Coffee beans, and its milk drinks are beautifully adorned with latte art. Among the array of charming desserts, I highly recommend the Choco Mol Cake—a delightful vegan treat featuring an irresistibly cute design, along with a captivating combination of coconut cream and strawberries. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or a special little break during your day, this café is the perfect haven for a refreshing pause.
디어코너 | Dear Corner
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just a short walk from Mangwon Station, Dear Corner is a café perfect for enjoying a leisurely moment in a serene atmosphere. The décor is inspired by the building’s corner shape, featuring a variety of quirky trinkets and distinctive furniture that give the space the feel of a mini art exhibit. Moreover, you can savor filter coffee carefully selected from various Korean roasteries, adding an extra touch of distinction to your coffee break. Why not spend a relaxed afternoon by the large, sunlit window and enjoy some peaceful healing time?
커퍼시티카페 | Cuppacity
Cuppacity is set in a long, minimalist space dominated by floor-to-ceiling glass, which creates a bright and relaxed atmosphere. With a curated selection of domestic and international beans, you can rely on the friendly explanations from the baristas to choose the perfect beans for your taste. And with a side of delicious muffins to complement your coffee, your visit is sure to be a satisfying experience.
비전스트롤 | Vision Stroll
Embracing the old-world charm of Portland, Vision Stroll offers a unique space where you can enjoy bold, dark coffee paired with smooth milk drinks. In addition to its refined interior and ambiance, the café serves an array of delightful baked treats. However, the standout menu item is the Blueberry Galette—a crispy galette pastry topped with fresh cream and blueberry compote that creates a fantastically harmonious blend of flavors. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Vision Stroll and savor the special indulgence that its coffee and desserts have to offer.
