Brew with a View: Must Visit Rooftop Cafés in Seoul / May Issue, 2025

2025.05.09

By: Sharmaine Gutierrez (샤메인)

Where your coffee comes with a side of skyline

With spring fading and summer peeking in, May brings fresh blooms, golden hours, and breezy afternoons that practically beg you to slow down and sip something warm or iced while taking in the view. If you’re a coffee lover or café hopper, it’s the perfect time to explore the city from above.

We’ve rounded up some of the most scenic rooftop cafés in Seoul where the brews are good and the views are even better. Whether you’re catching up with friends, journaling solo, or just in the mood to elevate your coffee break, these spots are worth the climb.

Whether you’re craving a latte with a skyline or just need a little BREW-tiful escape, Seoul’s rooftops are calling. This May, let your coffee break reach new heights, one scenic sip at a time. So, which rooftop will you be sipping from first?

1. Upstanding (업스탠딩) 📍 서울 용산구 신흥로 99-11 📍99-11 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul IG: @upstanding_coffee Climb the spiral staircase and you’ll find one of Haebangchon’s coolest rooftops. With its Australian-style brews and raw industrial charm, it’s a perfect place to sip and stay awhile. Whether you're people-watching from above or catching up over their best-selling coffee. Tip: Come in the late afternoon to enjoy soft sunlight, golden rooftop vibes, and maybe even treat yourself to a second cup.	image source: Upstanding instagram
image source: 1인1잔 instagram	2. 1인1잔 (One Person, One Drink) 📍 서울 은평구 연서로 534 📍534 Yeonse-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea IG: @1in_official Tucked near the peaceful Eunpyeong Hanok Village, this multi-floor café leads up to a rooftop garden where you can relax with mountain views and a mellow vibe worth the trip. Their best-seller, the creamy Einspänner, pairs perfectly with the quiet surroundings. Tip: Visit on a clear day to catch a stunning view of Bukhansan, especially golden just before sunset.
3. 널담은공간 해방촌점 (Nuldam Space – Haebangchon Branch) 📍 서울 용산구 신흥로15길 18-12 📍18-12, Sinhyeong-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea IG: @nuldam_space This quiet space in Haebangchon offers more than coffee. Send a postcard to your future self, then unwind on the rooftop as the city hums gently below. Their best-seller, the signature Black Sesame Latte (Vegan), is both comforting and unique which is perfect for a slow, reflective afternoon. Tip: Try writing your letter with a warm drink in hand while sitting on the rooftop, it hits differently when the breeze is just right.	image source: Nuldam Space Instagram
image source: Thirsty Ant Cafe Instagram	4. Thirsty Ant Cafe 📍 서울 송파구 백제고분로41길 7-15 9층 📍9F, 7-15, Baekjegobun-ro 41-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea IG: @thirsty_ant Craft coffee, rooftop views, and a direct shot of Lotte Tower, this hidden gem in Songpa is the chill vibe you didn’t know you needed. Their best-seller drinks like the Thirsty Ant Salty, Thirsty Ant Sweet, and Affogato black or white offer unique flavor twists you won't find elsewhere. Tip: Grab a seat by the edge of the rooftop right before sunset for one of the best photo ops in the area.
5. 개뿔 (Café Gaepul) 📍 서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 26 (1–2층) 📍26, Naksanseonggwakseo 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (1st–2nd Floor) IG: @cafe.gaeppul Just steps from Naksan Fortress, this artsy hideaway is full of charm. Head up to the rooftop for rustic views and a sunset glow that pairs beautifully with their comforting brews. The vibe? Effortlessly cool just like stepping into a quiet romantic film scene where time slows down, the lights twinkle in the distance, and every corner feels made for meaningful conversations or a peaceful solo moment with your journal and a warm cup in hand. Tip: Visit after dark to catch a glowing view of Namsan Tower where the city lights and quiet rooftop create the perfect moody backdrop for a slow sip.	image source: Café Gaepul instagram