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Winter may not seem like the ideal season to explore the city of Seoul, but when you know where to look, you can find vibrant multifaceted cultural spaces that are perfect for a cozy conversation, sipping a hot drink, and finding inspiration. There are a stunning number of cultural venues in Seoul that bring together art, culture, and lifestyle, which makes them ideal for escaping the winter chill. Here are four unique spaces to ride out this winter.

01. Hongdae Café



Sitting on the bustling artistic street of Hongdae, Hongdae Café is a cultural venue designed with the 2030 generation in mind. Each of the 9 floors of the venue has been decorated under a different theme and there’s a spectacular rooftop that looks out as far as Yeouido on the Hangang River. 



Take a seat on the LP floor and be immersed in music, enjoy the media that moves across the walls in the comforts of a beanbag chair on the K-pop floor, or visit a cactus greenhouse inspired space on the Plant floor. Whether you want a quiet space to chat with friends, or a lively artistic experience to spark inspiration, Hongdae Café is a great spot to find what you need.

Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop at sunset and if you need to store your things, there are lockers on B1 available to everyone.

 68 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
 Every day 11:00-21:00
 Subway Line 2, Hapjeong Station, Exit 3 (822m on foot, 14-minute walk)

02. Tongui-dong Boan Inn

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For those who appreciate the blend of history and contemporary culture, Tongui-dong Boan Inn is the space to swing by. This historic building, which operated as an inn from 1942 until 2005, has been repurposed into a multipurpose cultural space. The original Boan Inn sits next to newly built Boan 1942 and is connected seamlessly to one another with a corridor. 

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Browse a charming bookstore, have a discussion with friends on preserving the past, and observe the unique way Seoul continues to evolve as you look out towards the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Tip: Sit near the window so you can take in the views of Gyeongbokgung’s Yeongchumun Gate, the western gate of the palace complex.

 33 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
 Tue-Sun 12:00-18:00
 Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 3 (580m on foot, 10-minute walk) 

03. Musinsa Terrace Seongsu

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Situated in the popular Seongsu-dong, otherwise known as the “Brooklyn of Seoul”, Musinsa Terrace Seongsu has a stylish urban vibe. Created by Korea’s leading online fashion platform, this cultural complex hosts pop-up exhibitions, showcases, and special events. 



Popular with fashion enthusiasts, trend-seekers, or those looking for a cool rendezvous point, Musinsa Terrace is an interactive place to experience the changing fashion scene of Korea.

Tip: Make sure to check their website or SNS pages to see when events are being hosted as they are not open between pop-ups. 

 104 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
 Every day 12:00-20:00 (*May be closed between events and pop-ups when setting up)
 Subway Line 2, Seongsu Station, Exit 4 (74m on foot, 1-minute walk) 

04. Checkgrow

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For those that want a serene escape into a good book, Checkgrow  is the place to be. A unique book café, each floor offers its own distinct charm. On the 8th floor, visitors can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenic view of the iconic Hangang River from the expansive windows. The floor above features a bookstore and a rooftop café, which allows for a good book to accompany the view and drinks.


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