Explore Seoul (서울탐험)

The Best Places To Eat Brunch In Hongdae

Brunch places galore. It seems like that’s what the Hongdae vicinity is these days. It’s pretty stunning to me because I’ve been living in the area for the past 9 years and gosh darn it if brunch restaurants were next to none for most of that time. Sure there were a few that popped up and then disappeared but now, they are in full force and deliciously so.

If you’re in the area and want some good eats in the morning, and I highly recommend coming over to the area in the morning when the hoodlums have skedaddled and the coffee drinkers have taken over, check out these brunch places in Hongdae and choose the one that is right for you! With so many places to choose from, here is a good round up to start with and while you’re on your way, keep your eyes peeled for plenty of others.

Grain, Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, Korea

Skip around and find the brunch place in Hongdae for you:

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you.)


Moment Coffee, Hongdae, Brunch Restaurant, Seoul, Korea

Moment Coffee (모멘트커피)

Saw a picture of this set and I rushed out to eat and update my post. It’s worth noting that there are TWO Moment Coffees but the first one does NOT do this brunch set because they don’t have the space so pay attention to the address below.

This set is delightful with bread that you toast yourself at the table, a perfectly cooked egg, soup, and homemade jams and butter. Add in some tea or a latte and you’ll be very happy with this unique brunch cafe. As I headed there, I thought this could either go really quirky and not delicious like so many other one hit wonder spots in Seoul, or could be great and I’m so happy to say it is great. Definitely a good brunch spot to find with some friends.

  • Address: 29 World Cup buk-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (마포구 월드컵북로 4길 29)
  • Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

Grain Seoul

This popular spot was closed for a bit to make a move into a larger space. Considering how popular they are, it was a good choice. Grain offers a fun and filling “build-your-own-brunch”. You check off four, five, or six options from a list of very delicious items and you’re set for brunch. It has never disappointed.

  • Address: 53 Yeonhui-ro 11ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울시 서대문구 연희로 11가길 53)
  • Hours: Thursday – Monday: 9:00am ~ 5:30pm

Urban Plant (어반플랜트)

Urban Space, Hapjeong, Seoul, Korea

Urban Plant has become one of our favorite brunch cafes in the entire area. The house turned restaurant is brick and mortar decorated simply with leaves and plants. There is a substantial patio area on the first floor as well as on the second floor.

Omelets and egg sandwiches done very well are on the menu alongside autumn drink favorites like the maple latte. There is great staff and lots of various seating options that are all surrounded by the substantial amount of greenery that they take care of. If you like plants, good food, and a cozy atmosphere, this is the spot for you.

  • Address: Mapo-gu Hapjeong-dong 363-28 (서울특별시 마포구 합정동 363-28)
  • Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 11:00pm

Thanks, Oat (땡스오트)

Walking along the Gyeongui Line Forest park in Yeonnam-dong, you might notice this small structure that looks like a cottage stand out as it doesn’t match anything else in the surrounding. This little cottage houses Thanks, Oat which you might also recognize as a filming location in How To Publish Love (로만스는 별책부록). That’s not why I went there though. The pictures of granola bowls drew me in as soon as I saw them.

The cafe serves up amazing thick creamy yogurt and granola bowls. If you’re a granola and yogurt person when it comes to breakfast, this is most definitely the spot for you. The white brick exterior with wooden accents give off a very charming feel and the owner is just as kind. Definitely a spot not to miss if you need a lighter meal or snack while in the area. So good, you’ll want it for lunch and dinner too.

  • Address: 375-113 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울시 마포구 연남동 375-113)
  • Hours: Every day: 12:00pm ~ 9:00pm

Analog Garden (아날로그가든)

Analog Garden, Hongdae, Seoul, Korea

Analog Garden was a spot on my list to check out for some time because their menu was just a bit different offering some good standards like eggs with fresh avocado and a brioche topped with onion, cabbage, eggs and cheese, but it also touted Falafels and well, it was beckoning. I never made it for the standard brunch time, but the brunch meals and Falafels were perfect for dinner too. Who doesn’t like having breakfast foods for dinner? I love it. This one is a bit off the beaten path and worth the walk to find it.

  • Address: Mapo-gu Seoggyo-dong 446-58 (서울특별시 마포구 서교동 446-58)
  • Hours: Tuesday ~ Sunday: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm

Buttermilk (버터밀크)

Right in the heart of Hongdae, this popular pancake shop will satisfy your pancake cravings. Make sure to go early for this one because there can be a wait but it’s worth it. This is where to fill up on pancakes in the Hongdae area.

  • Address: 130 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 와우산로 130)
  • Hours: Every day except Wednesdays: 10:00am ~ 3:00pm

The Famous Lamb

The Famous Lamb, Hongdae, Seoul, Korea

We were met with a very healthy and scrumptious buffet at The Famous Lamb. Salamis and cheeses sat next to a tray of tomatoes and asparagus. There were bowls of fruit and plenty of bread options. It was a set that would make anyone’s mouth drool and would certainly not leave anyone wanting. Something for everyone… if you can get a table.

Definitely get there a bit early if you can on the weekends as this spot is NOT off the beaten track so there are plenty of people looking to get in. Since it’s on a main road, it can get busy. Just make sure you’re there early and you’ll be fine and find plenty to eat.

  • Address: Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong 447-7 (서울특별시 마포구 서교동 447-7)
  • Hours: Weekdays: 8:00am ~ 12:00pm; Weekends: 8:00am ~ 1:00pm

SF Bagels

SF Bagels is a bit different from the rest in that there are VERY FEW seats. In the winter, there are none. In the warmer months, there are a couple tables outside. SF Bagels is owned and operated by a lovely woman who brought a sourdough starter all the way from San Francisco, hence the name, just to make her bagels. For that, I LOVE HER! Her bagels are amazing if you like sourdough like I do.

Not only bagels though, she also has some amazing coffee cakes just like I eat back home in Ohio and scones. There’s just too many bakery treats to take in one go. Get the homemade cream cheese to go with those bagels too. This is a great little shop to stop into if you want something more on the go. You can grab the bagels and then take them to eat in Gyeongui Line Forest park in the warmer months, or just get them to take home for the week. Either way, grab them when you can and the earlier the better because she does sell out!

  • Address: 29 Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로 46길 29)
  • Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 8:00pm

Mapingpa, Mangwon-dong, Seoul, Korea

Mapingpa (마핑파)

If you want to head a bit out of Hongdae and more toward Mangwon-dong, Mapingpa is a great spot to check out at brunch time. This second floor café has a great brunch spread and large windows that let that morning sun filter in. The brunch here was one of those hits the spot in just the right brunch way with just enough veg and protein. This is a goooooood spot to have on your radar.

  • Address: 2nd Floor, 74 Poeun-ro, Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 포은로 74, 2층)
  • Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am ~ 7:00pm

Want something to do AFTER you’ve finished brunch and you’re looking to wander around Hongdae? Here are some awesome options while you’re in the area:

Check out this list of things to do in Hongdae to plan a whole day or weekend there.


If you want to hit up cafes while you’re around Hongdae too, then check out these posts.


Where To Stay

If you’ll be visiting Hongdae, make sure you know where to stay. There are some awesome places in Hongdae from hotels to guesthouses and Airbnbs too. If you want to make a weekend of it… or longer, then check out this guide for places to stay in Hongdae.


Did you like this post? Pin It!

One Comment

  • Zaman Kamry

    Thank you so much for this information. I’m from Melbourne, Australia, and we love our coffee/brunch/cafe culture, so when travelling we’re always looking for places to try. Thanks again for the list.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

}