10 Must-Visit Korean-Inspired Cafes in the PH to Add to Your List

Written by Ina Louise Manto

From dramas and music to food, there’s no doubt that many Pinoys have sought comfort in Korean culture, especially during the pandemic. While South Korea is finally open to tourists again, it’s not that easy to simply book plane tickets, apply for a visa, and spend a month-long dream trip (hello inflation and expenses). Luckily, there are more destinations you can visit locally, which will give you a slice of what it’s like to have a Korean cafe experience. Check out this list of must-visit Korean-inspired cafes:

1. Little Seoul Café

Location: Orani, Bataan

While a trip to Bataan will bring you back in time with its historical travel destinations, you can also have a taste of Seoul in the province. Located in Orani, Little Seoul Cafe is reminiscent of a dreamy doll house but given a minimalist twist. Its facade alone makes a picturesque spot for the gram: wooden floors, blooming flowers, and seats.

Operating hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 4 PM to 10 PM on sunny days and 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM on rainy days

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2. Baked by Trimy

Location: 779 Banawe St. Quezon City

If you’re a fan of cute and minimalist Korean bento cakes, you probably already know Baked by Trimy. They have a physical store now where they serve their best-selling cakes, pastries, and beverages. You can also rent the space for private functions!

Operating hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

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3. Seollem Cafe

Location: #74 Del Nacia Apartments, Camp 7, Baguio City

You might already have a go-to cafe whenever you visit Baguio, but if you’re looking for a new one to try, have a slice of Seoul at this cafe. Seollem is inspired by Itaewon Class and Crash Landing On You; fans of these hit dramas will recognize it in the cafe’s interiors. The first floor will transport you to Danbam in Itaewon while the upper level will remind you of Yoon Se Ri’s apartment!

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:30 AM to 8:15 PM

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4. Coffeesmith

Location: 1101 Lower Ground Floor, Festival Mall Expansion, Filinvest City Alabang

Now, this café isn’t just K-inspired, it’s an actual franchise from South Korea. If you’re an OG K-drama fan, the cafe might ring a bell as it appeared in the 2014 drama It’s Okay, That’s Love. Much like its original branch in Seoul, the Alabang branch boasts the same industrial interiors made brighter with huge glass windows. The branch is also a favorite cup sleeve venue for K-pop fans in the South, so you might want to add it to your list if you’re looking into hosting one for your favorites.

Operating hours: Mondays to Thursdays, from 10 AM to 9 PM; Fridays to Sundays, from 9 AM to 9 PM

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5. Haruman Cafe

Location: 403 D.V. Laurilla St., Brgy. Pitogo, Makati

ARMY or not, this charming neighborhood cafe in Makati is totally irresistible. The cafe is inspired by BTS’ song Just One Day, and its philosophy will inspire you to create memories with loved ones. Haruman makes the perfect venue for fangirling, meeting up with friends, or simply finding a go-to cafe for when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Operating hours: Mondays to Thursdays, from 12 NN to 8 PM; Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM

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6. Cuptus

Location: Ma. Soledad Cor. Mayflower, Marisol, Angeles, Pampanga

It’s not difficult to feel like you’ve visited a home away from home when you visit this cafe. This apartment unit-turned-cafe first began as an online store and eventually opened a space for dine-in orders in 2020. Cuptus’ interiors are simple: bare walls and wooden furniture made better with its assortment of beverages and snacks that won’t break the bank.

Operating hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 2 PM to 9 PM; Saturdays and Sundays,

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7. Cafe JangGeum

Location: Unit C114-115 Ground Floor, MET Live Mall Pres. Diosdao Macapagal Boulevard, corner EDSA Ext, Pasay

When craving Korean food, you have to visit Korean-owned Jang Geum Kitchen in Pasay. Cafe JangGeum is its cafe extension where you’ll find K-inspired drinks and authentic desserts and snacks. There’s no need to visit Korea during winter to get a taste of seasonal bungeoppang; you can have it year-long at Janggeum! They also just opened a branch in SM Dasmarinas, which you’ll find at the Lower Ground Level in front of the Ferris wheel ride. P.S. The pioneer store in Pasay is also a popular venue for K-pop cup sleeve events.

Operating hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 12 MN

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8. Kim’s Cafe

Location: Blk 1 Lot6 Moonbay Marina Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

After splurging at duty-free stores, rest your tired feet (and wallet) at Kim’s Cafe. This Korean-inspired cafe is uber-instagrammable all over: gingham prints, white walls, and cute decorations. It’s every Team Puti and Kahoy fan’s dream space! And if you think the cafe couldn’t be dreamier, its location is just by the beach! It’s also the first K-inspired cafe in Subic, so include it in your itinerary when you’re visiting.

Operating hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 11 AM to 10 PM; Fridays to Sundays, from 11 AM to 11 PM

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9. Noon Cafe

Location: P. Ferma St. Anuling Lejos II, Mendez, Cavite

Located just a few minutes from Tagaytay, Noon Cafe makes the ideal spot for people who wish to enjoy alfresco dining. This minimalist cafe is surrounded by trees and open space, perfecting for appreciating the cool weather. If you’re hosting a celebration or an event, Noon Cafe also has a mobile cart, Spill The Beans Coffee Cart, which you can rent for P10,000 for a minimum of 50 cups.

Operating hours: Mondays to Thursdays, from 8 AM to 8:30 PM; Fridays to Sundays, 8 AM to 9:30 PM

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10. Cafe 1911

Location: 1911 Capt. M. Reyes St. Brgy. Bangkal, Makati City

Café 1911 is more than its pretty interiors and great-tasting food. This neighborhood cafe is inspired by the owners’ dads – it was built as a tribute to them. If you’re around Makati or looking for your next WFH spot, this cafe is worth discovering!

Operating hours: Open daily, from 11 AM to 10 PM

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This article was republished with permission from Windowseat.ph. Minor edits have been made for Bitesized.ph.