Before we dive into the list, let me properly introduce myself and explain why a Seoul photographer is talking so passionately about coffee beans and roasting profiles.


Hi, I’m Josh! My deep dive into the coffee world actually began back in 2018 during my working holiday in New Zealand, where I first experienced the vibrant Kiwi cafe culture while working at a local coffee shop.


When I returned to South Korea in 2019, my passion for the craft only grew. I worked as a full-time barista for four years until 2023, completely immersing myself in the rapidly evolving and highly competitive Korean specialty coffee scene.


Now, as I parallel my journey as a professional Seoul photographer, I want to bring my two biggest passions together: capturing beautiful moments through my lens and hunting down the perfect cup of coffee.


Through this new blog series, my goal is to share my insider knowledge of Korea’s unique cafe culture and introduce the most stunning, high-quality roastery spaces to fellow coffee nerds all around the world.



So, let’s get started with my absolute favorites! 

Black and white photo of a man wearing glasses working at an espresso machine in a coffee shop.
Yeon Heun Roasters coffee shop entrance with rustic red brick column signage in a warm, inviting cafe interior.

  📍 Information


  • Address: 1F, 29 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 자하문로7길 29 1층)


  • Hours: * Mon, Wed, Thu: 08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Fri: 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Weekends: 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

(Closed on Tuesdays)



Korean restaurant menu with two pages showing food and drink options with prices listed in Korean and English.
Coffee shop menu board displaying bean selections, single origins, blends, and decaf options with pricing.

  ☕ Barista Josh’s Guide to the Yeonheun Roasters Menu


As a former barista, looking at Yeonheun Roasters' menu genuinely impressed me. This place goes far beyond just being an aesthetically pleasing space; it focuses on the true essence of coffee. If you visit, I highly recommend experiencing the following menu items:


  • For the Coffee Nerds: Single Origin Pour-overs


  • Their single-origin lineup is stellar. I particularly recommend the 'Peru Las Etiopes Geisha Washed' bursting with jasmine and raspberry notes, or the 'Nicaragua Little Red Riding Hood CM Natural' that holds a fascinating winey aroma. They thoughtfully include an intuitive spectrum chart on the menu, ranging from light to dark roasts, making it super easy to choose based on your preference.


  • A Touch of Korea: Sayu Granita & Mugwort Cream


  • If you are looking for a unique espresso-based drink or prefer a non-coffee option, you have to try their menu featuring 'Mugwort' (Ssuk) cream, a traditional Korean ingredient. The blend of its unique herbal aroma and sweetness creates a perfect signature drink that you can truly only experience in Korea.


  • Detail-Oriented Blends and Decaf Options


  • If you are having a hot Americano, try the 'Yeo-on Blend,' which features the charming sweetness of orange jam and traditional Korean 'Dried Persimmon.' Also, the fact that they offer two distinct decaf options—Ethiopia and Costa Rica—so you can choose according to your taste even during a late afternoon visit, shows their incredible thoughtfulness.



  • Ever-Changing Bean Lineup. Since they are a true specialty roastery, their filter coffee lineup rotates periodically depending on seasonality and bean availability. This means every time you visit, there’s a chance to discover a brand new, exciting flavor profile!


A wooden table displays small cork-topped spice jars with labels, a white ceramic teapot on a scale, and a pour-over coffee dripper.
Wooden retail display shelves with LED lighting showcasing coffee products, gift boxes, and packaged goods in a modern store.

  When you step up to the ordering bar, you will notice small glass jars thoughtfully arranged so you can smell the aroma of each bean before making your choice. It is a highly interactive and sensory experience that any coffee lover will appreciate.


If you fall in love with a specific flavor, they also have a beautiful wooden display shelf where you can purchase bags of their freshly roasted beans to take home.


Just a quick heads up: because Yeonheun Roasters is such a beloved spot among Seoul locals, their retail beans tend to sell out incredibly fast! If you see a bean you like, don't hesitate to grab it. 

Slice of lemon pound cake with cream cheese on a ceramic plate displayed in a glass bakery case, priced at 5,000 won.
A slice of matcha chocolate pound cake on a ceramic plate displayed in a glass case, priced at ₩5,500.
Korean bakery display case with golden plain financier cakes priced at 3,300 won on a wire rack.
Fig Cream Cheese Financier pastries displayed in a Korean bakery case, priced at 3,800 won.

 The Perfect Pairing: Simple & Elegant Desserts


As any barista will tell you, a truly exceptional coffee experience is elevated by the perfect sweet bite. To enhance the complex tasting notes of their specialty beans, Yeonheun Roasters offers a beautifully curated selection of simple yet elegant baked goods.


Displayed neatly in their glass case, you will find treats designed specifically not to overpower your coffee, but to complement it perfectly. You can choose from their dense, flavorful pound cakes—like the zesty Lemon Pound with Lemon Cream Cheese or the deep, earthy Matcha Chocolate Pound. They also bake classic French-style pastries, including Fig Cream Cheese and Plain Financiers.


Try pairing a slice of the Lemon Pound with a fruity, light-roasted pour-over, or grab a buttery Financier to balance out the bittersweet notes of their house blend Americano. It adds a whole new layer of richness to your tasting experience! 

Modern wooden dining table with matching chairs in a minimalist furniture showroom with warm oak shelving.
Minimalist cafe interior with light wood furniture, blue cushioned bench, glass partition revealing kitchen equipment.
Minimalist cafe interior with wooden tables and stools on tiled floor, white walls, and a framed window.
Two people standing at a wooden counter in a minimalist Japanese cafe with open storefront and courtyard view.
Cozy wooden cafe storefront with arched brick exterior, large windows, and small stools on a sunny sidewalk.
Cozy cafe exterior with brick facade, wooden benches, and potted plant by open glass doors.

  Unlike many cramped Seoul cafés, Yeonheun Roasters offers ample and versatile seating.


The space is thoughtfully designed to welcome all group sizes. If you’re a solo traveler looking for some "me time," you can easily grab a cozy corner table or a quiet spot by the window overlooking the historic neighborhood. 


  At the same time, if you're exploring Seoul with friends or family, they have plenty of room with larger communal tables where everyone can gather comfortably together. No matter your group size, you’ll find a perfect, welcoming spot to relax and enjoy your artisanal brew. 


Finally, if the weather is nice, you absolutely must claim the small wooden bench outside. Sitting there with a cup of expertly brewed filter coffee, feeling the gentle breeze, and watching the quiet, everyday life of the Seochon neighborhood pass by is an experience you won't easily forget. The beautiful contrast between the rustic red brick facade and the warm wood framing also makes for a perfect photo spot! 

Man in blue shirt walking past Cuisine La Clé restaurant with a black car parked outside on a sunny day.
Person walking with white umbrella past traditional Korean architecture, viewed through glass doorway.
Interior view of a Korean cafe with wooden furniture overlooking a traditional hanok alley in Seoul.

  Even if you choose to sit inside, the large framed windows offer a stunning view of the street. Sitting there with a relaxed mind, sipping your coffee while watching the peaceful flow of people passing by the old Hanok roofs...


Personally, I think this is the exact moment when you stop feeling like a busy tourist and start feeling like a true Seoul local. 

Modern minimalist cafe interior with wooden counter, barista, pendant lights, and open shelving with coffee equipment.
Interior view of a coffee roastery shop with a professional roasting machine behind glass partition and storage shelves.
Professional espresso machine with dual coffee grinders on a commercial bar counter in a modern cafe setting.

  There is an endless variety of cafes in South Korea, each with its own unique direction and target audience. If you scroll through TikTok or Instagram, you will mostly see cafes heavily focused on cute, aesthetic desserts or massive, flashy interiors designed purely for social media consumption.


However, as a former barista, I believe there is a different kind of romance worth sharing.


It is the romance of a single cup of coffee—a cup that carries a profound story, stretching from the farmers who meticulously harvest the green beans on the other side of the world, to the roaster who brings out their best potential, and finally to the barista who carefully extracts it for the guest.


Exploring these specialty roasteries in Seoul isn't just about getting a caffeine fix; it’s about experiencing that entire journey in a beautiful space. I hope this guide helps you find your own perfect cup while you explore this amazing city.

Stay tuned for my next coffee nerd guide! 
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