[SEOUL] Café Highwaist 카페하이웨이스트 found in the picturesque Ikseon-dong area of Seoul, presents a combination of vintage charm and trendy aesthetics.
It almost feels like I am in a London fairytale book. Almost.
To reach Ikseon-dong by train, take the Seoul Subway and get off at Jongno 3-ga Station, which serves lines 1, 3, and 5.
For the easiest access to the Ikseon-dong area, use Exit 4 or Exit 6 and walk North for a couple of minutes.
Located amidst narrow, traditional alleys, this café doesn’t immediately stand out from the outside. It almost blends into the other shops of the neighbourhood.
However, once inside, you step into an environment that is carefully curated with a whimsical touch, echoing the popular vintage European decor.
The pastel hues and floral arrangements lend a soft elegance, while nostalgic details, like antique mirrors and classic wooden furniture, complete the setting.
The ambience at Café Highwaist is undeniably photogenic.
Its reputation as an “Instagrammable” location attracts a steady flow of young customers, often seen capturing their drinks and desserts from multiple angles.
The one area that will attract your attention is the counter with loads of desserts prominently displayed.
The cakes, each crafted and adorned with flowers or cute animal designs, just ‘calls’ out to you to pick up with the tongs.
The scones, however, are arguably the star, served with clotted cream and jam, giving a nod to British tea-time culture.
They are slightly crisp on the outside and soft within, though some might find them a bit too crumbly.
Drinks here are as thoughtfully presented as the food.
Café Highwaist offers coffee choices like Berry Berry Fantasy (9000 Won), Dark Choco Sound (9000 Won), Americano (6000 Won), Café Latte (6500 Won), and Scotch Latte with a vanilla cream twist (9500 Won).
Non-coffee options include Orange Juice (7500 Won), Fresh Lemonade (8000 Won), Real Chocolate (7500 Won), and Earl Grey Milk, hot or iced (7500 Won).
Seating is sometimes limited, and finding a spot can be challenging and getting your food quickly, especially on weekends, so a bit of patience may be required.
While the desserts are beautifully presented and enjoyable, they don’t particularly stand out in terms of taste compared to other cafés in Seoul.
This café’s charm is more about the overall experience – the decor, the Ikseon neighbourhood, and the tranquil vibe.
Cafe Highwaist 카페하이웨이스트 – Ikseon
18 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 종로구 돈화문로11다길 18
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Naver Maps – Cafe Highwaist 카페하이웨이스트
Other Related Entries
20 SEOUL Best Cafes 2024
Cheese Industry 치즈공업사 (Ikseon-dong, Seoul)
Soha Salt Pond 소하염전 (Ikseon-dong, Seoul)
Cheong Su Dang 청수당 (Ikseon-dong, Seoul)
Seoul Coffee 1945 (Ikseon-dong, Seoul)
Click HERE for more SEOUL Food Entries
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Telegram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
