Let me introduce you to a cafe that you can visit around Gyeongbokgung Palace.
the true heart of this space lies in its dedication to the craft of coffee and the soul of analog sound.
The Coffee: A Masterclass in Slow Brewing
At Cafe Sinola, coffee is treated with the reverence of a ritual. You won’t find the frantic hiss of a large espresso machine here; instead, the focus is on Hand-Drip (Pour-over) coffee.
The Profile: Each cup is brewed to highlight the clean, nuanced notes of the beans. Whether you prefer a bright, acidic Ethiopian bean or a deep, chocolatey blend, the extraction is incredibly balanced.
Sinola is a must-see in Seochon, Seoul, and is famous for its soulful vinyl music and excellent hand drip coffee.
It is a great place to relax and enjoy drinks while listening to music.
They usually use ‘lp albums’ to play music here. The speakers are also very good.
Music enthusiasts will be able to have a lot of fun if they visit.
Essential Info for Sinola
Price Range: 7,000~ 9,000won (drip coffee) 9,000~14,000won(toast/dessert) cards accepted
Open: 9am~7pm (Closed every Monday) last order : 6pm
Address : 116, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
“They offer a variety of beans for their pour-over coffee. I opted for a profile with higher acidity, which turned out to be very clean with a clear flavor profile.”
“For those seeking soulful music, the warmth of a hidden cabin, and exceptional coffee in Seoul—Sinola is the place to be.”
This place has a unique interior concept with a mountain cabin atmosphere that is different from other cafes in Seoul. You will have a fresh experience at this cafe.
The only downside here is that there is waiting. If you want to visit, open run is great.
Pairing: If you’re lucky, try their French Toast. It’s thick, perfectly caramelized, and acts as the ideal sweet companion to the bitter-sweet complexity of the coffee.
The space is dominated by deep, mahogany-toned wood—from the long, sleek bar counter to the built-in shelves. This dark palette creates a grounded, “hideaway” feeling that makes the outside world feel miles away. It’s reminiscent of a classic European espresso bar blended with a quiet Kyoto bookstore.
The focal point of the interior is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling record wall. Hundreds of LPs are neatly organized behind the counter, serving as both a library of sound and a stunning visual backdrop. Watching the sunlight hit the spines of the records through the window is one of the most peaceful sights in.
Instead of harsh overhead lights, Sinola uses soft, focused lighting. Small desk lamps and the warm glow of vintage vacuum tube amplifiers create a cozy, amber hue throughout the room. It’s the kind of light that makes your coffee look like a piece of art and makes your book easy to get lost in.
The room is anchored by professional-grade vintage speakers that deliver a warm, rich sound you simply can’t get from digital files. You can hear the subtle “hiss” and “pop” of the needle on the record, which adds to the authentic, lived-in atmosphere.
The playlist is a thoughtful journey through Jazz, Classic Folk, and 60s-70s Pop. The owner often selects albums that match the weather or the specific mood of the afternoon.
Because the music is the protagonist, the cafe maintains a low-volume conversation policy. This ensures that the melodies—not loud chatter—fill the air, allowing every guest to fully immerse themselves in the acoustics.
Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
#SeoulCafe #Seochoncafe #VinylMusicCafe #cafeinseoul
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