Crazy Cat Lady: Visiting a Cat Cafe in the Neighbourhood of Hongdae, Seoul, Korea

If there’s one thing that South Korea isn’t lacking in it’s themed cafes. Cat cafes, dog cafes, sheep cafes, doll house cafes, and even wedding dress cafes – yes, they have them all! During my year living there I decided I would try to visit as many of them as possible, and on this particular weekend Sam and I went to Godabang Cat Cafe in Hongdae.

Here are a few photos from the outing:

This little golden fella sitting right in front of me with its bottom on the table (very hygienic) was a darling. Did you notice him in the video? He’s the one with the honey coloured eyes and the little ears pointed downwards. Those ears! They certainly add a touch of innocence.

I’m a particular fan of this cat cafe because they have the best hot chocolate I’ve had in Korea. Chocolate milkshakes are pretty good, right? Well this hot chocolate was frothy and thick just like a milkshake, except hot. Sounds gross but tastes great. Plus they draw cute cat pictures on my lid.

My vast Korean language skills tell me that this is a book about…cats! It’s incredible how I’ve been able to expand my vocabulary this year, guys.

This cat was working it with the natural light. She gave me several different poses, never looking directly at the camera. Your white fur is so fiiine! Just hold it there. Now ‘smize’ like Tyra Banks taught you! Perfect.

Korean Cafe Cat Photos: We’ve Got More!

Oh, and here is the boy drinking his latte. Hi Sam! He is the cat lover in the relationship.

This one was just waking up from its nap. He didn’t feel like posing so early in the afternoon.

And here is Sam in his element. The cats gathered around him in a semi circle formation waiting to be fed. I think he may be some kind of cat whisperer…

There was also a cute Siamese cat sleeping next to the heater. This one reminded me of my cat Tommy who we brought to Canada all the way from Argentina. He’s a well travelled cat.

And imagine my surprise when an alien tried to claw at my leg! Bald cats are kind of scary, even when clothed.

I look like I’m loving the moment in this one. Maybe I am a cat person…

How to get there:

This particular cat cafe is located in Hongdae. Take the subway to Hongik University (홍대입구역) and walk out exit 9. Turn left as soon as you exit, and turn right at the first intersection. You will likely see a Garfield mascot hanging around nonchalantly browsing on its smart phone – you’re heading in the right direction. The “Godabang Cat Cafe” will be on your right hand side, and you’ll have to take the stairs up to the third floor.

Visiting a Cat Café in Seoul: Practical Tips, Ethics and Alternatives

If Godabang has you wanting to add more cat café stops to your Seoul itinerary — or you’re wondering what to look for before you walk through the door — here’s everything that’s useful to know.

Understanding the Fee Structure

Most cat cafés in Hongdae, Myeong-dong and Gangnam work on a time-plus-drink model:

1. Entrance fee (₩8,000–₩12,000): covers a set visit time, usually 60–90 minutes.
2. One mandatory drink (included or +₩3,000): order at the counter; staff deliver it after you wash your hands.
3. Optional treats (₩2,000–₩3,000): small bags of freeze-dried chicken or tuna that turn you into the Pied Piper of the café for five glorious minutes.

Tip: if you’re visiting with a partner or friend, one bag of treats between two people is plenty — it’s enough to attract most of the café’s residents.

How to Tell If a Cat Café is Worth Supporting

Not every cat café in Seoul meets welfare standards you’d feel good about. Here’s a quick checklist to run through at the entrance:

Cat Café Etiquette

• Sanitise and stash: Wash up, remove outdoor shoes if requested, and store bags in lockers — curious cats will rifle through zips in search of crinkly snack wrappers.
• Let them lead: Offer your hand for a sniff; if they lean in, you have permission for head scratches. If they saunter away, accept the rejection gracefully — cat ego is a delicate thing.
• Mind the nap schedule: Cats sleep 14–16 hours a day. Waking one for a selfie is the quickest way to stress the animal and irritate the staff. Photograph snoozers from a respectful distance instead.
• No lifting: Many cafés outright ban picking up cats. Even where they don’t, being hoisted by a stranger puts most cats straight into fight-or-flight mode.
• Treat one piece at a time: Hand snacks out slowly to avoid scuffles. Drop the morsel on the floor in front of the cat rather than near its face — less chance of an accidental nip.

Other Animal Cafés in Seoul

South Korea is the global ground zero for themed cafés — raccoons, meerkats, sheep, corgis in matching bandanas. Welfare quality varies enormously:

Best Time to Visit and How Long to Stay

Hongdae has energy at all hours, but the cat café experience is better during certain windows:

• Weekday late mornings (10–12): Less crowded, calmer cats, ideal for peaceful playtime.
• Afternoons (2–4): Good light and relaxed energy — though this is peak nap time for most residents.
• Evenings (after 6): Busier and more social, but still cosy charm if you don’t mind a crowd.

Most cafés charge hourly, so budget around two hours — enough time to sip your drink, settle in and actually get a cat to approach you on its own terms.

If you’re planning a longer stay in Hongdae, Booking.com has a solid range of guesthouses, boutique hotels and hostels in and around the neighbourhood — it’s one of Seoul’s liveliest districts and a great base for this kind of day.

Cat Café Hongdae FAQ

What is a cat café and how do they work in Seoul?

They’re lounges where you pay for time (often 60–90 minutes) and a drink to hang out with resident cats. Staff set house rules to keep both cats and guests comfortable; treats are sometimes sold for brief, supervised feeding.

Where exactly is the Hongdae cat café you visited?

Near Hongik University Station, Exit 9. Turn left right after exiting, then right at the first intersection. Look for the Garfield mascot — Godabang Cat Café is on the 3rd floor.

How much does it cost to visit a cat café in Hongdae?

Expect ₩8,000–₩12,000 for 60–90 minutes, a mandatory drink (included or around +₩3,000), and optional treat bags for ₩2,000–₩3,000. One bag shared between two people is plenty.

What are the basic etiquette rules?

Wash hands, store your bag, let cats approach you, never wake sleeping cats, no flash photography, don’t lift them, and feed treats one piece at a time on the floor to avoid accidental nips.

When is the best time to go?

Weekday late mornings are the calmest. Afternoons have good light but more napping. Evenings are busier. Plan around two hours total for a relaxed visit.

Can I bring kids, and is there a time limit?

Most cafés allow children with close supervision, though some set minimum ages — check posted rules at the entrance. Time is sold in hourly blocks with optional extensions.

What if I’m allergic to cats?

Keep your visit short, wear washable layers and consider antihistamines or a mask. Avoid touching your face during the visit and wash your hands thoroughly before leaving.

How do I know a cat café is ethical?

Look for posted vaccination records, a staff-only rest area where cats can retreat, firm but kind rule enforcement, and adoption stories on display. Red flags include overcrowding, visibly stressed cats or food preparation inside the cat zone.

Can I feed or play with all the cats?

Only with staff-approved treats and toys. Offer your hand first — if a cat declines, let it be. Place treats on the floor rather than near the cat’s face to reduce the chance of accidental biting.

What should I order to drink?

Hot chocolate, lattes and specialty coffees are the usual options. The hot chocolate at Godabang was thick, frothy and genuinely one of the best I had in Korea — often served with a little cat doodle on the lid.

Is photography allowed?

Generally yes — but no flash, keep your distance from sleeping cats, and avoid capturing other guests without their consent.

What are alternatives if I’m unsure about animal cafés?

Try a dog café or sheep café with solid welfare practices, explore one of Seoul’s many non-animal themed cafés (dessert labs, board game cafés, doll house cafés), or support local shelters by donating or volunteering instead.