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.

Purr-fecting Your Cat-Café Visit: Practical Tips, Ethics & Alternatives

Visiting a Seoul cat café is equal parts adorable and surreal. Here are some more tips for first-timers.

Know the Fee Structure Before You Climb the Stairs

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 will deliver it after you wash your hands.
3. Optional Treats (₩2,000–₩3,000): tiny bags of freeze-dried chicken or tuna flakes that basically turn you into the Pied Piper of Cats for five glorious minutes.

Money-saving hack: If you’re travelling with a partner or friend, buy only one bag of treats and share—it’s enough to attract half the café’s feline workforce.

Spotting an Ethical Operation in Two Minutes Flat

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

Cat Café Etiquette 101

• Sanitise & stash: Wash up, remove outdoor shoes if requested, and store bags in lockers—curious kitties will rifle through zips in search of crinkly snack wrappers.
• Let them lead: Offer your hand for a sniff; if they lean in, you’ve scored 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 them for a selfie is the quickest way to annoy staff and stress out the animal. Photograph snoozers from a respectful distance instead.
• No pick-ups: Many cafés outright ban lifting cats. Even if they don’t, remember that being hoisted by a stranger equals instant fight-or-flight mode for most felines.
• Treat hierarchy: Hand out snacks one piece at a time to avoid food fights. 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—and How They Stack Up

South Korea is ground zero for theme cafés: think raccoons, meerkats, sheep, even corgis in matching bandanas.

🕒 Best Time to Visit & How Long to Stay

Hongdae pulses with energy all day. But the cat café experience is at its best during certain windows:

• Weekday late mornings (10–12 PM): Less crowded, calmer cats, ideal for peaceful playtime.
• Afternoons (2–4 PM): Great lighting and relaxed energy—it’s the cat crowd’s nap time.
• Evenings (post 6 PM): Expect busier cafés and more tourists, but there’s still cozy charm.

Most cafés charge by the hour (₩8,000–₩12,000/hour), so budget for 2 hours—just enough time to sip your latte, read a bit, and snuggle a couple cats without overstaying.