Did you enjoy your time following our January guide to vibrant winter events and ski resorts in the previous article? While active experiences are wonderful, there are moments when we all need to clear our minds and find some peace. For those looking for a warm weekend escape in February 2026—combining cozy shopping with a calm "resting" space—Vijob is here to keep our promise. Today, we are excited to introduce the hidden, gem-like emotional spaces of Myeongdong.
Myeongdong is not just a mecca for shopping. Tucked away between the forest of buildings and at the ends of narrow alleys are cafes with amazing atmospheres that will brilliantly decorate your Instagram feed. Your guide to precious relaxation, the 'Myeongdong Secret Cafe Guide,' starts now!
1. 더 스팟 패뷸러스 (The Spot Fabulous)
"Antique European Sentiments in the Heart of Myeongdong"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동2길 22
🥐 Famous Menu: Handmade Financiers, Macarons, Signature Einspänner
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: This space is a remodeled modern building over 60 years old, featuring breathtaking high ceilings and massive windows. The garden view of the Chinese Embassy seen through the glass offers a different "painting" every season, while the sophisticated antique furniture adds an elegant touch.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
It is often called a "View Masterpiece" thanks to its spacious and open feel that makes it hard to believe you are in the middle of Myeongdong. Due to the beautiful interior perfect for photos, it is loved by both international travelers and locals alike, often resulting in waitlists even on weekdays.

2. 카페 코인 (Cafe Coin)
"A Living Witness of Myeongdong Since 1993, the Venue from 'Reply 1994'"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동6길 10 (Branch 1) / 명동9길 19 (Branch 2)
🥐 Famous Menu: Handmade Yogurt Ice Cream Waffles, Brass Bowl Bingsu
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: Famous as a filming location for the drama Reply 1994, this place coexists with the luxurious vibe of old Myeongdong tea houses and vintage sentiments. The wooden stairs and cozy lighting create a hideout-like space that makes you feel right at home.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
It is a traditional landmark that has held its place for over 30 years in the rapidly changing Myeongdong. We recommend it to those who want to escape the noise of the busy streets for a quiet conversation or to international friends who want to experience the nostalgia of old Korean cafes.

3. 몰또 이탈리안 에스프레소 바 (Molto)
"The Most Romantic Way to Face Myeongdong Cathedral"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동길 73 3rd Floor
🥐 Famous Menu: Caffè Sale (Salt Coffee), Espresso Con Panna, Bruschetta, Peppe
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: Sitting on the open terrace offers an exotic view directly facing Myeongdong Cathedral. It is an emotional outdoor space that makes you feel as if you are in a plaza in Rome, Italy.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
This is the ultimate spot to capture the "photo of your life" with the exotic backdrop of Myeongdong Cathedral. The trendy "Espresso Bar" concept combined with the cathedral view makes it absolutely worth the visit.

4. 맷차 명동본점 (METCHA)
"The Aesthetics of Deep Matcha Ground by a Traditional Millstone"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동9길 17
🥐 Famous Menu: Matcha Tart, Millstone Matcha/Roasted Green Tea Latte, Matcha ice cream
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: The sight of actual millstones (Maetdol) grinding tea leaves within a clean, modern interior creates a very unique scene. It is a spacious multi-floor venue where you can enjoy the calm and refined sentiments of modern Korea.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
The performance of grinding tea leaves with a millstone immediately upon order provides great visual pleasure. It has a loyal fanbase of matcha lovers due to its deep, authentic flavor and the ability to adjust the sweetness level for a healthy, delicious dessert.

5. 파인스 카페 (Pines Cafe)
"A Refreshing Resting Place Like a Green Pine Tree"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동길 14 7th Floor (Near Noon Square)
🥐 Famous Menu: Signature Latte, Matcha Latte (Pines Coffee), Yuja Crush, Einspänner, Tiramisu, Ice Cream
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: True to its name, the interior has a clean and refreshing feel. Located high above the Myeongdong building forest, it offers an open view and a modern urban vibe.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
While being highly accessible, its location on a high floor keeps it free from street noise. The wide and pleasant space makes it ideal for gatherings or spending a relaxing afternoon.

6. 헬로키티 문방구 & 애플 카페 (Hello Kitty Apple Cafe)
"Pink Flutter, a Sweet Hideout for Global Fans"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동길 26 2nd Floor
🥐 Famous Menu: Hello Kitty Apple Jelly Soda, Hello Kitty Apple Mango Cake, Apple Crumble Strawberry Blended, Hello Kitty Mousse Cake, Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: Decorated entirely in pink with Hello Kitty character props everywhere, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. It is a paradise for those who love the cute and "Kawaii" aesthetic.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
It is a themed space where you can enjoy character merchandise shopping and desserts simultaneously. The delicately crafted Kitty-shaped desserts are almost too pretty to eat, making them incredibly popular for SNS photos.

7. 카페 레빠리지엥 (Cafe Les Parisiens)
"The Romance of Paris Found on the Streets of Myeongdong"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동8가길 33
🥐 Famous Menu: Croissants, Traditional French Tea, Canelé, Financier, Éclair, Chocolate Pound Cake
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: This charming space features exotic interiors and props reminiscent of an open-air cafe in Paris. It offers an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and adorable.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
The biggest charm is the ability to enjoy the unique, relaxed sentiments of Europe right in Myeongdong. It is frequently mentioned as a top date spot due to its visually beautiful drinks and dessert sets.

8. 라이프워크 메가스토어 카페 (Lifework)
"A Unique Underground World Where Hip Fashion Meets Relaxation"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 퇴계로 123 High Harriet B1
🥐 Famous Menu: Signature Cream Latte, Various Bakery Items, Bear-shaped Ice, Radog Waffles/Croffles
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: Located within the "Lifework" fashion megastore, this cafe features the brand's iconic 'Radog' character, vibrant lighting, and a hip interior that creates a very trendy vibe.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
It is a complex cultural space where you can enjoy fashion shopping and a cafe tour at the same time. Directly connected to Myeongdong Station, it is highly accessible and popular among the MZ generation and international tourists for its sensible interior.

9. 포엠 (POEM)
"Visuals Overflowing with Fruit, the Master of Waffles"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동4길 13
🥐 Famous Menu: Choco Fondue Waffle, Strawberry Bingsu, Parfait
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: A cozy, small space with a loft structure that appears after climbing a narrow staircase. It has a warm, familiar atmosphere that has held its place as a top Myeongdong waffle spot for a long time.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
Famous for its overwhelming visual presentation of fruit waffles. Thanks to the generous toppings and sweet flavors, it is a must-visit course for shoppers in need of a sugar boost.

10. 크림시크 (Cream Chic)
"A Modern Space Where Art and Dessert Meet"
📍 Address: 서울 중구 명동7길 13
🥐 Famous Menu: Butter Bars, Handmade Cookies, Nutella-spänner & Kyoto Matcha-spänner, Ice Cream Cones, Vanilla Cream Cold Brew Latte
⋆☕︎ Atmosphere: Featuring a minimal and sophisticated interior, the sensible furniture arrangement gives the feel of being in a gallery. It provides a quiet, calm atmosphere perfect for reading or getting some work done.
🤎 Why Vijob Recommends It:
It has gained a reputation for high-end desserts crafted by expert patissiers. The chewy texture of the Butter Bar is excellent, and the clean, monochromatic background makes it a famous "selfie spot" where portraits turn out beautifully.

We hope you find a moment of relaxation in these hidden gem spaces nestled within the Myeongdong building forest. We sincerely hope that your February becomes even more special in these secret Vijob spots, away from the typical tourist trails.
Vijob wishes for your life in Korea to be an enjoyable time rather than a daunting challenge. We will continue to generously share secret places known only to locals and useful tips to fill your Korean life with even more abundance. Which cafe would you like to visit the most? Please feel free to let us know in the comments! 😊
👀🔎 What’s Next?
Shall we step away from the busy hours of Seoul and travel to a historical destination for a while? We will be back with a 'Guide to Must-Visit Spots & Famous Restaurants in 수원'—a place where history and modern sentiments coexist. Please look forward to it!
Always and everywhere in your daily life, together with Vijob.