I’m not really a hardcore coffee lover, but there’s this little coffee bar I keep going back to because it’s just that good. Funny thing is, I didn’t even know it existed in my neighborhood until a friend brought me here. It doesn’t even have a sign, and it’s tucked away in a tiny alley—but trust me, people still line up just to grab a cup.
This hidden gem is LEESAR Coffee Bar in Yaksu.
Now, don’t expect a big café with cozy seating. This is a true coffee bar—no chairs, no lounging around. You order your coffee, enjoy it quickly in a small cup, and move on. Standing and sipping coffee isn’t really a big thing in Korea, so for me, this felt like a unique experience. Most Korean cafés are spacious spots where you hang out for hours with friends, but Leesar is all about that short, sweet coffee break. And honestly, it’s perfect for people like me who sometimes just want a quick pick-me-up without the heaviness of a giant latte.
Of course, their most basic menu is the espresso. Just a heads up—they usually add sugar by default, so if you like it unsweetened, make sure to tell them.
My personal favorite, though, is the Oneroso. It’s espresso with milk, creamy and slightly sweet—almost like having a little dessert in a cup.
Another must-try is their affogato—that rich, bold coffee poured over vanilla ice cream. It’s heaven in a glass.
The original Leesar is in Yaksu, and it’s quite literally hidden. The sign isn’t obvious at all, but if you spot a crowd squeezed into a narrow alley, you’ve probably found it. It’s close to Yaksu Station, Exit 7.
📍 Address: 16-7 Dasan-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The Yaksu spot is the main store, but because it got so popular, Leesar has now opened branches in busier areas too. So even if you’re not around Yaksu, you can still find them in Myeongdong, Jongno, Euljiro, Seongsu and etc. Here are a few of the main locations in Seoul. Or just type ‘Leesar Coffee’ into Naver Map and you’ll find them easily.
- Myeongdong: 58 Myeongdong 8-ga-gil, Jung-gu, 1F
- Jongno: 7 Jongno 5-gil, Jongno-gu, 1F
- Euljiro: 28-24 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, 1F
- Seongsu: 26 Seongsuil-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, #108
So next time you’re in Seoul—the coffee capital of the world—skip the giant cafés for once and try a real coffee bar experience at Leesar. You’ll love it!
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