A woman holding a camera stands in a narrow alley in Mullae Art Village, Seoul, facing a vibrant graffiti-covered wall on the left and a warm, inviting cafe entrance on the right.

10 Unique Cafes in Mullae Art Village (An Instagrammer’s Guide)

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Cafes in Mullae Art Village: Our Top 10 Unique Picks

Let’s be real: your Seoul itinerary is probably already packed with the “big” spots. Hongdae? Check. Gyeongbok Palace? Check. Myeongdong? Check. But you’re craving something different, aren’t you? You’re looking for that “off-the-beaten-path” vibe, the one your friends haven’t posted on Instagram yet.

You’ve heard whispers of Mullae-dong, the old steel-working district that’s now Seoul’s coolest art hub. But you’re hitting a wall with generic lists.

This is not that list. This is your curated guide to the 10 most unique cafes in Mullae Art Village, written specifically for finding those jaw-dropping photo ops. We’re talking repurposed factories, hidden jungle rooftops, and industrial-chic bakeries. Plus, we’ll cover the practical stuff, like exactly how to get there and what else to do.

How to Get to Mullae-dong from Hongdae & Other Hubs

First, getting there is surprisingly simple. Mullae-dong is on the main Green Line (Line 2) of the Seoul subway, the same line that stops at Hongdae, Gangnam, and Euljiro 1-ga (for Myeongdong).

  • From Hongdae: It’s a direct shot. Just hop on Line 2 (Outer Circle, towards Sindorim) for about 12 minutes (6 stops).
  • From Myeongdong: Take Line 2 from Euljiro 1-ga Station (Outer Circle, towards Hongdae/Sindorim) for about 20 minutes (11 stops).

Your destination is Mullae Station. Take Exit 7. When you come up the stairs, the “Art Village” will be behind you. Walk straight for just a moment, take the first major left turn into the neighborhood, and then just… get lost. The magic is in the alleys.

Pro-Tip: Navigating Seoul’s alleys and subways is 100x easier with internet access. Instead of hunting for WiFi, [get an Airalo eSIM] for your phone before you land. It’s cheap, activates instantly, and saves a ton of hassle.

A Quick Mullae Art Village Guide: What to Expect

Mullae-dong is a neighborhood of fascinating contrast. It’s not a polished tourist park. It is an active industrial area.

You will walk down narrow alleys and hear the sounds of welding and metal-cutting from small, family-run steel workshops that have been here for decades.

Right next door to those workshops, you’ll see a massive, vibrant graffiti mural. And next to that, a hidden door leading into a multi-story, jungle-themed cafe. That’s the vibe: gritty industry and raw steel meeting high-concept art and aesthetic cafes.

Finding the Best Street Art: A Mini-Guide

Here’s the secret to finding the Mullae-dong street art map: there isn’t one. The joy is in the discovery.

Your “map” is to wander through the maze of alleys between Mullae Station (Exit 7) and the main road. The best art isn’t on the main streets; it’s hidden on the corrugated steel doors of workshops and in tiny courtyards.

Best Photo Spots Mullae

  • The Alleyways: Look for the narrow corridors where the steel workshops are. The mix of industrial machinery, rust, and colorful murals creates the best photos.
  • Rooftops: Many cafes (like Rust Bakery) have rooftops offering a stunning view over the industrial skyline.
  • Cafe Interiors: As you’ll see below, the cafes themselves are the main photo ops.

Pro-Tip: Remember that many of these are active steel workshops and studios. Be respectful, keep noise to a minimum, and always be mindful when taking photos of someone’s workplace.

Want a Guided Experience?

Feeling overwhelmed? To see the best-hidden murals and hear the stories behind the art, [this guided Mullae-dong art & graffiti tour] is highly-rated and handles all the navigation for you.

Our Top 10 Picks for Unique Cafes in Mullae Art Village

This is what you came for. Here are the most unique, photogenic spots that are 100% worth your time.

1. Old Mullae (올드문래)

  • The Vibe: The undisputed OG of Mullae. By day, it’s a sun-drenched cafe. By night, it’s a buzzing craft beer pub. It’s a massive repurposed warehouse filled with vintage metal-working machines, exposed pipes, and lush greenery.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: The shot from the second-floor balcony looking down at the main bar, with the giant “Old Mullae” sign and all the hanging plants.
  • Must-Try: Their signature Old Mullae Platter (with sausages and chips) and a craft beer in the evening.
  • Location: 14-28 Mullae-dong 2-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동2가 14-28) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

2. Rust Bakery (러스트베이커리)

Cafes in Mullae Art Village: A close-up, food-blogger style shot of a rustic sourdough loaf and a glistening cruffin on a metal tray, with the blurred industrial-chic interior of a bakery (red brick walls and exposed air ducts) in the background.

  • The Vibe: A baker’s paradise inside a huge, red-brick former factory. It has multiple floors and a fantastic rooftop. The ground floor is a sensory overload of freshly baked pastries and breads.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: The rustic bread display on the ground floor, with the industrial beams in the background. Or, a shot of your coffee on the rooftop, overlooking the neighborhood.
  • Must-Try: The Ang Butter Pretzel or any of their sourdough loaves.
  • Location: 42-19 Mullae-dong 2-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동2가 42-19) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

3. Pont Cafe (폰트)

  • The Vibe: Minimalist, stylish, and airy. Housed in a former railway office, it blends raw concrete and terracotta tiles with modern, clean design. It’s also a serious coffee roastery.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: You, sitting at the long, minimalist wooden bar against the textured concrete wall, sunlight streaming in.
  • Must-Try: Their specialty single-origin filter coffee or a flat white.
  • Location: 33-4 Mullae-dong 2-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동2가 33-4) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

4. HOTEL 707 (호텔 707)

A vibrant, high-contrast photo of the "HOTEL 707" rooftop at sunset, featuring a colorful tropical cocktail on a wooden table next to a small, blue-tiled pool, with a white-curtained daybed in the background.

  • The Vibe: This place is wild. It’s an exotic, jungle-themed cafe and bar with a small rooftop “pool” (more for photos) and beds you can lounge on. It feels like a hidden resort.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: Posing by the blue-tiled rooftop pool, or lounging on one of the curtained daybeds with a tropical drink.
  • Must-Try: An ‘Einspänner’ (Vienna coffee) or one of their colorful cocktails.
  • Location: 1-72 Mullae-dong 3-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동3가 1-72) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

5. Waves (웨이브스)

  • The Vibe: A slice of Hawaii in an industrial alley. This gastropub is famous for its bright blue interior, neon signs, and tropical vibe. It’s the perfect escape from the steel and concrete.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: The neon “Waves” sign glowing against the all-blue interior.
  • Must-Try: A poke bowl and a “Blue Hawaii” cocktail.
  • Location: 58-34 Mullae-dong 3-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동3가 58-34) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

6. Poet Room (포엣룸)

  • The Vibe: Exactly as it sounds. This cozy, intimate cafe feels like you’re hanging out in your cool, artistic friend’s living room. It’s filled with books, vintage furniture, and a warm, creative energy.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: A flat-lay of your coffee and a book on one of the dark wood tables, with the aesthetic, cluttered bookshelf in the background.
  • Must-Try: A warm scone with clotted cream and jam.
  • Location: 2-24 Mullae-dong 4-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동4가 2-24) | A bit of a walk, but worth it.

7. La Crescenta (라 크레센타)

  • The Vibe: A spacious, two-story cafe and pub in a converted warehouse. It has super high ceilings, a small art gallery on the second floor, and a great, relaxed atmosphere.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: A wide-angle shot from the second-floor gallery, looking down on the main cafe floor and massive windows.
  • Must-Try: Their brunch sets or a slice of their popular carrot cake.
  • Location: 12-20 Mullae-dong 3-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동3가 12-20) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

8. Goat Deli (고트델리)

  • The Vibe: Not just a cafe, but a legit, old-school delicatessen. It’s a charming, vintage-style spot famous for its incredible sandwiches. Perfect for a hearty lunch.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: A close-up, cross-section shot of their famous (and massive) pastrami sandwich.
  • Must-Try: The “Old School Pastrami” or the “Jambon Beurre.”
  • Location: 56-2 Mullae-dong 2-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동2가 56-2) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

9. Mullae Banggu (문래방구)

  • The Vibe: A quirky and fun combination of a small cafe and a design/stationery shop. It’s tiny, colorful, and full of unique little souvenirs.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: A photo of your coffee next to the cute, retro-designed stationery and stickers you just bought.
  • Must-Try: Their signature “Peanut Bread” (Ttang-kong ppang), a hot, fresh-made street food classic.
  • Location: 763 Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 경인로 763) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

10. Chef Cho (쉐프조)

  • The Vibe: A bit more of a traditional (but famous) bakery. If you’re looking for truly elite cakes and pastries, this is the spot. It’s known as one of Seoul’s top cake shops.
  • The “Instagram” Shot: A photo of the stunning “Strawberry Tower” cake or their beautifully crafted pastries in the display case.
  • Must-Try: A slice of their fresh strawberry cake (if in season) or any of their organic-flour breads.
  • Location: 55-5 Mullae-dong 3-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 문래동3가 55-5) | Near Mullae Station, Exit 7.

Where to Stay Near Mullae Art Village

While Mullae itself is more industrial, it’s right next to Yeouido (Seoul’s “Manhattan”) and Times Square Mall, which have fantastic hotel options. Staying here gives you easy access to both Mullae and the rest of Seoul.

  1. [Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square]: Directly connected to the massive Times Square Mall, this hotel is the ultimate in convenience. You’re steps from shops, restaurants, a cinema, and the subway.
  2. [GLAD Yeouido]: A super stylish, design-focused hotel in Yeouido. It’s a favorite for its modern rooms and is very close to the National Assembly and the Han River.
  3. [Shilla Stay Yeouido]: Offers that famous Shilla brand of luxury and comfort at a more accessible price point. It’s known for great views and is perfect for a business or leisure stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Mullae Art Village worth visiting?

Yes, 100%. If you love “off-the-beaten-path” exploration, street art, industrial-chic aesthetics, and amazing cafes, it’s one of the most unique neighborhoods in Seoul.

  • What is the best time to visit Mullae-dong?

Weekday afternoons are best for seeing the cafes and art with fewer crowds. Evenings (especially Friday and Saturday) are when the bars and restaurants come alive, and the neighborhood has a totally different, electric vibe. Note: Many workshops are closed on Sundays, making it quieter for photos.

  • How much time do I need for Mullae Art Village?

Plan for at least 3-4 hours. This gives you enough time to get lost in the alleys, find the street art, and then relax at one or two cafes without feeling rushed.

Conclusion

Mullae Art Village is more than just a collection of cafes; it’s an experience. It’s a living, breathing neighborhood where art and industry collide, creating a vibe you just can’t find anywhere else in Seoul. You came looking for unique cafes in Mullae Art Village, but you’ll leave with a camera roll full of art, steel, and amazing coffee.

Mullae is an experience you have to see to believe. To make your trip seamless, don’t forget to [3-Day Insider’s Guide to Seoul’s Coolest Art & Cafe Districts Mullae, Seongsu & Euljiro] to see all the hidden gems!