카페 람 ( cafe LAAM ) — Restaurant in Seoul

Jan 2025: I've since visited this place ~5 times over the past year, on every trip that I take to Seoul. Some things have changed, but the friendliness, coffee and welcome have not. Come here, and also get the best financiers from the bakery right next door. Nov 2023: I first stumbled upon this place while seeking out the bakery next door. Enamored by the coffee, the owner, and the place, I would visit here again multiple times over the next few days to try the different offerings.

The storefront is unassuming and easy for people to miss. However, peer a bit longer and you will be drawn in by its mysterious allure. A pendulum swings near the front, its motion beckoning you in. The interior is all black, but in the center, a stainless steel counter stands in stark contrast. A lone proprietress sits within.

The space is cozy and intimate, with a few counter seats as well as seats by the wall. Photos adorn the wall at the back, and a selection of design books is available for reading. Almost everything in the cafe is black — the equipment, the blinds, and even the tissues.

Despite the color scheme, it was anything but sterile. One can see the great care and attention that the owner has put into the place. And it is with this same care and attention that she puts into her coffee. Everything is meticulous and precise. With her gloved hands (black gloves, of course), she carefully prepares the coffee, weighing the beans and setting timers.

I'm not a big coffee drinker or a coffee connoisseur, but I do think of myself as having a discerning tongue. Drinking the pour-over coffee here made me realize that I actually like coffee (or at least, coffee that tastes like the one made here).

Unlike the monotone decor, the owner is actually a very colorful individual. She was warm and friendly, offering snacks and recommendations on places to go in Korea. Over the next few visits, I came to learn she's a veteran architect, and coffee is one of her passions.

It is obvious that this place is a passion project. In a world where commercial chains are the norm and independent places are becoming more rare, I'm glad I found LAAM — a dark comforting reprieve from the harsh reality and...

I was in Seoul on a 10-day trip and stumbled upon LAAM completely by chance — and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of the whole visit.

I started with an iced pour-over made from an iced Geisha bean, and I couldn’t believe the range of options on offer. There must’ve been 15 to 20 different beans to choose from. Even though I don’t speak Korean, the lovely owner took the time to explain everything and help me decide — she was so kind and patient.

After that, she even offered me samples of a few things, and I tried some of the baked goods, which were excellent. The soundtrack was spot-on too — just one of those small details that made the atmosphere perfect.

Overall, it was such a warm, genuine experience — the kind of place you remember long after you’ve left. Thank you, LAAM Café. I hope to visit...

Such an exciting place ! There is like 12 different single origin and 30 blends to choose from. The barista immediately welcomed us with a tasting cup and patiently explained all the different kinds of blends that would go well with our preferred coffee -...