LowKey Seongsu — Restaurant in Seoul

"Let the coffee speak for itself"

Speciality cafe and small batch roaster founded in 2010, Low Key is a true trend setter on the South Korean coffee scene. For the last decade they have kept the business to just two cafes, dedicating their time instead to wholesale distribution, coffee subscribtion services and coffee education through public cupping. They also import green beans direct from source including this current offering of three Finca Deborah precious geshas:

1. Terroir Gesha (Panama, Chirqui Volcan Region, Traditional Washed Process, 1900-2000m Altitude, Crop Year 2020)
2. Limitless Gesha (Panama, Chirqui Volcan Region, Yeast Composition Natural Process, 1900-2000m Altitude, Crop Year 2020)
3. Nirvana Gesha (Panama, Chirqui Volcan Region, Anaerobic Natural Process, 1900-2000m Altitude, Crop Year 2020)

The range of roasted single origins is equally impressive:

1. Guatemala (Huehuetenango Region, Finca La Severa Farm, Caturra and Pache Variety, Swiss Watter Process, 2000m Altitude, Crop Year 2019)
2. Columbia (Ciudad Bolivar Region, La Luisa Farm, Caturra Variety, Carbonic Maceration Natural Process, 1800-2000m Altitude)
3. Ethiopia (Bensa Mountains Region, Bensa WCS Farm, Heirloom Variety, Natural Process, 1900-2000m Altitude)

Roasted beans are packaged in envelopes; a stamp for the country of origin, another stamp for the date of roasting and a post code number detailing the altitude of the farm.

Behind the counter: Three Group La Marzocco Strada Electronic Paddle EP ("Street Team") espresso machine, two Anfim and one Mahlkönig EK43 grinder.

If you like Low Key I would recommend Seoul based Fritz Coffee, Champ Coffee Roasters and...

Good service is rare in Korea so if I come across one, I’d instantly give them a 5*. In LowKey, the barista was friendly and ‘smiled’. I know, what low expectations, lol. Iykyk

Coffee was very basic so do manage your expectations. Good place to rest and visit the restroom but not going to be one I travel specifically for.

We had an oat latte and Americano. The drinks did take longer than usual to make eventhough we were the only ones there.

Ps// they don’t charge extra for alternative milk.

Cozy and casual atmosphere. While I won’t be back,...

It's a very great place. I followed the recommendations from the staff member about the Yemen coffee, and that's been an incredible experience. I'm feel so sorry for not having more free time to enjoy a Korean speaking experience with the staff member due to a professional call. Next time when I will be in South korea, that will be a pleasure to share this precious moment and nice moment to practice. Thank you, and sorry for...