Hello, fellow travelers! I’m your friendly local blogger, The Traveling Designer, here to guide you through the vibrant streets of Seoul on my blog, Korea Travel Diary.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a hidden treasure in the heart of Jongno-gu: Cafe Sasa. Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Gwonnong-dong, this cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic Korean dessert experience combined with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Why Visit Cafe Sasa?
- How to Get to Cafe Sasa
- What to Order at Cafe Sasa
- Exploring the Jongno Area
- Final Tips
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Seoul or a seasoned explorer, Cafe Sasa offers a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to visit this cozy spot, including directions using public transportation, what to order, and why it’s a perfect stop on your Korean adventure.
Why Visit Cafe Sasa?
Cafe Sasa is more than just a cafe—it’s a celebration of Korean culinary heritage with a modern twist. Located at 147 Seosunla-gil, Jongno-gu, this two-story cafe captures the essence of Korean aesthetics with its minimalist yet warm interior, featuring wooden accents and soft lighting. Here, you can relax, sip on a refreshing drink, and indulge in traditional Korean desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The cafe’s signature offering, the Sasa Hansang Charim, is a traditional Korean dessert platter that delights both the eyes and the palate, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
What sets Cafe Sasa apart is its dedication to showcasing Korean flavors in a way that’s accessible to international visitors. The menu is thoughtfully curated, and the staff is known for their friendly service, often happy to explain dishes to curious travelers. Whether you’re seeking a quick coffee break or a leisurely dessert experience, Cafe Sasa is the perfect spot to soak in the charm of Seoul’s historic Jongno district.
How to Get to Cafe Sasa
Getting to Cafe Sasa is simple, especially using Seoul’s efficient public transportation system. The cafe is just 517 meters from Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 7, making it a short, easy walk for most visitors.
Seoul’s subway system is clean, reliable, and well-signposted in English, making it ideal for international travelers. Cafe Sasa is closest to Jongno 3-ga Station, served by Line 1, Line 3, and Line 5.
Step 1: Arrive at Jongno 3-ga Station
From Myeongdong or Seoul Station, take Line 1 (dark blue) to Jongno 3-ga. From Gangnam or Hongdae, take Line 2 and transfer to Line 3 (orange) at Euljiro 3-ga. Line 5 (purple) is an alternative for Gwanghwamun or Anguk areas. A single ride costs ~1,250 KRW ($1 USD) with a T-money card.
Step 2: Exit at Exit 7
Follow signs for Exit 7 to reach street level near Donhwamun-ro, a bustling street in Jongno.
Step 3: Walk to Cafe Sasa (517m, ~7-8 minutes)
Head straight along Donhwamun-ro for 200 meters, then turn left onto Seosunla-gil. Continue for 300 meters, and Cafe Sasa appears on your right, occupying both the first and second floors. Look for its minimalist signboard with elegant Korean calligraphy.
- T-money Card: Ideal for seamless travel on subways, buses, and taxis.
- Navigation Apps: Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for English-friendly directions.
- Walking Tip: Streets are lively; wear comfortable shoes.
What to Order at Cafe Sasa
Cafe Sasa offers traditional Korean desserts with a modern twist.
- Sasa Hansang Charim (9,300 KRW): A beautifully arranged dessert platter inspired by Korean tea ceremonies, featuring yakgwa (honey cookies), dasik (pressed tea cookies), rice cakes, and a small cup of tea like ssukcha (mugwort tea) or omija (five-flavor berry tea). Perfect for sharing or solo indulgence.
- Gwapyun (8,600 KRW): Traditional jelly dessert with soft, chewy texture and subtly sweet flavor. Seasonal ingredients vary.
- Imjeolmi Ssuk Pound Cake (7,300 KRW): Mugwort-flavored cake topped with roasted soybean powder-coated rice cake. A modern twist on a classic dessert.
- Beverages: Yuzu tea (5,000–6,000 KRW), dalgona coffee (6,000 KRW), and iced omija tea are highly recommended.
Tips for Ordering
- The menu is in English, but staff are happy to explain dishes.
- Sasa Hansang Charim is ideal for groups, offering a variety of flavors.
- Prices may vary seasonally due to fresh local ingredients.
Cafe Sasa’s Ambiance and Vibe
The cafe blends modern hanok-inspired design with traditional Korean touches. The first floor is bright with natural light, and the second floor offers cozy seating overlooking Seosunla-gil. The decor balances wooden furniture, ceramic dishware, and soft music, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and tourists. Weekends can be busy; weekday afternoons are quieter.
Operating Hours
* Mon–Fri: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
* Sat–Sun: 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Check their Instagram (@sasa_seoul) for updates or events.
Exploring the Jongno Area
- Insadong: 10-min walk for tea houses, hanok shops, and street food.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: 15-min walk with traditional Korean houses.
- Changdeokgung Palace: 20-min walk, UNESCO World Heritage Site with Secret Garden tours.
Final Tips
- Language: Basic English works; staff are helpful.
- Payment: Cash or credit card accepted.
- Wi-Fi: Free, ideal for planning next stops.
- Best Time: Early afternoon weekdays for a quieter experience.
Cafe Sasa is a delightful addition to any Seoul itinerary, offering a taste of Korean tradition in a cozy, modern setting.
From the exquisite Sasa Hansang Charim to the charming ambiance of Jongno-gu, it’s a perfect stop for travelers seeking Korea’s culinary and cultural heritage. Conveniently located near Jongno 3-ga Station, this cafe is a must-visit for anyone exploring Seoul.
*Today’s post was a brief introduction to "Cafe Sasa". I’ll soon share my own photos and a detailed review from my visit!
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