Cover Bts’s RM with his sister, who opened Café Far Ben (Photo: Instagram / @breadmin97)
Bts’s RM with his sister, who opened Café Far Ben (Photo: Instagram / @breadmin97)
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Get to know the cafés opened by the family members of your favourite K-pop idols
A trip to South Korea isn’t complete without a visit to one of those trendy cafés. Cafés are a great stop for soaking in the sights and recharging for the day, and those in South Korea reign supreme. You know–quaint decor, artful pastries, aesthetic interiors, the works. But among the cafés in the country, a handful of them stand out from the rest as those related to K-pop idols. Here, we list some must-visit cafés owned by the families of K-pop idols on your next trip to South Korea.
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Café Far Ben
Café Far Ben’s mascot (Photo: Instagram / @cafe.farben)
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The trendy Seongsu has often been dubbed the Brooklyn of Seoul, and for good reason. Its streets are lined with craft coffee bars and restaurants in repurposed warehouses. Joining the area’s string of cafés is Café Far Ben, opened by the younger sister of Bts’s RM. Its interior is airy and open, with quaint decorations and splashes of greenery. When you’re visiting, grab some of the café’s display counter pastries, including banana bread, caramel financier, tiramisu, carrot cake, and cinnamon roll. You can even bring home a piece of the café–tote bags and caps bearing the café’s amiable mascot.
Kamong Café
A waffle selection at Kamong Café (Photo: Instagram / @kamong.coffee)
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Owned by the older sister of Exo’s enigmatic Kai, Kamong Café is not your typical flashy K-pop café. Instead, it sports a simple and contemporary interior with high ceilings and wall displays of artwork. The café’s name is a portmanteau of the idol’s name, Kai, and the name of his dog, Monggu. On its menu are fluffy, mouthwatering waffles that can be paired with ice cream scoops, fruits, and chocolate fondue drizzles.
Mouse Rabbit Café
Interior decorations at Mouse Rabbit Café adds to its homely ambience (Photo: Instagram / @mouse rabbit_official)
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A quick search for “best coffee in Seoul” and you’ll find Mouse Rabbit Café. The café has become a bit of a celebrity in the Kokuk University area. Owned by the brother of Super Junior vocalist Yesung, the three-storey café is frequented by fans and non-fans alike. Try the café’s signature ice cream smoothie, inspired by the popular South Korean ice cream rice wafer in the shape of a goldfish. For dessert, the café has a range of sweet and savoury dishes, including cake, honey bread, burritos, and muffins. The café has also recently renovated its rabbit hole-inspired basement, now a cosier space for diners to sit back and relax.
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Café Yogur Bara
Above Enjoy the homemade yoghurts at Café Yogur Bara, opened by the parents of Got7’s Jay B (Photo: Instagram / @cafe.yogurbara)
Enjoy the homemade yoghurts at Café Yogur Bara, opened by the parents of Got7’s Jay B (Photo: Instagram / @cafe.yogurbara)
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Located a little while outside of Seoul in Goyang, Cafe Yogur Bar is known among Got7 fans as the café owned by member Jay B’s parents. The idol’s parents are often seen manning their posts and are well-loved by fans who visit. While the space is decorated with trinkets and mementos representing Jay B, the main event is the food. The café’s homemade yoghurt is the star of the show thanks to the secret recipe belonging to the star’s mother. Opt for the Oreo yoghurt and you’ll immediately be serenaded by the tangy and sweet flavours.
The café also functions as a bridge between the idol and his fans, where the latter go to share messages of thanks and appreciation to their idol, be it by leaving handwritten letters or exchanging stories with the his parents.
Café Kioot Kioot
Above A selection of desserts and drink at Café Kioot Kioot (Photo: Instagram / @cafe_kiootkioot)
A selection of desserts and drink at Café Kioot Kioot (Photo: Instagram / @cafe_kiootkioot)
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Who doesn’t love a café inspired by dogs. Red Velvet’s Joy is the proud owner of a lovely Maltese named Haetnim. Her sister shares the family’s love for dogs, exemplified through her store Café Kioot Kioot. There, you’ll find scones, cheesecakes, egg tarts, pound cakes, tiramisu cakes, and strawberry sandos up for grabs. From the drink menu, choose the sweet and vegetal green tea cream latte for a refreshing sip. If you’re lucky, the café’s adorable mascots may be in the vicinity for a meet-and-greet.
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