Seoul Palace Cafes: Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung Views

Experience Seoul's Majestic Palaces from a Cozy Cafe

Words and Photos by: Today's Clear Sky

As autumn arrives, I always find myself drawn to Seoul's ancient palaces. While a leisurely stroll through the palace grounds is wonderful, there's a unique charm in admiring their traditional roofs and walls from a slight distance. I've long wanted to share my favorite Seoul cafes that offer these magnificent palace views, and with the beauty of fall as my inspiration, I'm finally compiling them for you.

Gyeongbokgung Palace View

I Got Everything at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

After finishing some work in Gwanghwamun, I stopped by I Got Everything on the 3rd floor of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. This cafe is special because it employs baristas with severe disabilities, offering a heartwarming experience.

With my coffee in hand, I stepped out onto the terrace, and before me lay a breathtaking panorama of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain. Wow! I was genuinely surprised to find such an incredible view right in the heart of Seoul. The clear weather made it even more perfect, and I spent a long time simply gazing at the scenery while sipping my warm coffee.

If you visit the cafe, I highly recommend exploring the museum's exhibitions and making your way up to the 8th-floor rooftop garden. The elevated perspective of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain from there is equally stunning and shouldn't be missed.

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• ​Address: 3F, 198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (National Museum of Korean Contemporary History)

• Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving)

• Transportation: Approximately a 0.15-mile walk from Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2

• Parking: Parking is limited; public transportation or nearby Sejong-ro Public Parking Lot is recommended.

• ​For the best views of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain, aim for a clear day and a spot on the terrace.

• Don't forget to visit the 8th-floor rooftop garden for another fantastic perspective.

Gyeongbokgung View Terrace Cafe: I Got Everything at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary Historyblog.naver.com

Deoksugung Palace View

Jeongdong Observatory Cafe Darak

If you haven't visited Jeongdong Observatory yet, you are truly missing out!

Jeongdong Observatory is a place I make sure to visit every autumn to witness the stunning fall foliage. From the 13th floor of the Seosomun Annex Building, you can take in a panoramic view of Deoksugung Palace's gardens and Seokjojeon Hall, framed by vibrant yellow ginkgo trees and fiery red maples. The sight is absolutely magnificent, almost like looking down from a drone.

Window seats are always popular, but you can still enjoy the observatory even if you don't order a drink from the cafe. I doubt there's another spot in Seoul that offers such an incredible autumn vista.

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• ​Address: 13F, 15 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Seoul City Hall Seosomun Annex Building 1)

• Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Thu 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

  • Fri 1:30 PM - 10:00 PM

  • Sat 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Admission: Observatory is free

• Transportation: A 2-3 minute walk from City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 & 2), Exit 12

• Parking: Seoul City Hall Seosomun Annex Building parking lot (paid on weekdays)

• ​Starting September 2026, the observatory will also be open at night on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a magical evening view.

• Operating hours can change frequently, so it's best to check in advance before your visit.

Jeongdong Observatory: Enjoy Deoksugung's Autumn View in Seoul for Freeblog.naver.com

Changdeokgung Palace View

TONG BEER EAT N LIFE

You might wonder if a cafe could really be located in such a spot, but this gem is tucked away on the 7th floor of a building. Take the elevator up, and you'll find 'TONG' to your right and 'BEER EAT N LIFE' to your left. Fun fact: 'BEER' in 'BEER EAT N LIFE' actually refers to beer, adding a playful twist to the name!

From the window seats, Changdeokgung Palace peeks out between the city buildings, while the opposite side offers views of Unhyeongung Palace and even Namsan Tower in the distance. While it's lovely during the day, the ambiance truly becomes magical as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle.

With plenty of bar-style seating, it's a fantastic spot if you're working remotely or just need a quiet place to focus with your laptop. You can easily transition from enjoying coffee during the day to unwinding with a cold beer in the evening – it's perfectly suited for both.

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• ​Address: 7th & 8th Floors, 82 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

• Transportation: Approximately a 2-minute walk from Anguk Station, Exit 4

• Parking: Use nearby parking lots.

• ​The building has no external sign, so look for the Royal Changdeokgung Building next to Jongno Fire Station.

• If you want a window seat facing Changdeokgung Palace, try to avoid peak hours.

Anguk Cafe: TONG BEER EAT N LIFE & If there is light in our hearts – Views of Changdeokgung and Namsan Towerblog.naver.com

A Word from Today's Clear Sky

The three cafes I've introduced today are truly personal favorites. The romance of experiencing Seoul's ancient palaces, especially in autumn, is simply indescribable. Why not try visiting all three in one day? Haha!

I also recommend Coffee & Cigarettes!

City Hall Station View Hotspot: Coffee & Cigarettes – A 17th Floor City View Cafeblog.naver.com