Why Always August Roastery is
One of the Best Samgakji Cafes
If you’re looking for a Samgakji cafe
with truly great coffee, this is the place.
Always August Roastery is known among locals
as a go-to spot for serious coffee lovers.
They roast their own beans in-house, and
it’s not unusual to see people lining up
even right after opening at 8 AM.
In a neighborhood full of trendy spots,
this café stands out for one reason
— the coffee is genuinely good.
Always August Roastery
Samgakji Cafe Information
- Hours: Tue–Sun 08:00 – 20:00
(Closed on Monday) - Reservation: Not available
- Location: Right in front of Samgakji Station
Exit 6 (line 4,6) - Nearby Hotels: Maponaru M gallery hotel,
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan,
fourpoints hotel seoulstation
Click to google maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQKrSakEv6NHw6Ai9
The Always August Roastery has two locations
one in Samgakji and another in Mangwon.
I usually visit the Samgakji cafe (Yongsan branch)
If the Mangwon location feels like a small,
old local coffee shop you might stumble upon
while traveling in a quiet Japanese town,
the Samgakji cafe is more spacious
making it a better place for conversation,
working on a laptop, or quietly reading a book.
Another nice part is the walk.
From Samgakji Station to Yongsan Station,
there’s a stretch of trendy spots along the main road,
so it’s fun to explore the area before or after your visit.
Location & Waiting Tips
If the most popular restaurant in Samgakji is Mongtan,
then Always August Roastery is probably the most popular café.
and also close to Mongtan
Waiting is done by writing your name
in a notebook placed outside the café.
You can wait seating at the outside bench
Interior & Seating
at Yongsan Roastery Cafe
The café has a warm, slightly vintage atmosphere.
You’ll notice the handwritten sign at the entrance right away
it really sets the tone of the place.
Inside, there’s a large table for groups,
while most seating is arranged for two people.
The outdoor seats, which were originally used for waiting,
are now used as actual seating due to high demand.
On a nice day, sitting outside with a coffee feels especially relaxing.
Menu at Always August Roastery
1) Signature Coffee
The café is best known for
Flat White & Slightly acidic Latte
You can choose from four types of espresso beans,
ranging from nutty to more acidic profiles.
✔️Takeout : 1,500 KRW discount
✔️ bring your own tumbler : 2,000 KRW discount
1) Espresso & Hand Brewing
The espresso is built around balance and body
nothing flashy, just well-executed.
The hand-drip menu is where things get interesting.
Each bean comes with tasting notes written out like a wine list,
which honestly made me spend more time choosing than I expected.
For example, one of the beans
Honduras Piedras Amarillas
comes with tasting notes similar to Sauvignon Blanc.
Yes, this is what people mean when they say
“coffee that drinks like wine.”
2) Desserts & Beans
By early afternoon,
the dessert display is often almost empty.
They offer: Gluten-free cakes, Vegan cakes, Muffins
Since they avoid flour and animal-based ingredients,
many people describe the desserts as “clean” and light.
They also sell their own roasted beans.
If you’re buying beans anyway,
the packaging is simple enough to
double as a gift without trying too hard.
Seoul roastery cafe
Coffee Review
I ordered a flat white for my first visit,
since it’s one of their signature drinks.
They even serve it with latte art, and interestingly,
this is one of the rare cafés in Seoul
where staff bring your drinks to the table.
The balance between the espresso and milk was excellent
smooth, slightly creamy, and well-rounded.
Even as someone who isn’t deeply into coffee,
I could tell there was real depth in the flavor.
The cream coffee we ordered was also good,
and I think it would pair nicely with one of their simple muffins.
Final Thoughts : Why You Should
Visit This Samgakji Cafe
The area still has the texture of a real neighborhood,
not a tourist zone. A mix of old streets,
hidden restaurants, and carefully curated cafés.
HYBE (the agency behind BTS and SEVENTEEN)
has its headquarters nearby, which partly explains
why the area has started drawing a younger
international crowd in recent years.
Unlike more tourist-heavy neighborhoods,
Samgakji still feels local.
Always August Roastery fits perfectly into this atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a Samgakji cafe
with great coffee and a genuine local vibe,
this is definitely worth a visit.
FAQ — Always August Roastery
Q: Can I bring a large suitcase?
A: The café itself has enough space,
but the surrounding Samgakji streets are manageable with luggage.
That said, if you’re traveling with large bags,
it’s more comfortable to store them at a coin locker
Q: Is the menu available in English?
A: The menu includes enough English descriptions
Q: Can I buy coffee beans to take home?
A: Yes, freshly roasted beans are available for purchase.
The packaging is clean and cute
📌There’s a popular yukgaejang kalguksu spot
just a 10-minute walk from Always August Roastery.
Check out the post below for everything you need to know
https://koreaandbeyond.com/best-noodles-in-seoul/