Seongsu Cafe Upper Room is a cozy, spacious coffee shop near Seongsu Station, known for its injeolmi Einspanner, walnut pie and peaceful atmosphere for reading or working.
Seongsu Cafe: Upper Room, a Quiet Coffee Spot for Injeolmi Einspanner and Reading
Finding a Seongsu cafe that feels spacious, cozy, and genuinely relaxing can be surprisingly difficult, especially when the neighborhood’s most popular coffee shops are packed with visitors.
That’s why Upper Room (어퍼룸) has become one of my regular spots in Seongsu-dong.
I first discovered it by chance, but after that initial visit, I found myself returning whenever I wanted somewhere comfortable to read, work, or simply spend a quiet afternoon with a good coffee.
The cafe has generous seating, warm wood-and-fabric interiors, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in for a while.
But there’s another reason I keep coming back.
Its signature drink, Upper Room Milk, is a wonderfully nutty, sweet take on an Einspanner, topped with cream that reminds me of Korean injeolmi.
Add a slice of walnut pie, and you’ve got my ideal little coffee break in Seongsu.
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room Location: A Quieter Side of Seongsu-dong
Address: 1F, 21 Seongsuil-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul Korean address: 서울 성동구 성수일로12길 21 1층
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room is approximately a six-minute walk from Exit 1 of Seongsu Station.
One thing I particularly like about its location is that it’s on the opposite side of the station from some of Seongsu’s busiest cafe and shopping streets.
Seongsu-dong is famous for its converted industrial buildings, trendy boutiques, pop-up stores, and specialty coffee shops. It’s a fun neighborhood to explore, but it can also get rather crowded.
Upper Room offers a welcome change of pace.
It’s still conveniently close to the station, but the surrounding area feels more relaxed, making it an appealing stop when you want to escape the busiest part of Seongsu for a little while.
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room Opening Hours
|
Day |
Opening hours |
Last order |
|
Monday–Friday |
9:00 AM–10:00 PM |
9:30 PM |
|
Saturday |
11:00 AM–10:00 PM |
9:30 PM |
|
Sunday |
1:00 PM–10:00 PM |
9:30 PM |
These are the hours listed at the time of my visit. It’s worth checking the latest schedule before heading over, especially on holidays.
more info : Official Instagram
Inside Seongsu Cafe Upper Room: Cozy, Spacious and Surprisingly Peaceful
From outside, you might not expect Seongsu Cafe Upper Room to be quite so spacious.
But once you step inside, the interior immediately makes an impression.
There’s a lovely balance between openness and coziness, with generous seating areas, comfortable sofas, wooden furniture, soft fabrics, and warm indirect lighting.
The tables are spaced far enough apart that the cafe doesn’t feel cramped, even when other people are sitting nearby.
Glass partitions divide parts of the room, giving different seating areas their own character without making the overall space feel closed off.
You can choose a large sofa, a more conventional table, or even a low, floor-style seating area inspired by traditional Korean interiors.
It’s the sort of place where I find myself getting comfortable almost immediately.
And that’s exactly why I like coming here with a book or my laptop.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Seongsu Cafe Upper Room?
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room has become increasingly popular, and I’ve seen a waiting list during busier periods.
If you want the widest choice of seats, I’d recommend visiting on a weekday morning, preferably before the lunch rush.
Arriving shortly after opening has worked particularly well for me.
On one visit, I managed to get a lovely window seat filled with natural light.
With my laptop, coffee, and dessert arranged on the table, it felt like I’d found the perfect little workspace for the morning.
Of course, it’s still a cafe rather than a dedicated coworking space, so I think it’s best enjoyed with consideration for other customers, particularly when it gets busy.
How to Order at Seongsu Cafe Upper Room
The ordering process is straightforward.
Find a seat first, then head to the counter to choose your drinks and desserts.
The menu is clearly displayed, and the desserts are presented separately, making it easy to decide on a coffee before choosing something to eat alongside it.
After ordering, you’ll receive a pager. When your order is ready, collect your tray from the counter and bring it back to your table.
There’s also a self-service area where you can get drinking water.
And if you enjoy browsing little lifestyle items, take a look at the small merchandise display near the counter.
It’s a nice extra touch that fits the cafe’s relaxed, thoughtfully designed atmosphere.
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room Menu: Coffee, Tea, Ade and Desserts
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room has a fairly broad drinks menu.
Alongside the usual coffee options, you’ll find tea, milk-based drinks, house-made fruit ade, and a selection of signature beverages.
The signature drinks are clearly highlighted, which is helpful if you’re visiting for the first time and don’t know what to order.
There’s also a separate dessert selection, including the walnut pie that has become one of my favorite things to pair with coffee here.
For morning visitors, Upper Room has offered breakfast combinations such as a bagel with an Americano or an English muffin set.
Those are particularly convenient if you’re stopping by before work or looking for a light breakfast while spending the morning in Seongsu.
On my first visit, however, I was far more interested in trying the signature drinks.
I couldn’t decide between Upper Room Milk and a refreshing ade, so I ordered both. And naturally, I added a dessert.
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room Milk: An Injeolmi-Inspired Einspanner
If you’re visiting Seongsu Cafe Upper Room for the first time, Upper Room Milk is the drink I’d recommend ordering first.
It’s the cafe’s signature take on an Einspanner, with a generous layer of rich, smooth cream and a wonderfully nutty flavor reminiscent of injeolmi.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, injeolmi is a traditional Korean rice cake coated in roasted soybean powder. It has a distinctive toasted, nutty flavor that’s often used in Korean desserts and drinks.
Upper Room captures that comforting flavor in a creamy coffee.
And it works beautifully.
How to Drink Upper Room Milk
One little detail I appreciated was that the drink came with a note explaining how to enjoy it.
Following the instructions, I started by scooping up a generous spoonful of the cream.
The texture was wonderfully smooth, with that unmistakable roasted, nutty sweetness.
Then I mixed the drink and took a sip through the straw.
That’s when everything came together.
The sweet cream, nutty injeolmi-inspired flavor, and aromatic coffee created a beautifully balanced drink that was rich without feeling unpleasantly heavy.
I’m already a big fan of Einspanner, but this version immediately became one of my favorites.
The coffee itself still comes through, which is important. Rather than tasting like a dessert with a little coffee added, it feels like a proper cream coffee with an interesting Korean twist.
If you enjoy sweet, creamy coffee drinks, Upper Room Milk is well worth trying.
Basil Tomato Ade: A Refreshing Surprise
Because I visited during the summer, I also ordered the Basil Tomato Ade.
And this one genuinely surprised me.
Unlike the brightly colored fruit ades you often see in Korean cafes, the drink looked remarkably clear and light.
But the flavor was anything but plain.
The basil aroma was particularly noticeable, while the tomato brought a lovely balance of sweetness and refreshing acidity.
I’ve tried quite a few different ades over the years, and this was one of the most memorable combinations.
What made it interesting was the contrast between its appearance and flavor.
It looked almost like a simple, transparent sparkling drink, yet every sip had a distinct basil fragrance and a fresh tomato note.
If you’re visiting Upper Room on a warm day and want something other than coffee, this would be my pick.
Walnut Pie: A Satisfying Coffee Break
The walnut pie is another reason I enjoy spending time here.
It’s more substantial than the kind of tiny dessert you finish in two bites, making it a good choice when you want something to keep you going through an afternoon of reading or working.
I particularly like pairing it with Upper Room Milk.
The nutty flavors work naturally together, and the combination feels indulgent enough to count as a proper afternoon treat.
On days when I arrive without having eaten much, a coffee and walnut pie are surprisingly filling.
For me, that’s part of Upper Room’s appeal.
It’s not just somewhere to grab a quick drink before heading to the next stop. It’s a cafe where I actually want to stay for a while.
Is Seongsu Cafe Upper Room a Good Cafe for Reading or Working in Seongsu?
Based on my visits, yes—particularly if you go during a quieter weekday period.
The spacious layout and comfortable seating make it much easier to settle in than at many of Seongsu’s smaller, busier cafes.
I also appreciate the lighting.
The warm indirect lights create a cozy atmosphere, while the window seats offer plenty of natural light during the day.
It’s a pleasant environment for reading, writing, or working on a laptop.
That said, Seongsu Cafe Upper Room is popular enough that it can get busy, and a waiting list may form at peak times. If you’re planning to stay for a longer work session, a weekday morning is a better choice than a crowded weekend afternoon.
What Should First-Time Visitors Order at Seongsu Cafe Upper Room?
If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d build your order around the signature coffee.
Upper Room Milk
My first pick
A creamy, injeolmi-inspired Einspanner with nutty sweetness and aromatic coffee.
Basil Tomato Ade
A refreshing alternative with fragrant basil and sweet-tart tomato flavors.
Walnut Pie
A satisfying dessert to pair with coffee, especially if you’re planning a leisurely afternoon.
My personal combination is Upper Room Milk with walnut pie. If you’re visiting with someone else, add the Basil Tomato Ade so you can try both of the drinks that impressed me most.
Is Upper Room Seongsu Worth Visiting?
Seongsu Cafe Upper Room is one of those cafes I discovered by chance and gradually turned into a regular stop.
I love that it’s spacious without feeling impersonal, stylish without being uncomfortable, and cozy enough that I can happily spend a quiet morning reading or working.
Its location on the quieter side of Seongsu Station is another advantage, especially when the neighborhood’s main shopping streets feel a little overwhelming.
And then there’s Upper Room Milk.
That combination of smooth cream, roasted injeolmi-like nuttiness, and fragrant coffee is exactly the kind of signature drink that makes me want to return.
If you’re searching for a Seongsu cafe where you can enjoy a thoughtful coffee menu, a filling dessert, and a little breathing room away from the crowds, Upper Room is a lovely place to add to your Seoul itinerary.
Come on a weekday morning if you can, choose a comfortable seat, order the Upper Room Milk, and enjoy a slower side of Seongsu.
Related post about Seongsu Cafe in Seoul you might enjoy : Seongsu Cafe Sam Ok: A Hidden Wood Workshop Café with Roasted Sweet Potato Dessert in Seoul
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