Magic at The Koriko Cafe

Studio Ghibli fans who arrive in Seoul will definitely not want to miss out on this lovely place! Located in Yeonnam, a short walk from the bus stop and through the underground passage way, one will find themselves at most possibly my favorite cafe I’ve been to yet - The Koriko Cafe! Named for the city that the renowned Hayao Miyazaki film “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is set in, Koriko, the cafe makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into Kiki’s world yourself! The sunny yellow exterior and inviting green doorway help to set the tone for the most immersive cafe experience yet.

From the moment you step inside the smell of the amazing pasteries hit you in the best way, the score for Kiki can be heard (composed by the legendary Joe Hisaishi), and the subtle vibrancy of the interior makes one truly feel as if they are suddenly in the movie, and have just walked into the bakery that Kiki works at for the duration of the story.

The cafe has two floors, with lots of seating space both indoors and outside, near windows for excellent pictures or in cozier areas decorated with lots of furniture and accents from the movie. On the first floor near the ordering area, there’s a gift shop full of merchandise and trinkets from a large number of Studio Ghibli films, so anyone who was a fan of those as well could find something they were looking for outside of Kiki’s Delivery Service.

I’m happy to say that I’ve had the opportunity to visit this lovely cafe twice now! The first time, I went with my friend during our shared birthday weekend! It was such a wonderful way to spend our birthday brunch, and we spent loads of time taking pictures along with eating our snacks. The second time, I was able to show a friend who had not been before! They enjoyed it as much as I’d hoped, and I left the endeavor with a little stuffed plush version of Jiji, Kiki’s black cat companion and familiar. I bring him with me almost everywhere now! After going twice now, I definitely recommend the blueberry lemon cake pastry!

The sheer happiness I experience when spending time in this cafe is a sure indicator that I will be coming back again and again over the course of my stay! Fan of Studio Ghibli or not, definitely check it out when you have the time!