Delicate Layers & Pastel Dreams – My Visit to Café Margaret, Seoul

#seoulspots Located in Yeonnam-dong near Hongdae, Café Margaret exudes cottage-core charm and specializes in the whimsical “Cube Pie”—a buttery, 72-layered laminated pastry filled with flavored creams such as matcha, injeolmi (soybean powder), Lotus, Nutella, and vanilla cream. When I visited at lunchtime, the queue was already forming but well worth the wait—especially for the matcha and injeolmi flavors that sell out early . I chose an injeolmi cube pie and a peanut butter cookie (cute googly eyes included), paired with an iced latte. The cube pie was crispy, flaky, and generously filled—rich and nutty yet balanced, while the cookie was buttery-soft and satisfyingly chewy . The café is housed in a two-story cottage-style building with vintage wooden tables, pastel decorations, floral portraits, and abundant soft light. The first floor serves as the bakery counter; the second floor lounges guests at cozy seating surrounded by retro décor. The atmosphere feels bright, airy, and genuinely welcoming (). Admission & Practical Info • 🕒 Hours: Daily ~12:00–22:00; cube pies are available only from around 11 AM (and often sold out by mid-afternoon)  • 💴 Prices: Cube Pies ~₩8,300 each; cookies ~₩4,900; drinks (lattes, ade) ~₩5,000–₩7,000 () • 🚇 Access: Located at 10, Seongmisan‑ro 29‑gil, Mapo‑gu—about a 7-minute walk from Hongik University Station, Exit 3  • 🪑 Seating: Upstairs seating only; order downstairs after securing a table • ⏱ Suggested Time: ~45 minutes—enough for a pastry, beverage, and peaceful café break Why It’s Worth Visiting: • 🧁 Signature cube pies: Unmissable – flaky, buttery pastries with creamy, flavorful fillings • 🌸 Vintage-kitsch aesthetics: Bright, cottage‑core décor with soft lighting and cozy seating  • 🍪 Charming baked goods: From googly‑eyed cookies to pumpkin scones and pound cakes • ☕ Comfortable drinks: Solid lattes and flavored tea blends complement the sweets perfectly • 🎥 Atmospheric stop: Ideal for café lovers and Instagram photos with subtle, homey charm Final Thoughts: Café Margaret marries nostalgic décor with show-stopping desserts and thoughtful atmosphere. It’s a dreamy Seoul café experience—where the cube pies are almost too beautiful to eat, and even better when you do. Early arrival is wise, especially for the seasonal or bestselling items.