One-line takeaway

Yiri Cafe is a cozy, book-lined cafe in Sangsu where creatives linger over coffee by day and a low-key bar vibe settles in at night.

Why you should go (3 reasons)

• Atmosphere: warm wood, vintage furniture, and a wall packed with books and magazines—ideal for reading, writing, or quiet laptop time.
• Creative pedigree: known as an artists’ hangout and even a filming location for Infinite Challenge’s “Books, Books, Books” episode (무한도전, ‘정총무의 책책책, 책을 좀! 읽읍시다’).
• Flexible menu: solid coffee and teas by day; sandwiches (and even hayashi rice) for simple meals; beer, mulled wine, and wine later on.

What it’s like

I slipped into Yri Cafe on a slow afternoon and immediately felt that hush you get in places people come to make things. One long wall is tightly stacked with books and magazines; the rest of the room wears hand-pinned notes, posters, and photos like a living collage.

The space is bigger than it first appears, with tables, sofas, and a few bar-style seats, plus big windows that pour in soft light. There are even some outdoor seats for mild days.

The furniture has a lovingly collected feel—some pieces are vintage finds, others designed by the owner—and that thoughtful mix gives the room its warmth.

I noticed people reading, sketching, and tapping away on laptops; it suits quiet study or solo time. I’ve also visited earlier in the day when it was especially peaceful, the kind of calm where a diary entry almost writes itself. The cafe is known locally as an artists’ spot, and it once hosted filming for Infinite Challenge, but it still feels unpretentious and personal.

What to try / how to enjoy it

• Coffee standards are all here—Americano, cappuccino, flat white, cold brew, and a cozy cafe latte.
• Tea drinkers are covered with options like ginger, yuzu, plum, and lemon; the milk tea was a highlight on a chilly day.
• If you want something more substantial, look for simple bites like sandwiches; hayashi rice also appears on the menu.
• Don’t miss the brownie: rich and fudgy, it’s the treat I keep thinking about.
• Evenings lean bar-like, with beer, mulled wine, and wine—nice for an unhurried catch-up.
• Best seats: grab a window spot for writing or a sofa corner if you’re settling in with a book.

Practical notes

• Address: 27, Wausan-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (상수 이리카페)
• Phone: 02-323-7861
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yricafe/
• Getting there: about a 5-minute walk from Sangsu Station.
• Hours: reported as 11:00–24:00 daily in some sources; another source notes extended hours (weekdays to 01:00, Fri–Sat to 02:00, Sun to 24:00). If you’re going late, it’s worth calling ahead.
• Menu notes: coffee classics, teas, sandwiches, and at times hayashi rice; alcoholic drinks in the evening.
• Sweet spot for quiet: I found early hours and weekday afternoons especially calm.
• Prices (examples from my visit): hot cafe latte 5,500 KRW; chocolate brownie 6,000 KRW (subject to change).
• Parking: short stop possible in front, but the area is tight(only 1 slot).