[CAFÉ]Savage Garden, Seoul

Savage Garden, Seoul

Vegan desserts in beautiful surroundings

June 2023

I’ll be your dream I’ll be your wish I’ll be your… Any Western 90s kid out there will be able to finish this line. Everyone else, we’re sorry. But we are here not to talk of the 90s pop-rockers, but this new kind of Savage Garden – surely one of the most visually enticing additions to Seoul’s ever-expanding choice of vegan cafes/eateries. Set to the backdrop of a sci-fi-esque wooden cabin/botanic utopian housing complex – and also views of Namsan Tower from the second floor – you can enjoy a beautiful selection of vegan baked goods, coffees, juices and teas.

The building really is a treat for the eyes: designed in partnership with Glow Seoul, the ground floor is filled with water features, including dripping moss-covered tree roots and steeping stones to traverse (potentially while carrying a tray of vegan treats and coffee). Half of the second floor takes on a more science-lab feel with it’s collections of test tubes filled with the seeds of your favourite plants, while the other half is more traditional exposed brick and wooden furniture. There’s ample light and floor-to-ceiling windows looking to the outside greenery and garden where more plants and water welcome you to the entrance of the cafe.

The cake selection is no after thought in this intricately designed setting: creamy sponge cakes topped with either peach, strawberries, cherries, blueberries or mango are obviously tempting, as are the multiple scones on offer, each topped with a tease purple or orange jam and cream, and not to mention the tarts, brownies and Greek yogurt bowls! All very scrumptious, stimulating for the eyes, and made to enjoy in a peaceful setting with plenty greenery and calming instrumental jazz for balance. Well worth another visit!

Savage Garden, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong, 228-4. Open Sunday–Friday 10:30–22, Saturday 10:30–22:30 (last orders half an hour before closing). Instagram: @savagegarden_official