[Cafe Highwaist] 카페 하이웨스트, A Vintage Dessert

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Cafe Highwaist, A Vintage Dessert cafe in Ikseon-dong, Seoul

When my husband and I stepped into Cafe Highwaist (sometimes styled as High West) in Ikseon-dong, we immediately fell in love with its dreamy blend of traditional hanok architecture and European dessert café ambiance. Between the adorable character cakes and delicate scones, this place felt like a sweet little secret in the heart of old Seoul.

Atmosphere & First Impressions

Tucked into a cozy alley near Jongno 3-ga Station, Cafe Highwaist sits within a charming modernized hanok (Korean traditional house). Inside, cream-colored walls, rustic wooden beams, and glass ceilings bring in soft daylight that transforms the space into a modern fairy tale. The café feels curated—every shelf, lighting fixture, and plate looks like it could be in a magazine photo shoot.

Despite its visual flair, the vibe is relaxed—not pretentious. You’ll find couples, solo visitors, and groups clicking pictures or quietly savoring cakes with friends.

Menu Highlights: Desserts & Drinks That Steal the Show

Cafe Highwaist is known for its visually stunning desserts and refined taste. Here’s what caught our eye:

🍰 Signature Desserts

Animal-shaped Cakes: Think Teddy Cake and Puppy Cake—cute and colorful, yet surprisingly rich in flavor. The mini Teddy Cake (~₩7,900) was moist with good balance of sweetness and texture.
Scones: Classic Butter (₩5,800), and Basil Pesto Cream Cheese Scone (~₩5,500). They were flaky and tender—not dry—especially when paired with jam or whipped cream.

☕ Drinks

Earl Grey Milk Tea (~₩8,700): Smooth, fragrant, and well-balanced.
Scotch Latte (~₩7,500): A lightly smoky, sweet coffee experience. Several reviewers noted that pairing the latte with a brownie or scone was especially satisfying.

❄️ Soft-Serve Ice Cream (Seasonal)

On warmer days, strawberry and blueberry soft-serve cones are offered—refreshing and photogenic.

Everything is made in-house and changes seasonally; some designs become collectible, especially with the candle and lettered cake customizations visible on their IG feed.

Why It Stands Out: More Than Just a Pretty Café

Feature	What Makes It Special
Unique Dessert Design	Animal-shaped butter cakes and themed scones make it a visual treat.
European + Hanok Fusion	Light-filled hanok setting with vintage pastel tones feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Consistent Quality Taste	Unlike many “cute cafés,” Highwaist delivers flavor that matches the aesthetics.
Popular with Locals & Visitors	Frequently packed, especially on weekends—arrive early to avoid a wait.

🗺 Location & Visiting Info

📍 Address:
18 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Ikseon-dong Hanok Village)

🚇 Nearest Station: Jongno 3‑ga Station (Line 1/3/5), Exit 6 – ~2-minute walk

🕘 Hours:
Daily 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Best Time to Visit:
Morning or early afternoon on weekdays to avoid the peak crowds.

My Experience

My husband and I spent a late morning escape here—just long enough to enjoy two desserts and a latte without feeling rushed. The atmosphere reminded me of a vintage European bakery plucked into a Korean hanok street.

We shared:

A Teddy Cake, which was sweet but balanced with light sponge and whipped cream—not overwhelming.
A Basil Pesto Cream Cheese Scone, savory and slightly herbaceous—a delightful contrast to the sweeter cake.
A pot of Earl Grey Milk Tea that helped cleanse our palates.

Despite its popularity, the service was calm and professional. Takeaway boxes are pastel and branded, perfect for bringing a slice home or gifting. They also offer custom letters on cakes (e.g. for birthdays), which they write the day of pickup.

Final Thoughts

Cafe Highwaist isn’t just about Instagram-worthy desserts—it balances cuteness with craft. The space, bakes, and coffee all feel thoughtfully assembled. For a peaceful break in the sensory whirlwind of Ikseon-dong, this café offers a gentle, charming reprieve—best experienced early before crowds arrive.