ZAPANGI Cafe: Pink Vending Machine, Seoul, South Korea.

Seoul is a hotbed of cafe culture. In any given neighbourhood you will be spoiled for choice of where to get your caffeine fix. However, one spot you may regret missing is the infamous pink vending machine cafe, Zapangi! Often cited as one of the most Instagramable spots in Seoul.

Where is the Pink Vending machine?

Zapanji can be found in Magwon. An up and coming neighbourhood within walking distance of popular Hongdae. Often referred to as a ‘hidden’ cafe, though this is actually not the case. It’s true the entrance is the iconic pink vending machine that has become a hugely popular photo spot, but not even a meter away is a huuuuuge window, where you can see directly into the cafe. So no worries finding the place…it’s pretty easy to navigate too using Naver maps just copy and paste the address below.

• Korea in Address: 망원동 400-2 해오름 주상복합
• English in Address: 400-2 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

What‘s on offer?

The main draw of their menu is definitely it’s aesthetic. They offer really beautiful cakes in tins, cute ice creams with mermaid tails and colourful unicorn drinks! As a vegan I didn’t actually visit this cafe for a while after hearing about it, I thought it looked so beautiful but was sure they’d be nothing I could actually eat or drink. From their photos, everything is topped with cream and delightful (non-vegan) toppings! However, I was thrilled to find out they offer soybean milk tea and so promptly made a visit! Milk tea is super popular here in Korea so it seemed like a great time to try it and visit this super popular spot!

Want to find out about more vegan spots in Hongdae click here!

Surprisingly the cafe itself wasn’t actually that busy! Its a really great space, with lots of cute little nooks. It really seemed a lot busier than it was, as a lot of people were actually just popping in to take a photo in the doorway, not actually sitting down with a drink. The cafe owners were really hospitable and didn’t seem to mind the on-going steams of photo takers. So, aside from the exciting front door – it’s actually a really cool space to while away some time. Don’t be put off by the crowds.

Money, Money, Money…

Zapangi is a little on the pricey side but of course, you pay for the novelty and an eyecatching drink you won’t be able to order anywhere else! Prices range from 4,500w for an average Americano to 9,500w for a fancy mermaid mocha! Their cake tins/ doughnut prices range from around the same. The cheapest item on the dessert menu is a doughnut priced at 5,000w, reaching up to 9,500 for a mermaidy slice of cake!

To check out the Zapangi festive menu CLICK HERE
So, had a chance to visit? Let me know in the comments and please recommend any other caffeinated hot spots that are a must-visit!