The Wal'z & Joypia Dog Cafe in Gangnam | Seoul, South Korea

It seems like there is a cafe on every corner here in South Korea. They are quite literally popping up everywhere! Serving not only your favorite latte, but fresh smoothies, and my absolute favorite beverage, bubble tea! in addition to foods to munch on such as bagels, muffins, and cheesecake slices. With such a saturated market, it's no surprise that some cafes have resorted to a different approach in order to draw customers to their shops. 

In this case, puppies are the incentive to stop into this corner cafe in the renowned Gangnum district of Seoul. Like us, customers will actually seek out this shop in order to spend a couple of minutes of their day with these adorably fluffy friends.

The Wal'z Dog Cafe in Seoul has a nice atmosphere and is especially great if you're a tiny dog lover. They have at least five to ten pups in the main area running around and playing with the customers.  The dogs are well groomed and relatively friendly. Visitors will also bring their own dogs to play, so it has a dog park-like atmosphere.

The tables fill quickly. When you enter, you go through a door and then a gate designed to keep the dogs from darting outside. The 'waiter' will find you a seat. From there, you're expected to go up to the counter and place your beverage order.

We did find this cafe a little disappointing, as we were expecting larger dogs, which are much less popular in South Korea. Many Koreans live in high rises with smaller floor plans than in the states, which are less suitable for larger breeds. It's also difficult to spend any amount of time with one pup, as they are very incentivized by treats, which are available to purchase. If anyone in the room has food, all of the dogs will crowd that one person, which can be a bit of a downer when you're petting a pup and it walks off. No love here for attention here, only treats. Ha!

The dogs treats that are available for purchase. No other food is allowed or served in the cafe.

The drinks here were great. I ordered a fresh banana smoothy, which was very good. Ethan had a strawberry yogurt smoothy. It did take them awhile to serve the drinks after we ordered, but we watched the dogs play while we waited. The drink prices range from 5000-11000 won, and about 5000 cheaper than that if you order take out. Essentially, you're paying to be in the cafe with the dogs. 

The cafe does have an extensive doggy boutique. You'll find tons of dog outfits, fur clips and accessories, collars, leashes, bags to carry your pouch around, and more. Side note: I didn't see much for larger dogs, which seems to be a trend in South Korea in both humans and dogs. No large sizes here!

Overall, the entire experience definitely had a commercial feel, which put a damper on our visit. If this cafe had larger dogs, it would certainly be more appealing, especially to tourists visiting from western countries. I'd recommend stopping in only if you're in the area. I honestly wouldn't bother seeking out this dog cafe unless you're a small dog fan. 

I noticed that the cafe is located right next to what appears to be a veterinarian and/or groomer called Medi Pawz. I believe the cafe actually has space available for lodging, in case you need someone to watch your pup. I noticed a back room with more small dogs, but don't quote me on that.

The Details

• What: The Wal'z & Joypia Dog Cafe in Gangnam

• When: 8:00AM - 11:50PM

• Where: 서울특별시 Gangnam-gu, Yeoksam 1(il)-dong, 역삼로 134

• Cost: 5000-11000 won per drink, you must purchase a beverage to occupy a seat and hang out with the pups!