Jeju Volcanic Cave Transformed Into Underground Coffee Spot

On Jeju Island—formed millions of years ago from undersea volcanic eruptions—lava tubes and volcanic rock formations define much of the landscape. Amidst these geological wonders, one forgotten cave, discovered in 2006 by a local tea farmer, has been transformed into a unique underground coffee destination, now offering freshly brewed tea and coffee in a surreal subterranean setting.

In Jeju, a single volcanic cave found in 2006 by a tea grower has been turned into a working underground café. With multiple caves scattered across the island—over a hundred in total—this spot is now a popular stop for travelers seeking coffee or tea in a dramatic natural setting.

How a Tea Farm Led to an Underground Café

The story begins with a humble green tea plantation on Jeju. While tending to his crops, the landowner stumbled upon a natural cave hidden beneath the slope of his property. After securing government approval, he transformed the spacious, rocky cavity into a multifunctional space: part tearoom, part coffee shop. The location, still surrounded by sprawling tea fields, offers visitors a one-of-a-kind café experience inside a real lava tunnel.

Into the Lava Tube: A Journey Underground

Visitors enter through a deliberately rugged stone opening, tucked beneath a large tree and left mostly untouched for an organic feel. Inside, a dimly lit, winding path guides you past visible tree root textures and the sound of dripping water. The air cools as you walk, setting the scene for what lies ahead. At the tunnel’s end, the space opens into a large, chill chamber with wooden furniture, soft lighting, and the rich aroma of coffee—like stepping into a secret café hidden beneath the Earth.

What’s on the Menu in the Cave Café

The in-house team prepares all drinks and snacks from scratch. Staff highlight two must-try items: a green tea latte (about HK$33) and a green tea soft serve (around HK$26)—one hot, one cold, both delivering strong tea flavor. For those with a sweet tooth, the green tea egg roll (approximately HK$20) is especially popular. Served cold, the roll’s creamy filling has a texture akin to soft ice cream, making it perfect for hot summer days on Jeju.

The Expanding Tea Garden Complex

Since opening, the cave café has drawn enough attention to spur further development on-site. A main building in neutral concrete tones now complements the natural environment. On its third floor, the “Tea Banquet” restaurant serves green tea-infused dishes, with the signature green tea bibimbap (about HK$66) combining boiled greens, seaweed, laver, and green tea leaves tossed in spicy sauce. The ground floor hosts a retail shop selling green tea bread, tea leaves, lattes, chocolates, and even green tea enzymes—ideal for gifts or personal enjoyment.

Jeju’s Unique Hospitality: The ‘Honesty’ Café

Jeju’s small population—just 500,000 residents—and strong community bonds have given rise to unconventional businesses. Among them is May Flower Café, a self-service coffee spot where customers brew their own drinks, help themselves to as much as they like, and pay what they feel is fair—or nothing at all. Known as the “honesty café,” it’s run by a former member of the Korean band Love & Peace, in a repurposed warehouse. Despite the lack of staff, patrons generally behave respectfully: making coffee, finding a seat, and enjoying a moment of peace. Most visitors leave payment, though the system thrives on trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the volcanic cave café located in Jeju?

The underground café is located on a private tea farm on Jeju Island, South Korea. It is built inside a natural lava cave discovered in 2006 by the tea plantation owner. The exact address isn’t specified in the source, but it is near the green tea fields and main garden facilities.

What drinks are served in the Jeju cave café?

The cave café serves freshly brewed coffee and tea, including a highly recommended green tea latte (about HK$33) and a green tea soft serve (around HK$26). They also offer a green tea egg roll (approximately HK$20), which has a cold, creamy texture similar to ice cream.

How did the cave become a coffee shop?

In 2006, a tea farmer discovered the natural lava cave on his land. After getting approval from local authorities, he renovated the cave into a dual-purpose space for tea and coffee service, keeping much of the cave’s original rocky features intact while adding seating, lighting, and food service.

What is the honesty café in Jeju?

The honesty café, called May Flower Café, is a self-service coffee shop where customers brew their own drinks, take what they need, and leave payment voluntarily. It’s operated by a former Korean band member and is located in a renovated warehouse. It’s known for its trusting, unattended setup and is popular among visitors.

Are there other attractions at the Jeju tea garden site?

Yes. The site includes a modern main building with a restaurant called Tea Banquet that serves green tea dishes like green tea bibimbap. There is also a retail shop selling various green tea products such as bread, tea leaves, lattes, chocolates, and enzymes.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Lava Cave Cafés

For a coffee experience as distinctive as Jeju’s volcanic cave café, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—a bright, juicy Ethiopian single origin with notes of blueberry and citrus that pairs well with the earthy cave ambiance. For something smoother, their Yirgacheffe offers floral and tropical tones, ideal alongside a green tea latte. Both beans highlight the delicate flavors that complement the natural setting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.