How Zombie Coffee’s Kangbin Lee Creates Viral Latte Art

If you’ve ever been handed a latte so beautiful you didn’t want to drink it, you’re not alone. In Seoul’s hip Hongdae district, one coffee shop has turned latte art into a full-blown spectacle — and customers aren’t just there for the coffee.

Kangbin Lee, the lead barista at Zombie Coffee, is behind the viral designs. His hyper-detailed latte art — featuring characters from One Piece, Pokémon, and even The Little Prince — has made him a local celebrity. Fans flock to the café not just for espresso, but to watch him sketch cartoon faces into steamed milk.

Who Is Kangbin Lee?

Kangbin Lee is the in-house artist at Zombie Coffee, a specialty coffee shop in Seoul known for its eye-catching latte designs. He’s the go-to barista for customers who want custom illustrations in their cups — and many request him by name. With strong drawing skills and steady hands, Lee transforms standard lattes into miniature artworks.

The Art Behind the Latte

Lee doesn’t freestyle his designs. Each piece follows a process: sketching a rough draft, planning composition, and then executing the final version on espresso with microfoam. His portfolio includes detailed recreations of:

• One Piece
• Pokémon
• The Little Prince
• Rilakkuma
• Frozen
• Snoopy
• Classic sketches and pencil-style portraits

From Sketch to Steam

Here’s how Lee builds his cafe-famous latte art:

1. Tools Ready: He starts with standard latte tools — pitcher, steam wand, espresso machine — plus paper and pencil for planning.
2. Drawing First: Lee sketches the character or design on paper to map proportions and layout.
3. Foam Prep: He steams milk to around 60–65°C with fine microfoam texture, aiming for a smooth, velvety pour.
4. Pour & Draw: Using free-pour and etching techniques, he executes the design directly onto the espresso canvas.

The final drinks often feature large, expressive characters — some even span the entire cup. Lee also regularly draws on oversized mugs for added impact.

Why People Keep Coming Back

While Zombie Coffee serves quality espresso like any specialty shop, it’s Lee’s artistry that draws the crowds. Most visitors are young women drawn both to the intricate latte designs and the barista himself. The combination of skilled technique, pop culture references, and photogenic presentation turns each coffee into an Instagram moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coffee shop is Zombie Coffee?

Zombie Coffee is a specialty coffee café located in Seoul’s Hongdae district. While it serves standard espresso drinks, it’s best known for its elaborate latte art created by barista Kangbin Lee. The shop has become a local attraction for fans of anime-style coffee illustrations.

Who is Kangbin Lee?

Kangbin Lee is the head barista at Zombie Coffee in Seoul. He is recognized for his ability to create detailed latte art featuring characters from popular franchises like One Piece, Pokémon, and The Little Prince. Many customers specifically request him for his drawing skills and café popularity.

How does Kangbin Lee create his latte art?

Lee begins with a pencil sketch, prepares microfoam at around 60–65°C, and pours the espresso. He uses a mix of free pour and detailing techniques to render characters directly onto the foam. His process includes planning, sketching, steaming milk, and executing the design in layers.

What themes appear in Kangbin Lee’s latte art?

Lee’s latte art includes characters and scenes from One Piece, Pokémon, The Little Prince, Rilakkuma, Frozen, Snoopy, and more. He also produces pencil-sketch style portraits and other illustrative designs, often on larger mugs for greater visual effect.

Do people visit Zombie Coffee just for the art?

Yes. While the café serves regular specialty coffee, most customers come to see Kangbin Lee’s latte designs. The art — often anime or cartoon-themed — is a major draw, especially for younger visitors, many of whom are also attracted to Lee himself.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Latte Art

For baristas aiming to replicate Kangbin Lee’s detailed latte art, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers a bright, juicy profile with notes of blueberry and citrus — ideal for showcasing clean pour patterns. The Colombia Huila Supremo provides a balanced medium roast with almond and caramel sweetness, great for contrasting artwork against a smooth backdrop. Both beans have optimal crema stability for detailed latte designs. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.