Print Your Photo on Coffee at Seoul’s caFACE Café

Thinking of taking your Seoul trip beyond the usual tourist spots? Hidden in the youthful, artsy district of Hongdae is a one-of-a-kind coffee experience you won’t find anywhere else in Korea. Instead of your standard latte, imagine sipping from a cup with your own face—or anyone else’s—printed right on the milk foam. No filter needed.

Yes, you can get a photo printed directly on your coffee in Seoul—at caFACE café. Using a specialized coffee latte art machine imported from the US, the café prints edible images with surprising clarity. The photo service costs 2,500 KRW (approx. $2), added to your drink order.

What Is This Coffee Photo Thing?

caFACE, which opened in 2015, is tucked away in Seoul’s Hongdae neighborhood—a hub known for creative spaces, street art, and trendy cafés. What sets caFACE apart is its unique coffee customization: you can have any photo printed onto your beverage. Unlike traditional latte art done by hand, this is achieved using a machine that imports the image directly onto the foam. The result is a sharp, clear image that looks like it was printed—because technically, it was.

Where Is caFACE and What’s It Like Inside?

You’ll find caFACE easily if you’re in Hongdae. Exit Seoul Subway Line 2 at Hongik University Station, Exit 9, then walk toward the bustling main shopping street. The café is located along this vibrant strip. Inside, the décor is minimalist and bright, dominated by white tones. There’s seating for different group sizes: cozy two-seaters, a bar counter with stools, and larger couch areas for hanging out with friends. The vibe is casual, youthful, and very Instagrammable.

How Does the Photo Print Work?

The photo printing isn’t done by a barista with a steady hand—it’s all machine-based. caFACE imports its latte art equipment from the United States, allowing it to embed a digital image directly onto the coffee’s foam. You don’t need to be an artist, and there’s no special technique required. The image is transferred with high resolution, resulting in a surprisingly detailed print. And yes, the “photo” is completely edible and food-safe. Whether it’s a selfie, a pet pic, or your favorite celebrity, you can have it floating on your cappuccino or latte.

What’s On the Menu?

The base drink is a classic Americano, priced at 4,000 KRW (about $3.20). Add the photo print for an extra 2,500 KRW, bringing your total to around 6,500 KRW ($5.20 USD). While the menu may be simple, the experience is not—especially for those looking to create a memorable moment with a personalized coffee. The café also offers a range of usual café drinks, though the focus is clearly on the photo-print coffee experience.

What’s the Vibe at Night?

The young owner, a current student at Hongik University, understands what appeals to younger crowds. While daytime at caFACE feels like a chill spot for students and visitors, the café reportedly transforms at night. Plans are in place to turn it into a lively bar after dark, offering a different kind of experience once the sun sets. Keep an eye out for promotions too—the café frequently runs deals, so you might snag this unique drink at a discount during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does caFACE print a photo on my coffee?

caFACE uses a specialized latte art machine imported from the US to print your photo directly onto the milk foam. The image is digitally transferred, resulting in a clear, edible print. No hand-drawn latte art skills are involved.

How much does the photo coffee cost in Seoul?

The Americano coffee costs 4,000 KRW, and the photo printing service adds 2,500 KRW. In total, expect to pay around 6,500 KRW (approximately $5.20 USD) for a coffee with your custom image.

Is the printed image on the coffee safe to eat?

Yes, the image printed on your coffee foam is made using edible, food-safe materials. It’s completely harmless and designed specifically for consumption.

Where is caFACE café located in Hongdae?

caFACE is located near Hongik University Station on Seoul Subway Line 2. Take Exit 9 and walk toward the main shopping street in Hongdae—you’ll find the café along this busy, vibrant stretch.

Can I print any photo I want on my coffee?

Yes, you can choose almost any photo, whether it’s a selfie, a picture of friends, family, pets, or even celebrities. The café can print most standard digital images onto your drink.

Does caFACE turn into a bar at night?

Yes, according to reports, the young owner plans to transform caFACE into a bar in the evenings. It serves as a café during the day and may offer a nightlife experience after dark.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Custom Coffee Creations

For coffee lovers who enjoy personal touches like photo-printed drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, floral cup with citrus and jasmine notes, or Colombia Huila for a balanced profile of caramel and dark cherry. Both single origins highlight the craft behind every cup and pair well with creative presentations. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.