What Is JO & DAWSON in Gwanghwamun?
JO & DAWSON is a popular cafe that first became known for its French toast and milk tea in Yeonnam-dong. It’s also the kind of place where you might find a line outside, especially when it’s busy.
We visited the Gwanghwamun location, which turned out to be a nice spot to take a break while sightseeing. If you’ve been walking around Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Seochon, or Cheonggyecheon Stream all day, you know how good it feels to finally sit down and treat yourself to something sweet.
The French toast is the main reason many people come here, so it’s worth checking out if you enjoy dessert cafes. You can pair it with milk tea or coffee and take your time before heading out to explore more of Seoul.
That’s what I liked about this location. It’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, whether you want a quick break or just feel like sitting down with something sweet for a while
JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun: Info
Weekday Hours
- Monday–Friday : 7:30 AM–8:00 PM (Last Order 7:00 PM)
- Saturday–Sunday : 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (Last Order 7:00 PM)
Nearest Subway Station
- Jonggak Station (Line 1), Exit 1
Approximately 177 m from Jonggak Station Exit 1
Known For
- French toast, Assam milk tea
Address
- Tower 1, 33 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea JO & DAWSON (조앤도슨)
- View on Naver Map
- View on Google Maps
What to Order at JO & DAWSON
JO & DAWSON is known for its French toast, with a crispy outside and a soft, custardy middle. If it’s your first time here, the French toast is definitely what I’d go for!
Their Assam milk tea is another thing worth trying. It’s actually one of the drinks they’re known for, even more than their coffee. A plate of French toast and a glass of milk tea make such a good combo, especially when you need a little break from walking around Seoul all day.
We ordered one French toast to share. My husband went with the Assam milk tea, and I got a latte.
JO & DAWSON Menu and Prices
We got the Classic French Toast (₩11,000), Assam Milk Tea (₩7,500), and Latte (₩6,000)
— all three are on the menu if you want to try what we ordered!
What Do the Drinks and Desserts Taste Like?
We went on a weekday before it got busy, so luckily, there was no wait.
Getting to sit down and enjoy our French toast and drinks right away was a nice bonus!
It’s a thick slice of brioche that’s crispy and caramelized on the outside (thanks to the blowtorch), but soft and custardy on the inside.
It comes drizzled with maple syrup, with a side of Maldon sea salt. Try dipping a bite of the sweet toast into the flaky salt for that sweet-and-salty combo, which Koreans call dan-jjan(단짠). It’s such a good match!
The signature Assam milk tea is smooth, fragrant, and not too sweet, making it a perfect match for the French toast. My husband actually thought it went even better with the toast than coffee did.
I thought an iced Americano would be a great match for something as sweet as French toast, but I ended up going with my usual favorite, a latte. Turns out, that worked really well, too!
Honestly, I think any drink that isn’t too sweet would pair nicely with the French toast.
The Cafe Atmosphere & Tips for Visiting
JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun isn’t a huge cafe, but it has a warm, cozy feel to it. Even though it’s in Seoul’s busy financial district, the wood tones and greenery give the place a little “forest in the city” vibe.
At the center of the cafe, there’s a U-shaped bar where you can sit and watch the open kitchen. If you grab a seat there, you can even watch the staff making the French toast.
We considered sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows or out on the terrace, but ended up choosing a table where we could chat more comfortably.
One thing to know about cafes and restaurants in Korea: you can usually just pick any open seat you like. The main exception is when you’re taking up a large table meant for a bigger group. For example, if there’s a table for six and you’re only two people, it’s more considerate to leave it for a larger group when other seats are available.
Otherwise, feel free to choose whichever spot you like!
Visiting JO & DAWSON? Here’s What to Know About Catchtable
Catchtable(캐치테이블) is a popular restaurant booking and waiting-list app in Korea.
The good news is that there’s an English version called CATCHTABLE Global, so you don’t need to speak Korean to use it.
Here’s how to use it:
- Download CATCHTABLE Global : Make sure you get the Global version, not the Korean domestic app. This international version allows you to sign up easily using your Google account or Apple ID, and it accepts foreign phone numbers for SMS notifications.
- How to Join the Waitlist : Search for JO & DAWSON. Try searching for “JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun” to find the right branch.
Depending on when you visit, you have two options to secure your spot:
1. In-Person Registration (On-site Kiosk): If you arrive at the cafe and there is a crowd, look for the tablet kiosk near the entrance. You can select the English interface, input your phone number (including country code), and enter your party size. You will receive a WhatsApp or SMS notification when your table is ready.
2. Remote Waiting (The Smart Way): To save time, you can open the app and join the queue before you even arrive at Gwanghwamun.
Mastering the Catch Table “Remote Waiting” (Online Queue)
In Korea, lots of popular restaurants and cafés have a system called a remote waitlist.
Instead of showing up and standing in line, you can join the waiting list on your phone before you get there.
It’s super handy because you can explore the area or check out other places nearby while you wait, rather than spending all that time standing outside. Just keep an eye on your spot in line and head over when your turn is coming up.
It’s a great way to make better use of your time, especially when you have a full day of sightseeing planned!
- While the cafe opens its doors early (7:30 AM on weekdays, 10:00 AM on weekends),
the Remote Waiting feature on the app activates strictly at 11:00 AM daily.
- Open the App: Fire up the Catch Table Global app a few minutes before 11:00 AM.
- Search & Monitor: Search for JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun and check the live “Current Teams Waiting” count.
- Click “Join Waiting”: Exactly at 11:00 AM, the grey button will turn red/active. Tap it immediately.
- Select Details: Choose your number of guests and seat preference (Bar counter vs. Table/Terrace).
- Get Your Number: You will receive a digital queue number and a live estimate of how many groups are ahead of you.
Tip: Just remember to keep an eye on your notifications. Joining the waitlist doesn’t mean you have a table reserved for a specific time, so make sure you head back when your turn is coming up.
How to Get to JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun
While the cafe has “Gwanghwamun” in its name, it is actually located inside Gran Seoul (Tower 1), right between Gwanghwamun Square and the Jongno business district.
Here is the easiest, step-by-step subway guide to get you there without getting lost!
- Take Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station.
- Leave through Exit 1.
- Once you’re outside, walk straight for about 150–170 meters.
It should take around 2 minutes. - You’ll see Gran Seoul Tower 1, a large, modern building, on your right.
The cafe is on the 2nd floor, but finding the entrance can be a little tricky, so don’t worry if it takes you a moment to figure it out!
If you’re exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Gwanghwamun Square, JO & DAWSON is only about a 10-minute walk away. It’s an easy stop to squeeze in when you need a little break during your day of sightseeing.
One of the biggest perks of JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun is that it opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays. So if waiting in line isn’t your thing and Catchtable feels a bit confusing to use, you can just stop by for a relaxed breakfast before heading out to explore Seoul.
If you’re visiting Seoul or planning a trip soon, why not add JO & DAWSON Gwanghwamun to your list? It’s a lovely spot to slow down, grab a coffee, and enjoy some French toast before getting back to exploring the city.