Spanish fashion giant Zara will open its first cafe in Asia this May. The chosen locale will be within it’s revamped flagship store in Myeong-dong, Seoul. It’s the third in the world, after Madrid (opened in November 2024) and Nanjing (March 2025), but this one will be unique in mirroring South Korea’s fusion of fashion and café culture.

Photo: Zara

Named Zacaffe, this will be no mere coffee counter. Its design, inspired by Korea’s ancient stone pathways, grounds the space in local lore. Its menu of coffee and Korean-inflected desserts will be found alongside branded tumblers, eco-bags, and t-shirts. Every coffee run here can be a lifestyle statement.

“Myeong-dong is the epicenter of Seoul’s fashion and tourism,” said a Zara represeentative. Zacaffe promises to be a haven that will invite you to linger among racks of chiffon and denim. The renovated flagship store amplifies the allure, making every visit a journey through style and savor.

Photo: Zara

In launching a café, Zara joins other fashion giants like Ralph Lauren (think Ralph’s Coffee) and Maison Kitsune in blending retail with hospitality. 

An Osaka Zacaffe is planned to open soon. In South Korea, the brand is looking to open more branches, knowing that it will tap into the coffee culture that fueled a 6.4 trillion won market in 2016. For travelers and locals, Myeong-dong’s Zacaffe will be a must-stop.