This city-run kids cafe is akin to a public indoor playground designed to guarantee children’s right to play. At an affordable price of under KRW 3,000 and concentrating on child care and play, the city is looking to increase public accessibility while limiting the profit margin to coexist with private kids cafes.

The cafe has enough play space for children, and nursery teachers and facility safety management personnel will be assigned to provide professional and safe play and care services. Visitors must note that food will not be sold inside the cafe and food delivery will not be allowed to maintain a clean and hygienic play environment; however, patrons are allowed to bring light snacks.

Moreover, the cafe will provide emergency and temporary care services when requested by guardians in case of urgent situations, and accept underprivileged patrons for free, such as recipients of national basic livelihood security.

Starting with the first branch in Jongno-gu, the city is planning to sequentially open a second branch in Jungnang-gu and a third branch in Dongjak-gu by in July with the goal of a total of 20 branches within this year.

Seoul’s first kids cafe, located on the second floor of the Olympic Memorial Civic Center, accepts kids of ages 3 to 7 chaperoned by their guardians, and the rate for two hours is KRW 2,000.

The cafe has various facilities, including a netted jungle gym, an object playground, and a book playground where kids can read books and play board games.

Reservations can be made in advance via Seoul’s public service reservation system (yeyak.seoul.go.kr) starting on Fri, May 27, and patrons will be received starting on Tue, May 31.