Ghibli-Inspired Cafe Dotori Garden at Anguk Station - Review of Greek Yogurt Enjoyed in a Fairy Tale Garden

Finally Visiting That Instagram-famous Cafe!

I've been so curious about this place after seeing it so much on Instagram, and I finally visited! It's Dotori Garden Anguk Branch, just a 5-minute walk from Anguk Station. People say it has an atmosphere reminiscent of a Ghibli animation, so I absolutely wanted to check it out. I naturally ended up visiting while planning a trip to Bukchon with a friend, and it was even prettier than I expected!

If you exit from Anguk Station Exit 3 and walk towards Gyedong-gil, you can find it very easily. The building covered in green vines stands out even from a distance. It felt like something straight out of a fairy tale book.

Willing to Wait 30 Minutes, and It Was Worth It

I arrived around 2 PM on a Saturday, and as expected, there was a wait. I got a waiting ticket and waited for about 30 minutes, but it was totally worth it. The exterior was so pretty that I lost track of time taking photos.

While waiting, a staff member showed us the menu in advance, so we could decide what to eat. They said the Greek yogurt is their signature menu. I'm not usually a fan of yogurt, but I've read so many reviews saying their Greek yogurt is really different, so I definitely wanted to try it.

Instant 'Wow' Upon Entering

When I finally went inside, it was beyond my imagination! The entire space from the first to the second floor is the cafe, and there are mascot dolls resembling Totoro everywhere, which were so cute. It really felt like stepping into a Ghibli animation.

The garden was especially beautiful. You can see the outdoor garden from inside, and it felt like being in a forest. Each table had different props, making every spot a photo zone.

Signature Greek Yogurt, Surprisingly Delicious

We sat by the window on the second floor. The menu had a wide variety of Greek yogurts. I ordered the Berry Mix Greek Yogurt, and my friend ordered the Dotori Madeleine Set.

When the Greek yogurt arrived, the visual was no joke! Fresh berries were colorfully arranged on top, and the granola was perfect. One bite, and it tasted like real Greek yogurt. It was completely different from what you find in stores. It was really rich but had just the right amount of tanginess, making you want to keep eating it.

I also tried the madeleines my friend ordered, and the butter aroma was amazing. They were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, really tasty. The acorn shape was also super cute.

Hidden Photo Zones Everywhere

The real charm of this cafe is the photo zones. Everywhere you take a picture, it looks beautiful. Next to the stairs, Totoro dolls are adorably arranged, and each floor has props with different concepts, making it fun to explore.

The view of the first floor from the second floor was also really pretty. Photos taken from the garden-side window seats were the most satisfying. Natural light comes in, making the photos turn out beautifully.

Honestly Speaking, Some Disappointments

There were many good points, but there were some disappointments too. First, the prices are a bit high. The Greek yogurt costs about 15,000 won, and the portion wasn't as much as I expected. But considering the quality, it's understandable.

Also, there's a long wait on weekends, so it's recommended to go with some free time. It seems much quieter on weekdays. There's a subtle fragrance inside the cafe, which might be polarizing. I was okay with it, but my friend found it a bit strong.

Visiting Tips and Nearby Attractions

For those planning to visit Dotori Garden, here's a tip: go at the opening time of 8 AM on weekends, or after 4 PM to reduce the wait. Reservations aren't available, and you can only get a waiting ticket on-site.

Pets are allowed, so it's great for those with dogs. You can also take out, so it might be nice to enjoy it at nearby Bukchon Hanok Village or Changdeokgung.

There are many attractions nearby. Bukchon Hanok Village is right next door, and Insadong is a 10-minute walk away. Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung are also close, making it perfect for a sightseeing course.

Overall: A Day of Perfect Emotional Recharge

Overall, it was a very satisfying cafe. Although the prices are a bit high, considering the atmosphere and food quality, it's worth it. Especially for those who love Ghibli or are looking for a sentimental cafe, I highly recommend it.

The Greek yogurt was really delicious, and above all, the photos turned out so beautifully, perfect for Instagram uploads, haha. I want to visit again leisurely on a weekday next time. It seems like it would feel different every season, so it would be new no matter when you go.

If you're looking for a special cafe near Anguk Station, I highly recommend Dotori Garden!