Little Waves

1351-1 Geumneung-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
$$$ Cafe
(179 Reviews)
Price Range ₩1–10,000

Welcome to Little Waves, a charming café nestled in the peaceful community of Geumneung on Jeju Island's stunning North West coast. This hidden gem, with its traditional Jeju-style low stone bungalow facade, invites you into a world that beautifully merges rustic charm with a touch of European elegance.

Stepping inside, guests are transported into a serene sanctuary featuring retro and antique furniture that exudes warmth and nostalgia. Imagine sipping on a meticulously brewed pour-over coffee, with its rich aroma enveloping you, while the décor subtly whispers of European influence. The ambience here, infused with calming energy, makes Little Waves the ideal escape for those seeking a relaxing moment to savor exceptional coffee.

Little Waves prides itself on the quality of its offerings. As Christian Katsikaros raves, the coffee is “beautiful,” and the experience is amplified by the attentive staff. Whether you opt for a classic espresso, a delightful tea, or one of their acclaimed pastries, your taste buds are in for a treat. The original blend pour-over, perfectly crafted to highlight its unique flavor profiles, pairs exquisitely with a slice of their heavenly cheesecake—a customer favorite known for its creamy texture and delightful sweetness, as pointed out by Cherrina Yoon.

Patrons often find themselves captivated by the tranquil atmosphere. Kyuwon Lee encapsulates this feeling perfectly, noting the “otherworldly calm and relaxing” vibe that makes it the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon. Whether you choose to cozy up near the coffee bar or enjoy outdoor seating as the gentle breeze plays around you, every corner offers a slice of serenity.

While Little Waves may be a little pricier than some other options, the unique experience and dedicated craftsmanship behind each cup of coffee justify every penny spent. With reviews heralding both the quality of the drinks and the friendliness of the staff—that lovely waitress Charles Costello mentioned—it's easy to see why this café has garnered such a loyal following.

So, whether you're a local looking for your next favorite spot or a traveler exploring the picturesque landscapes of Jeju, make sure to stop by Little Waves. Let their coffee flow through you and refresh your soul amidst the calm of its ambiance.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Dining options
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

179 Reviews
Christian Katsikaros

25 Sep 2025

Beautiful coffee and very calming atmosphere inside!! A little bit pricier than coffees elsewhere but I thought the attention they paid to the coffee they made justified the price. It was an experience! And the waitress was very lovely and welcoming!

David Nitta

26 Aug 2025

There was a line waiting upon opening. Drip, espresso, tea all very good. The decor is fantastic as well as the pastries

Charles Costello

13 Aug 2025

Janmulgyeol (literally "rippling waves" in Korean) is located in the quiet seaside town of Geumneung on the North West coast of Jeju Island. From the outside the cafe looks traditional, with a recently renovated Jeju-style low stone bungalow facade. The concept inside however feels more European than Korean, with retro and antique European furniture and coffee cups, most noticeably from France and England. Even the doors and stools have been bought overseas to match the cream interior and wooden counter. The cafe has three main seating areas including a small cocktail bar, an outdoor patio and group seating in the adjacent bungalow. Alongside the coffee and dessert menu, Janmulgyeol also serve a selection of single malt whiskies, available from 11am till close (currently 6pm). Some of the whiskies on offer include Scotch brands Bowmore, Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Bourbon from Makers Mark and Jack Daniels. Janmulgyeol source up to five different roasted beans including their signature "Little Waves" blend. Their single origin line up at the time of visiting included: 1) Ethiopia Samii Urago Raro #4 Washed 2) Honduras Las Flores Natural 3) Costa Rica El Diamante Yellow Honey Anaerobic 4) Colombia Cerra Azul Geisha Natural Another nearby cafe option is the equally quaint local roaster and Chemex brew cafe "The Other Side" (카페 이면). While in the area, I recommend also visiting the nearby white sandy beach of Geumneung, just a five minute walk away from the Janmulgyeol.

Cherrina Yoon

26 Jul 2025

Such a lovely hidden gem. There are two parking spots next to the store, but if it’s full you can street park along the road. There are two separate seating areas and plenty of outdoor seating. I sat in the room where the coffee bar is, and it filled up quickly with more guests. I got the original blend pourover and a slice of cheesecake — the cheesecake was so delicious! Creamy and had a bit of tartness, and the crumbly crust(?) at the bottom was perfect. Coffee was smooth and well-balanced, but I kind if wish I tried the single origin for a more complex flavor. Next time! If I had the chance I’d come here quite possibly every day..

Kyuwon Lee

01 Jul 2025

The coffees are great, that’s a given, and the ambiance of this coffee shop is otherworldly calm and relaxing just like the name of this place. What a superb place to spend an easy-starting morning or lazy afternoon.

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