Korea’s bubble tea and milk tea scene has never been more exciting. What started as a Taiwanese import has exploded into a full-blown cultural phenomenon, with premium Chinese milk tea brands, beloved local chains, and globally recognized names all competing for your next cup. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned boba hunter, these are the top-tier spots worth seeking out in 2026.
1. Gong Cha (공차)
Gong Cha is Korea’s undisputed bubble tea institution. With over 240 locations nationwide, spanning Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Sejong, and beyond — it’s the most accessible and consistently excellent chain in the country. In 2026, Gong Cha Korea won the ‘대한민국 브랜드 명예의전당’ award in the premium tea category, a recognition that reflects just how deeply embedded it is in daily Korean life.
What keeps Gong Cha at the top isn’t just availability — it’s the customization. Choose your drink base (Original Tea, Milk Tea, Gong Cha Special, or Green Tea-ade), then dial in your sweetness (0–100%) and ice level to taste. Their toppings game is strong too, with classic tapioca pearls, pudding, red bean, and jelly all on offer.
Locations: 240+ stores nationwide
Must-Order: Black Milk Tea with Pearl, Taro Milk Tea with Pearl, Passionfruit Green Tea
Download the App: App store | Play Store
2. Amasvin (아마스빈)
If you’re looking for a boba store with flavor and aesthetic, Amasvin stores are bright blue on the outside and absolutely adorable on the inside. From the cute wall art to the colorful packaging, Amasvin is the perfect place to take a pretty photo with your boba.
The menu provides a vast selection of great-tasting drinks and desserts. Last but not least, the boba is a free addition to any drink. Keep an eye out for orange icons on the side of the menu, they indicate their most popular drinks.
Location: There are 82 stores throughout Korea.
Price: ₩2,700–₩3,700.
Popular Drinks: Safari Bubble Tea and Peach Black Tea (pictured), Cafe Latte with Pearl, Strawberry Coconut Bubble Tea, Apple Mango Smoothie
Download the App: App store | Play Store
3. Oolong Tea Project (더정 우롱티프로젝트)
Straight from Taiwan’s MZ-generation boba scene, Oolong Tea Project (得正 / 더쩡) made its Seoul debut in March 2025 and has been quietly building a cult following ever since. The concept is refreshingly simple: high-quality oolong tea as the base — light or dark roast, your choice — then layered with options like fresh fruit, milk, cheese foam, or tapioca pearls.
The Seochon flagship sits steps from Gyeongbokgung Palace Exit 2, making it a perfect stop on any Bukchon or Seochon café crawl. A second location has since opened at Starfield Avenue in Jongno Grand Seoul (B1). Their Cheese Milk Foam Dark Roasted Oolong Tea is the standout order — the contrast between the savory foam and the deep, smoky oolong is genuinely unlike anything else on this list.
Must-Order: Cheese Milk Foam Dark Roasted Oolong Tea, Oolong Milk Tea with Pearl, Passion Fruit Oolong
Locations:
- Seochon (flagship) — 15 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2) | Open 11:00–20:00, closed Tuesdays
- Jongno Grand Seoul — Starfield Avenue B1, 33 Jongno, Jongno-gu
Pricing: ₩5,000 – ₩7,000
4. HEYTEA (喜茶)
HEYTEA arrived in Korea quietly in early 2024 and has since become one of Seoul’s most talked-about premium destinations. Its flagship Myeongdong concept store — a striking three-story, modern Zen-inspired space — has become a social media landmark in its own right. Additional locations in Apgujeong (Gangnam) and Hongdae bring the brand close to both the expat community and the tourist trail.
HEYTEA pioneered the “cheese foam” tea trend in China, and that same innovation shows up in Seoul: fresh-brewed fruit teas topped with salted cream cheese foam, ice-blended grape slushies, and coconut mango booms are consistently praised by visitors. The Myeongdong flagship even stocks a Seoul-exclusive canvas bag with the N Seoul Tower design, making it a destination in itself.
Locations:
- Myeongdong — 9-1, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (3-story flagship)
- Apgujeong — Gangnam District (first Seoul store)
- Hongdae — 122-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu
Pricing: ₩7,000 – ₩12,000
Must-Order: Very Grape Crystal, Cheese Grape Tea Slush, Coconut Mango Boom
Download the App: App store | Play Store
5. Chagee (차지 / 霸王茶姬)
One of the world’s fastest-growing tea chains, Chagee simultaneously opened three Seoul stores on April 30, 2026 — in Gangnam, Yongsan I’Park Mall, and Sinchon — to queues that stretched hours long. Worth noting: Chagee is a milk tea brand, not a boba chain. Their focus is on premium brewed teas (Jasmine, Oolong, Black Tea) blended with fresh dairy milk — smooth, aromatic, and refined rather than chewy. If you’ve done the boba rounds and want to try where Seoul’s tea scene is heading next, this is your stop.
Locations: Gangnam · Yongsan I’Park Mall · Sinchon
Must-Order: Jasmine Milk Tea, Premium Oolong Latte
Download the App: App store | Play Store
Tips for First-Timers
Beat the queues at Chagee by downloading their app and pre-ordering before you arrive — walk-in waits can exceed two hours.
Customize everything. Most chains let you adjust sweetness from 0–100% and ice level. For a first visit, 50% sugar is the sweet spot recommended by regulars.
Seasonal menus matter. Summer (June–August) brings mango, peach, and lychee specials across almost every brand. Winter brings brown sugar and chestnut.
The new wave is “fresh milk tea” Brands like Chagee and HEYTEA use real brewed loose-leaf tea with fresh milk instead of powder mixes — you can taste the difference immediately.
Korea’s milk and bubble tea market is growing at nearly 9% annually, and Seoul sits at the center of Asia’s most competitive milk tea scene. Whether you want a quick Gong Cha fix or want to queue for Chagee’s debut drinks, there’s something on this list for every taste and budget.
Want more to drink in Korea? Check out 8 Healthy Korean Teas To Enjoy Throughout The Year for traditional Korean tea culture, start with lunch at one of the best Italian restaurants in Seoul before grabbing bubble tea and if you like staying on top of new places and trends, you can also discover South Korea with the 10Mag newsletter.
1 comment
Catherine A Lieuwen
Looks Good! Is the Bubble tea healthy?