Animals lovers take note! If you’re looking for a unique place to visit while in Seoul, Meerkat Friends in Hongdae is an interesting animal cafe that you can pay a visit and interact with cute animals.
Meerkat Friends Cafe: What It is and What is It Not?
Sometimes referred to as a meerkat cafe, Meerkat Friends actually houses more animals than just meerkats. It is also not a cafe where you can expect to sit down and have a drink while the animals come all around you.
While you can buy a drink at Meerkat Friends, you will find yourself spending most of your time interacting with various cute, small animals.
If you enjoy animals and would like to interact with them while you are visiting Seoul, Korea, or perhaps you are missing your pet that is at home while you are on holiday, a visit to Meerkat Friends could be just what you need to brighten up your day.
Finding the Meerkat Cafe in Hongdae
Meerkat Friends Cafe is located in the Hongdae district of Seoul. This neighbourhood is known for its lively, youthful vibe and atmosphere, imparted by the presence of Hongik University, one of the top universities for the arts in South Korea.
It is located on the second and third floors of a building on the corner of Wausan-ro 21-gil, opposite from a neighbourhood park.
Look up and you’ll find the words Meerkat Friends in bright pink on the facade of the building.
At the side of the building, a set of stairs with a welcome archway that reads “Meerkat Cafe” beckons you to climb up to the second floor where the entrance is located.
Arriving at Meerkat Friends
Once inside Meerkat Friends, you will find yourself at the storage room. Here, you will have to stow away your footwear as well as any bags in the free lockers provided. Change from your outdoor shoes to a pair of slippers provided.
After putting away your belonging, you can proceed to the next room where the reception and the animals are located.
At the reception, you will need to pay the admission fee to enter into Meerkat Friends.
There are also drinks and some light food available for purchase at the reception counter but they need to be finished before you are allowed to interact with the animals.
Interacting with the Animals at the Meerkat Cafe Hongdae
Meerkat Friends occupies two floors of the building, connected by an internal staircase.
At the downstairs level, there is an area where you can view a group of meerkats behind a glass wall. They were happily sunning themselves when we visited.
At the center of the room is a tall tower where the animals can play. This is the sort that you’d find cats playing with. It serves as an animal playground when the animals come out for exercise and interaction time.
So what are the other animals down here on the first floors? When we visited, there was a cute dog, cats as well as a trio of foxes.
Next to the internal stairs was an area where some raccoons were kept.
The Meerkat Friends staff would bring out different animals at different intervals to let visitors interact with the animals.
During one of the interaction sessions, we got a chance to take a picture with a civet cat perched on our shoulders.
When it came the foxes turn to be out, they were playfully scampering about.
One even stole away one of the guest’s slippers and hid it in the tower. They even seems to enjoy the playground slide at the pet tower.
The staff also provided little treats to feed the animals.
The animals looked well kept and the staff respected each animal’s personality.
If visiting, you can ask the staff what the next animal interaction will be, so that you don’t miss something you would like.
When ready, you can make your way up the stairs to the upper level of Meerkat Friends.
We were surprised to find a pair of wallabies here, along with other small animals like rock hyraxs.
The highlight of the upper level is the meerkat interaction area.
For this experience, a small group of visitors at a time is let into an area with free roaming meerkats. Visitors to have to stay seated during the experience as they encounter the playful meerkats.
Do be sure to keep away any loose items before going into this meerkat area. The meerkats are a curious and mischievous bunch. They will search out any loose items that have not been properly kept away.
Overall, the experience felt like a therapy session where we got to enjoy the company of these cute creatures for a while.
Ground Rules at Meerkat Friends
If you are planning to pay a visit to Meerkat Friends, here are some useful things to know when interacting with the animals.
1. Do not open the doors to the animal zones.
2. Do not place your finger into the animal zone either as you may get bitten.
3. Do not lean or knock against the glass.
4. Be responsible for your own items.
5. Talk softly and don’t raise your voice as the animals are sensitive to loud sounds.
6. Turn off the flash when taking pictures or videos.
7. When interacting with the animals, only pat them gently on the back. Do attempt to grab or lift them up.
8. Do not let the animals get too close to your face and especially be careful of earrings.
Of course, you should also follow any instructions given by the Meerkat Friends staff as they are given for the safety of both yourself and the animals.
There was no time limit to our visit to Meerkat Friends. It was a very relaxing time and it was a nice pit spot where we could rest our feet after doing quite a fair bit of walk around the city.
Phones could be brought in so you can take all the pictures that you want with the animals.
You may also wish to take note that children under the age of 5 are not allowed into the meerkat cafe in Hongdae.
Meerkat Friends
Where:
Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Seoul, South Korea
마포구 와우산로21길 20 2층, Seoul, South Korea
While you are in the neighbourhood, you may also enjoy visiting the Samoyed Dog Cafe.
