Tarot & Saju Cafes: Where to Try Fortune Telling in Seoul

Last updated: April 16, 2026

“Fate, fortune, the brave,” meaning those who act boldly and take risks will likely achieve success and good outcomes. But what if destiny could be known beforehand? Although one’s fate depends on one’s actions, clarity on the path ahead will help a person overcome many obstacles. This is where a Korean Tarot or Saju Reading comes. This traditional fortune-telling practice is popular among youths and older generations. If this is your first time hearing about it, then you are not alone. Join us as we explore how Saju and tarot reading have gained traction in a modern country like Korea.

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🔮 What Is Saju Palija 사주팔자?

In today’s modern society, fortune-telling is almost immediately regarded as a feudal practice. However, Korean Saju Reading is more of a self-discovery and guidance than superstition. Saju Palija (사주팔자) is a Korean tarot reading by date of birth. “Sa” (사) means four, and “Ju” (주) means pillars, referring to “Four Pillars of Destiny.” This refers to four components of your birth: year, month, day, and time (hour). Likewise, Palija translates to eight letters and represents ‘destiny.’

Saju Reading is an ancient Korean divination practice that calculates predictions based on the person’s birth year, month, day, and hour. It allows the fortune teller to read a person’s past, understand their present, and predict their future. This traditional practice firmly believes that an individual’s destiny is predetermined by the surrounding conditions at the time of birth. Just like how birth information is fixed, your fate can’t be changed, only navigated.

🎴 Are Korean Tarot And Saju The Same?

First things first, Korean Tarot and Saju Palija are both associated with fortune-telling. They offer insight into life, love, family, career, and personal challenges. However, their methods, origins, and styles vastly vary. Saju is a traditional practice with roots in Chinese astrology. On the other hand, tarot reading originated in Europe and gained prominence in Korea over the last few decades. It primarily uses standard tarot decks, containing 78 cards. Among them, 22 Major Arcana cards represent significant life lessons and archetypal situations, while the 56 Minor Arcana are similar to playing cards.

The process is different from Saju Reading. The interested will first ask a specific question about love and career or request a general fortune reading. Then, they will draw a card from the ancient deck and give it to a reader. The latter will then analyze the meaning of the card and interpret it to give answers to the previous inquiry. Since tarot reading is more flexible than Saju, it is trendy among younger Koreans—especially for daily guidance, love, and decision-making.

💗 Who Seeks Korean Tarot Or Saju?

The best thing about Saju or Korean Tarot reading is that it’s for everyone. There is no limitation on who can book a fortune-telling session; even non-believers are welcome to try a short session to seek guidance and clarity. That said, not everyone is eager to have their fortune read. Most people who seek Korean fortune-telling are:

• Curious/First-Time Visitors: Saju cafes attract individuals curious about their fate and future, and tourists traveling to Korea for the first time.
• Couples: Korean tarot reading is popular among couples who seek to gain insight into their connection, marriage, and future.
• Koreans facing major life decisions: Locals who are about to begin a new milestone in their life (like marriage, making an investment, or starting a new job), seek fortune tellers to affirm their actions.
• Individuals seeking future guidance: Those who feel stuck in their lives and are seeking advice on love, luck, and career frequently turn to fortune-telling.

In a nutshell, Korean fortune-telling is for those curious and seeking self-discovery, guidance, and entertainment. It will be a cultural experience for tourists traveling from outside.

🤔 Are Korean Tarot And Saju Reading Accurate?

Saju and Korean Tarot readings offer insights into personality, career, relationships, and life path. They also provide guidance on understanding one’s strengths to overcome challenges. That said, fortune tellings like Saju and Korean Tarot are based on “ancient philosophical systems, not verifiable facts.” Neither gives absolute answers—they provide advice, reflection, and perspective. To answer whether Saju or tarot reading is accurate is debatable. Some people might find reading insightful and personally resonant, while others might consider them feudal and superstitious.

We suggest you take fortune-telling as guidance rather than a fixed destiny. You can use the experience for clarity, self-discovery, and personal growth. If you decide to have a reading in Korea, go with an open mind. A private consultation with a reader will feel like an intimate session where you will discover many things about yourself. Whether it resonates with you or not, respect cultural etiquette throughout the reading.

🧐 Where To Find A Korean Saju Fortune Teller in Seoul?

Since fortune-telling is pretty much famous in Korea, you will come across fortune-telling cafes or specialized Saju houses in almost all regions. Seoul, in particular, has many such places offering Saju, face reading, palm reading, and Korean tarot reading services. Many fortune tellers operate their own stalls at tourist spots, streets, and parks. Some also open up a stall during fairs, festivals, and special events. You can find fortune-telling services in the following areas in Seoul:

• Seoul’s trendy shopping areas: There are many fortune-telling cafes just a short walk down the main shopping avenue of Myeong-dong and Hongdae.
• Hongdae and Gangnam: These areas attract younger crowds seeking tarot readings about love, work, or friendship.
• Insadong or near Temples: These areas feature traditional Saju houses specializing in Four Pillars of Destiny readings.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream: The area around the stream features several colorful tents where street fortune tellers offer their services.
• Online Readings: These have become popular among Koreans who seek consultations via video calls or chat apps.

Remember, most Korean readers don’t speak English. If you want to book a fortune-telling session in Korea as a foreigner, bring a friend who can speak Korean. Also, look for a sign that says “English OK” to find places that offer readings in English.

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🗣️ English-Speaking Saju Reading & Tarot Cafes

Fun Saju Cafe

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• Address: 24 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Opening Hours: 12-10 PM
• Getting There: Take the Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station, use Exit 9, then find the saju cafe in front of Hongdae Children’s Park.
• Phone: +82 2-325-4543

Regarding English-speaking Saju reading spots in Seoul, Fun Saju Cafe typically comes first. It offers English and Japanese interpretations, making it a hot spot among foreigners who want fortune readings. The saju cafe specializes in saju, face reading, and palm reading. You can even ask about future events and predictions, including the wedding and job plans. One more thing, returning customers can even get two sessions for free if they book a session within a year of their first reading.

Miracle Saju Tarot/ Healing Saju Tarot Miracle

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• Address: 2F, 11 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 1-10 PM
• Phone: 02-6052-7959
• Social Media: Official Instagram

Ever wondered whether you are compatible with your favorite idol? You can find out about it at Miracle Saju Tarot. One of the highly recommended English-speaking tarot cafes in Seoul, this establishment allows you to learn about the personality traits of your favorite K-pop idol. All you need to do is share their birth dates, and voila, the master will tell you everything you need to know. P.S. This is only for fun and not in a stalkerish way. You can also get regular tarot readings for love, career, and life.

이웃집마녀 Witch Next Door – Saju & Tarot/Modern Witches

• Address: South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yeonhui-ro 1-gil, 22 2층
• Opening Hours: 2-10 PM
• Social Media: Official Website

Are you a NCT fan like me? If you are, don’t miss the Modern Witches, a renowned saju cafe in Mapo-gu. NCT 127’s Johnny and Doyoung visited the place on an episode of “Johnny’s Communication Center” (JCC). The duo had a lengthy session where they got their New Year’s readings. Even if you are not a fan or a believer, I recommend you book a consultation and get this captivating experience. Modern Witches offers comprehensive love, career, and fortune readings without any sugarcoating. You can even request English and Chinese consultations.

Eros Tarot Cafe 홍대 사주 타로 카페

• Address: 30 Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Opening Hours:12-10 PM
• Getting There: Take the Line 2 to Hongik University Station, use Exit 9, then walk for a minute.
• Price Range: ₩10,000 – ₩60,000 ($6.79 – $40.74)
• Phone: +82 2-363-1810

As mentioned above, you should look for the “English OK” sign to see if the saju readers provide English reading. One such place is Eros Tarot Cafe near Ewha Womans University in Mapo-gu. Boasting a two-decade legacy, this establishment has been featured in many TV shows. It specializes in saju compatibility, comprehensive fortune telling, palm reading, and face reading. The prices are also fairly affordable, starting from ₩10,000 ($6.79) and the most expensive being ₩60,000 ($40.74).

Funny Sculptor/Funnysaju 재미난조각가

• Address: 2nd floor, 24 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM
• Phone: +82 2-325-4543
• Social Media: Official Website

If you want an authentic saju experience, head to Funny Sculptor, a historic fortune-telling cafe that has been operating since 1995. This original Hongdae saju cafe is so popular that it has been featured in Japan’s Tokyo Newspaper, Hong Kong TV, Singapore TV, and more overseas broadcasts. It features fourteen experts who offer palm reading, face reading, saju, and tarot consultations. One of the unique services here is the naming service, where you will get a meaningful Korean name based on your date and time of birth, gender, nationality, and current name.

Holic Saju Tarot 홀릭사주타로

• Address: 16 Itaewon-ro 26-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
• Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 10 PM
• Phone: +82 10-3957-2335

Boasting 36+ years of experience, Holic Saju Tarot is among the best English-speaking saju reading and tarot cafes in Seoul. Located in the posh Itaewon district, this establishment has also seen a fair share of celebrity visits and TV appearances. Similar to other saju cafes on our list, you only need to provide your birth information to get a consultation. Ask about anything that you are curious about, including career, marriage, and finance. If you are visiting with your partner, try the “Tarot Compatibility” to understand more about your bond.

✨ Notable Mention: Sosdae/Sotdae Saju Cafe

• Address: 334 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
• Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Phone: +82 2-514-3307

If you have a basic understanding of Korean, we suggest you visit Sotdae Saju Cafe, one of the popular saju cafes in Gangnam. A longtime establishment in the Apgujeong Rodeo area, this place has been featured in many TV programs. You will even see signatures of various celebrities who have visited here. Sosdae specializes in Saju, where you will have your Four Pillars of Fortune interpreted. The reader will also dive into any queries regarding finance, career, love, luck, and family during the session.

🎯 Bonus: Mary’s Tarot & Saju Cafe, Busan

• Address: Room #818, Crystal Officetel, Heaundae Beach, Busan
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 7 PM
• Phone: 010-8770-2994
• Getting There: Take the Subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station, use Exit 3, then spot the cafe across the Novotel Ambassador Hotel.

Searching for a saju and tarot cafe in Busan is like searching for a needle in a haystack. While you will find plenty in Seoul, the same couldn’t be said for the City of Film. We searched high and low and finally discovered Mary’s Tarot & Saju Cafe. Located in Room no 818 of Crystal Offictel at Haeundae Beach, this establishment specializes in love, financial, and health consultations. It is ideal for foreigners who don’t understand Korean, as Mary’s provides readings in English. The price is also affordable, with tarot costing ₩10,000 ($6.79) per spread and saju costing ₩20,000 ($13.58).

* Note: The source for this information dates several years ago. To find out whether Mary’s still offers fortune-telling services, reach out through the phone number or via email at [email protected].

🌟 Other Popular Fortune Telling Experiences In Korea

🖐️ Palm Reading

Palmistry might not be a new concept for most. Palm reading is an ancient fortune-telling practice in which a palmist predicts a person’s future by examining their hand. The palm reader will study specific features of your hand, including the color of your palm, the shape of your hand and fingers, and major palm lines, such as the heart line, life line, head line, sun line, and fate line. It is quicker than Saju reading and more specific than tarot cards. Palm reading can reveal a person’s personality, past events, love life, career potential, and health. You will find many palm reading stalls in Hongdae and palmistry services in Saju cafes.

P.S. As someone who has tried Palm Reading, my experience is somewhat mixed. While the palmist correctly revealed some of my past events, his future predictions haven’t necessarily been accurate 🤷‍♀️

🙂 Korean Physiognomy/Gwansang

Did you know your face can tell about your fate? As absurd as it sounds, many people believe that face reading can reveal their character, personality, abilities, and destiny. Physiognomy has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures, including ancient China, India, and Greece. It is popularly known as Gwansang in Korea, where Gwansang practitioners believe that destiny is revealed on the “Eolgul” (face). They study three parts of a face: the upper part (Heaven’s part), the middle part (Human part), and the lower part (Earth part).

Specific facial features reveal different readings and potential outcomes. For instance:

• The forehead can reveal information about one’s fortune, reputation, career, and parental background.
• Eyes indicate love, marriage, and children.
• The nose is associated with financial flow, wealth, and personality.
• Mouth indicates aspiration and capacity.

🎭 Do Korean Shamans/Mudangs Offer Saju Readings?

Did you watch the Battle of Fates at Disney+? The show was so lit and introduced global viewers to tarot masters, saju scholars, physiognomists, and the “mudangs.” If you are new to the term, mudang refers to female shamans who hold ‘gut’ rituals to create welfare between the spirits and humankind. They also offer consultations, but they are different from traditional saju readings. Mudangs offer Sin-jeom, where they act as a vessel for a deity. They only need to look at you to point out what’s been troubling you. Unlike saju readings, sin-jeom is emotionally intense and captivating. Saju and tarot are also not part of Shamanism.

👀 Where Can I Find English-Speaking Mudangs Or Korean Shamans?

Surprisingly, Shamanism in South Korea is a private experience rather than advertised publicly. While it is slowly gaining prominence through movies and reality shows, shamanism is still considered a feudal practice. As such, finding English-speaking Korean shamans is quite challenging. You may be able to spot them in the following areas:

• Muak-dong: Considered a “Shamanist” mecca where many shamans reside and work.
• Shamanic Alleys of Itaewon & Hannam-dong: Look out for villas with a small red or white flag on the roof.
• Jongno & Mapo: Shamanism has received media exposure in these neighborhoods.

Saju Reading and Korean Tarot Reading are two powerful practices in South Korea’s vibrant culture. They invite visitors to explore into the realm of mystery beyond the factual truth. Whether you are interested in fortune-telling or a firm believer in scientific practices, a fortune-telling session will offer a unique experience and an insightful journey into self-discovery. So, are you ready to discover what the universe has in store for you? If you are skeptical, try a free reading first!