Seochon coffee shop with a weekday line: Ethiopia pour-over at Oldsse

Lately there's one spot in Seochon that keeps catching my eye. Every time I pass through the alley, everyone's got a camera out right at the entrance, and I kept wondering why there were so many people. Seeing a line even on a weekday afternoon made me think it had to be genuinely good. Hunting down good restaurants and cafés is my little joy in life, so there was no way I could skip Oldsse Seochon, which has been getting a lot of buzz lately. I really wanted to see for myself why it's become such a famous date spot in Jongno, so I headed over without a second thought.

Where is Oldsse Seochon, and what are its hours?

• Address: 35-3 Pilundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Hours: 10:00–20:30

Is there a wait at Oldsse Seochon on a weekday afternoon?

By the time I arrived, quite a few people were already waiting in front of Oldsse Seochon. Even with a fast table turnover, I could feel the place's popularity right there on the spot. Maybe because the hanok's quiet charm blends so naturally with a sleek, modern sensibility, the wait didn't feel boring at all. Seeing how well it fits into the cozy alley atmosphere of Seochon made it instantly clear why so many people come here.

A quiet Seochon hanok with a modern glass wall

Stepping inside, the hanok's pillars and the contemporary interior came together beautifully. The exposed ceiling beams were kept intact while the walls were finished with full glass windows, giving the space a wonderful sense of openness. The scenery outside looked like a peaceful painting all on its own. The atmosphere was so calm that it was easy to chat comfortably, and I could see exactly why this place never gets left off any Seochon café recommendation list.

Choosing a cup at a Seochon coffee shop that takes beans seriously

Once seated, I looked over the menu. True to a place that specializes in coffee, Oldsse Seochon offered a wide range of beans and drinks. Wanting to try something with a bit of a special aroma that day, I finally chose the Ethiopia Guji Uraga Gogugu G1. Because the brewing area is open to the seating area, the fragrant scent of the beans drifted gently through the whole café, which put me at ease.

How the Ethiopia Guji Uraga Gogugu G1 pour-over tastes

The Ethiopia Guji Uraga Gogugu G1 I ordered arrived. From the very first sip, a soft floral aroma paired with bright, refreshing acidity swirled pleasantly across my palate. It wasn't too heavy, and the finish was clean, which made it a genuinely charming cup. Tasting it myself, I immediately understood why so many reviews of Oldsse couldn't stop praising the coffee.

The small details: the cup and the leather coaster

Even in small touches like the cup the coffee was served in or the leather coaster, I could feel this place's genuine care. The staff, despite being busy, were kind and attentive, so the whole time I was there I felt well looked after. When a cozy space meets such a carefully made cup of coffee, I couldn't think of a better spot for a café date in Jongno.

Is Oldsse Seochon worth the visit?

Between the atmosphere and the coffee, there wasn't a single thing lacking, so I'm sure I'll come back again. If you're looking for a café in Seochon with a great vibe and great coffee, I hope you'll stop by Oldsse Seochon. With a delicious cup of coffee in hand, it makes for a truly perfect day. Would you wait in line for a place worth the wait, too?