Tea Ahn in Seocho-dong: Unique Tea and Amazing Scones

2018-10-12 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

Cafe exterior with a red awning and a sign that says Tian

In a previous post, I mentioned there were two dessert shops near my office worth recommending. One is Les Premices, and the other is the subject of this post, "Tea Ahn." It was my first time visiting, but I could immediately tell the owner's last name was Ahn. Tea Ahn is a brand-new, hot-off-the-press cafe. I wondered if it was spaced as "Tea Ahn" or written together as "Teaahn"... Checking the map, it's "Tea Ahn."

As soon as we walked in, a sweet aroma filled the air from every direction. Four guys walking into a shop like this was the ultimate mismatch. Men who look like they'd drink instant coffee walking into a place showing off cute curtains, tables, and all sorts of charming props. We even started to think the lack of other customers was because of us.

Cafe interior with wooden tables and chairs, and a sofa with cushions

Cafe space arranged with white-topped tables and chairs in various colors

Around the cafe counter with a display case and customers waiting to order — Ugh, so gloomy.

Since they don't have coffee, everyone ordered tea, though it was less "ordering" and more "reading the room." When the guy paying said he'd have the apple peppermint, a chorus of "Me too," "Me too" popped out. That's how little we knew about what these teas were, and the prices were a bit too high to just order recklessly.

In my case, I was hungry, so I ordered a scone and asked for a glass of water.

After waiting quite a long time, the tea and scones we ordered finally came out (the scones take even longer). Looking at the presentation, I was filled with the thought, "Ah, this really isn't a place for us." This is a space for women. Men, come here with a woman!

Transparent glass teapot containing apple slices and herb leaves — I had never heard of or seen someone lighting a candle to drink black tea. And when I told my friend this, they teased me for being a "Seoul country bumpkin"...

Two transparent glass teapots being warmed by small candles

White teacup containing a thinly sliced piece of apple — Not a single cup or plate is served carelessly.

On a wooden table with several glass teapots and teacups — I repeat, this is a picture of a table where four guys are eating.

Two scones, jam, cream, and fruit on a blue floral plate, with a teacup and utensils next to it.

Two baked scones, strawberry jam, white cream, green grapes, and strawberries on a blue floral plate. — The scone that came out later. Eating this made me realize that scones aren't a food you need strong teeth to eat. The inside is incredibly soft, and the outside is slightly crispy. I don't know if they buy them from somewhere or make them from scratch, but if they buy them to sell, I really want to know where that shop is.

With this level of care, the 5,000 KRW scone and the even more expensive black tea make sense. The owner's resume hanging on the wall lists a string of unfamiliar certifications, degrees, and titles of books she has written herself.

If you're meeting at Nambu Bus Terminal for a date course heading to Gyodae (Seoul National University of Education) or the Seoul Arts Center, this is the perfect spot. Whether you drive or walk, once you get here, you can experience a level of service and taste that is on a whole different dimension from regular street coffee shops. If you're worried about making it obvious that you know absolutely nothing about black tea, there's no need to fret. Just drink it, and you'll naturally be moved by the atmosphere.

It can be searched on Naver Maps and Daum Maps. There is no dedicated parking lot, but there is a public parking lot nearby. Of course, it's expensive.