Discover Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea, a beautifully preserved 130-year-old hanok in Seoul. Enjoy handmade Ssanghwa Tea, refreshing Persimmon Slush, traditional Korean desserts, and one of Insadong’s most authentic cultural experiences.
Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea: Experience a 130-Year-Old Hanok and Authentic Korean Tea in Seoul
When the weather starts getting warmer, there is one place I always think of first—a hidden Insadong Traditional Tea House serving one of the most refreshing Persimmon Slushes (Hongsi Slush) in Seoul.
During the colder months, however, I come back for something completely different: their famous handmade Ssanghwa Tea, slowly brewed over two full days using traditional herbs. Instead of tasting overly medicinal or bitter, it is rich, smooth, and incredibly comforting.
That place is Shin Old Tea (신옛찻집).
Some places are simply beautiful cafés. Others become unforgettable memories. Shin Old Tea belongs firmly in the second category.
I often say that while someone may visit once out of curiosity, almost everyone leaves wanting to bring their friends and family back. It truly feels like discovering one of Insadong’s hidden treasures.
Located inside a beautifully preserved 130-year-old hanok, this traditional Korean tea house has been welcoming guests for over 30 years, passing its recipes and hospitality down through generations.
Today, it has become one of Insadong’s most beloved cultural landmarks, attracting not only Korean visitors but also travelers from around the world who want to experience authentic Korean tea culture in a traditional setting.
If you’re planning an Insadong date, introducing Korean culture to international friends, or simply looking for one of Seoul’s most atmospheric cafés, Shin Old Tea deserves a place on your itinerary.
Location and hours of Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea
47-8 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea is only a 4-minute walk from Anguk Station Exit 6.
It sits quietly at the end of a small alley beside Osulloc Tea House, directly across from Ssamziegil.
Despite being located in one of Seoul’s busiest tourist districts, the café feels surprisingly peaceful once you step inside.
Its location makes it a perfect stop while exploring Insadong’s galleries, craft shops, and historic streets.
If you’re visiting during summer, don’t leave without ordering the Persimmon Slush. It easily became one of my favorite seasonal desserts in Seoul.
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
Saturday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
more info : Official Instagram
Inside a 130-Year-Old Hanok
I visited on an ordinary weekday afternoon without expecting anything unusual.
To my surprise, every table was already occupied. Even more surprising was the number of international visitors.
Nearly every table was filled with travelers speaking different languages, making me feel as though I had become the tourist inside my own city.
Fortunately, as evening approached, a few seats became available, allowing me to explore the entire tea house.
The building itself is stunning.
Every wooden beam, traditional ceiling, and historic architectural detail has been carefully preserved.
Rather than modernizing the structure, the owners embraced its age and allowed its history to become part of the experience.
Every corner contains something uniquely Korean.
Traditional furniture, antique decorations, colorful Obangsaek elements, handcrafted ornaments, and vintage household items are thoughtfully displayed throughout the café.
Walking around almost feels like visiting a small living museum.
The layout cleverly balances indoor comfort with the openness of an outdoor courtyard.
Natural airflow moves through the building, creating a surprisingly refreshing atmosphere despite its traditional architecture.
Most seating consists of comfortable two-person and four-person tables.
However, the traditional floor-seating rooms are always the first to fill.
For visitors wanting a more authentic Korean experience, these rooms are definitely worth waiting for.
Groups larger than four people can usually be accommodated in the larger room toward the back of the building, although calling ahead is recommended.
One detail that particularly caught my attention was a display of homemade infused Korean liquors.
The bottles immediately communicate the care that goes into the tea house, and many international guests stopped to admire them with genuine curiosity.
Menu at Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea
After I found one of the last available tables, the owner personally brought over the menu.
Even the menu design reflects the café’s traditional identity.
Its stone-like texture and muted colors feel wonderfully old-fashioned.
The signature drink is undoubtedly the handmade Ssanghwa Tea, but there are many other traditional Korean teas available.
Classic Korean beverages such as Sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) and Baesuk (steamed pear tea) are offered year-round.
Guests who are less familiar with Korean tea can also choose from simple café drinks including coffee, café latte, hot chocolate, iced chocolate, and Earl Grey tea.
Traditional Korean snacks and rice cakes are available for those looking for a light dessert.
Seasonal summer specialties receive their own section of the menu, making it easy to choose something refreshing on warmer days.
The house-made infused liquors displayed throughout the café are also available alongside several Korean-style snacks, creating a more relaxed evening atmosphere for those who wish to stay longer.
Because the weather was unusually warm during my visit, choosing the Persimmon Slush required absolutely no hesitation.
I also ordered a small traditional snack to enjoy alongside it.
What We Ordered at Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea
Persimmon Slush (Hongsi Slush)
The presentation immediately impressed me.
Everything arrived beautifully arranged on a traditional tray, making the experience feel even more special.
The first thing I noticed was the texture.
Rather than being watery like many fruit slushes, this one was incredibly thick.
It was obvious that the café had used an extremely generous amount of ripe persimmons.
The cup itself felt almost heavy.
A poorly ripened persimmon can leave an unpleasant astringent taste.
Thankfully, this version was perfectly sweet with naturally rich fruit flavor.
The consistency was smooth, creamy, and intensely satisfying.
It almost felt like eating frozen fruit rather than drinking a beverage. Even by itself, it was filling enough to feel like a light dessert.
Traditional Korean Cookies (Hangwa)
Alongside the drink came beautifully prepared Hangwa, traditional Korean sweets that many Koreans usually only encounter during holidays or ancestral ceremonies.
It had honestly been a long time since I had enjoyed Hangwa during an ordinary afternoon.
That alone made the experience feel unexpectedly nostalgic.
Even better, they were perfectly crisp without any hint of staleness.
Their delicate sweetness paired wonderfully with the rich persimmon flavor.
Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea also kindly included a piece of Yakgwa, Korea’s famous honey pastry.
I quietly slipped it into my bag and enjoyed it later when I became hungry while walking around Seoul.
Small gestures like this are exactly what make Shin Old Tea so memorable.
Why Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea Is Worth Visiting
There are countless cafés in Seoul.
There are even many traditional cafés.
But very few manage to combine authentic history, traditional Korean hospitality, handmade drinks, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere as naturally as Shin Old Tea.
For international visitors, this café offers much more than tea.
It offers an opportunity to experience Korean architecture, traditional desserts, and slower rhythms that are increasingly difficult to find in modern Seoul.
The combination of a 130-year-old hanok, handcrafted beverages, thoughtful presentation, and timeless atmosphere creates an experience that feels both authentic and deeply relaxing.
Final Thoughts about Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea
Walking into Insadong Traditional Tea House Shin Old Tea feels like temporarily leaving modern Seoul behind.
Whether you’re warming your hands around a carefully brewed cup of Ssanghwa Tea in winter or cooling down with their wonderfully rich Persimmon Slush in summer, every visit feels comforting and memorable.
The historic hanok, the traditional desserts, and the peaceful atmosphere make this one of the most rewarding cafés in Insadong.
I would happily recommend it for an Insadong date, a relaxing afternoon with parents, or anywhere you want to introduce international friends to the beauty of Korean culture.
If you’re searching for the best Insadong Traditional Tea House, Shin Old Tea is a place you’ll likely remember long after your trip to Seoul ends.
Related post about Insadong cafe in Seoul you might enjoy : Insadong Cafe Gaberangsomm: Handmade Cakes, Beautiful Desserts, and a Relaxing Cafe Near Anguk Station
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