Ongozisin
옹오지신
Learn from the old to know the new
That’s what Ogozisin means, and those values are represented in their space and modern takes on traditional Korean drinks and treats.
I rushed here on Thursday morning, worried I might arrive too late to take photos of their popular oval window overlooking Sharosu-gil.
There are prominent elements in the café that spark curiosity, including a translucent round washroom window that echoes the feature window.
To illuminate the areas where natural light doesn’t reach, lamps wrapped in leaf-like covers shaped like cocoons add a warm, organic touch.
Even though I was in Korea, it felt like I had been transported to a foreign place—almost like a different era. The modernized traditional elements were executed beautifully.
To the right of the café is a room where you can sit and enjoy your tea in the traditional Korean way. I loved seeing the bamboo mats and the black mini tea table.
The presentation of their signature dessert, Ongo Ice, was beautiful. Three pieces of Injeolmi ice cream rice cakes were delicately placed on a spread of what I’m pretty confident is marshmallow. I paired it with their Jisin No. 3 ("Earth God") — a tea with a harmonious aroma of refreshing cherry and various fruits, including cherry, apple, hibiscus, rosehip peel, rose petals, and marigold flowers.
Even the finished plate looked beautiful.
After returning home from my time at Ongozisin, I realized I had completely missed an entire rooftop and bottom floor. That said, I was in their best space. If you get the chance to visit, make sure to explore the other areas too.
Ongozisin
Gwanak-ro 14-gil, 101 2층 Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Check out their Instagram.
