It’s been a while. I haven’t been writing but I have a few more planned stories to share from my last Seoul trip last May. This one is one of the destinations I was most excited about when I was planning. And when I got there, I was just awestrucked. Suddenly, I was back to 2001, watching my favorite movie series come to life.
Anyway, what am I talking about? The new Harry Potter cafe that opened in Seoul. ISTG when you go to Seoul, you can’t miss this stop if you are a Potterhead. Allow me to take you on a digital tour through this blog to excite you more. Hahaha
Heart-Stopping Excitement
Yes, this is what I literally felt while planning, seeing the cafe in the flesh, and even as I write this blog for all the other Potterheads who will soon be visiting the place. The cafe is a building covered with bricks and the first attraction you will see is the iconic Platform 3/4 wall!
Yes, Pinoy Potterheads, we don’t need to cross continents anymore to have a photo like this! You just have to pack your costumes and fly to Seoul! Hahaha. I say pack your costumes because this costume is mine. It was a bit embarrassing to do everything in full costume. People were looking at me but came I here for my Potter photoshoot so that’s not gonna stop me. Also, there are costumes you can borrow, but it’s only on the 4th floor dormitory set. You can’t bring them out to other floors too.
A bit further beside the Platform 3/4 set, you will see the Hog’s Head door entrance. It was closed in the morning that I came. Not really sure if they actually open this because you can enter the pub from inside the cafe. It’s not usually noticed by people who go here since I haven’t seen photos of this in blogs during planning. Don’t forget to take a shot too! š
More Magic Inside
When you enter the cafe, the first thing you will see is the Ollivander’s wand shop set at the right side. At the left, you will see the counter where you can order their different drinks and pastries. Before you take pictures, you need to order from their counter first. No order, no photos. I took a photo of the menu so you can plan what to buy.
You can even order Harry’s birthday cake from HP and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the one Hagrid gave to Harry! It’s a bit pricey though but if you’re game, why not? Haha
My friend and I ordered butterbeer, of course. It tastes different from ones you’re used too in Universal Studios, if you’ve tasted those. A bit more closer to soda.
We went up to the 4th floor to take pictures at the Dormitory set. As mentioned, you can use the different house uniforms and those costumes can only be used in this floor. There’s a fireplace set too with red furniture. It has a Gryffindor common room feel. I wore Slytherin robes though. Gotta wear your house colors proudly!
You will see a lot of Wizarding World in the hallways and themed rooms. I loved that there were owls everywhere. They even made a dementor and Mirror of Erised.
Here’s a larger photo of the Great Hall set. This is not everything even if I took in using pano. Very Hogwarts. I approve!
WHAT? There are Secret Rooms?
This is something I missed while I was there because I was busy fangirling. Haha. My friend mentioned it to me because she actually read the instructions. Haha…
THERE ARE THREE SECRET ROOMS IN THE CAFE. I don’t know how to enter them. Maybe they have a time or something. Ask the staff how. Also, if you bring a receipt of your daytime visit back at night, you can have a discount in the pub that opens at night.
How to Get There
943 Kings Cross Harry Potter CafƩ
ģģøķ¹ė³ģ ė§ķ¬źµ¬ ģźµė 417
417 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 11:30am ā 9:30pm (Tues ā Fri), 9:30am ā 10pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Mondays
- Take the subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang, AREX. (Green Line)
- Alight at Hongik University Station.
- Get out at Exit 9.
- Use Google Maps to navigate the area. The cafe is in front of Nanta Theatre.
TIP: The cafe is in Hongdae, a popular place for shopping and frequented by university students. There are a lot of themed cafes, clothes and make-up stores in the area. Popular attractions you can visit while you’re here is the Trick-Eye Museum, watch a play at Nanta Theatre, the Coffee Prince cafe (if you’re a k-drama fan), and Running Man Haha’s restaurant (if you’re a k-variety fan). Some Running Man shoot locations are all over the area as well. At night, this area becomes a venue for different street performers. Don’t miss it!
Dreams and Doodles 