Oh, The Shilla Seoul, you impressed me from the moment I sat down and was presented with a warm hand towel on a silver platter. That small, attentive gesture set the tone for an afternoon that felt polished, relaxed, and genuinely welcoming.
For this afternoon tea, my companions were Robyn and her fiance, Kåre, who happened to be in the city. The three of us shared an afternoon tea service meant for two (with an extra pot of tea) and enjoyed the variety of flavors and thoughtful presentation. Sharing made the experience social and indulgent, and I appreciated the relaxed pacing that allowed us to savor each course.
SETTING: ★★★★☆
Afternoon tea is served in a space called The Library. The atmosphere leans toward the refined and businesslike side rather than fussy or overly ornate. Seating is laid out with comfortable spacing, creating pockets of privacy so conversations felt intimate. The chairs were exceptionally comfortable—so much so that leaving felt like a small sacrifice. Overall, it’s an elegant and calm environment that suits both casual gatherings and special moments.
SERVICE: ★★★★★
Service was impeccable from beginning to end. The attentive staff took care of small details—welcome touches like the hand towel, timely tea refills, and a final presentation of cakes—everything felt carefully managed without being overbearing.
TEA & TEA SELECTION: ★★★★★
The tea menu was a highlight. Each tea listed the producer alongside the blend, which is a thoughtful touch that speaks to the kitchen’s attention to provenance and quality. The selection ranged across well-known houses and offered distinct takes on classic varieties, including two different Earl Greys from separate producers. I chose a black tea blend called Birth from Fauchon, and it proved to be delightful: balanced, aromatic, and well-brewed. Tea lovers will appreciate the clear descriptions and the breadth of options.
SAVORIES: ★★★★★
The savory course consisted of an assortment of tea sandwiches. They were simple in composition but executed with precision. Each one was fresh, flavorful, and presented on soft, fluffy bread that highlighted the filling rather than overshadowing it. These were among the best tea sandwiches I have tasted—clean flavors, good seasoning, and excellent texture.
SCONES: ★★★★☆
Each person received three scones. That quantity felt generous—perhaps one or two would be sufficient per guest—but the reason for the abundance became clear: the scones were brought out after the savories so they arrived warm and inviting. The scones themselves were pleasant: tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior. My only reservation was the use of commercially jarred clotted cream and jam. While perfectly acceptable in taste, I prefer house-made preserves and smaller, coordinated serving vessels to match the care taken in other parts of the menu.
SWEETS: ★★★★★
The sweets course was generous and varied. A three-tiered tray showcased delicate pastries and confections at the top. The macarons were outstanding—light, well-textured, and full of flavor, comparing favorably with top patisseries. Other meringue-based treats were airy with a crisp shell and soft interior, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
Just when we thought we had reached the end of the sweets, a dessert trolley appeared with two additional cake selections rolled alongside our table. Tableside presentation added a special theatrical touch that elevated the experience. We sampled a raspberry-based cake and a chocolate cake layered with subtle citrus notes. Both were refined and not overly sweet; we left feeling pleasantly satisfied rather than cloyed.
OVERALL: ★★★★★
Come hungry and ready to relax. The Shilla Seoul’s afternoon tea is a memorable experience: polished service, thoughtful tea choices, excellent savories, and a generous, beautifully executed selection of sweets. It’s an afternoon not to miss for visitors and locals who appreciate a classic tea with modern attention to detail.
INFO: The Shilla Seoul | 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 100-856, Korea | +82.2.2233.3131
AFTERNOON TEA HOURS: Daily, 12PM – 6PM
COST: ₩46,000
// Afternoon tea courtesy of The Shilla Seoul, a member of Preferred Hotel Group. All content and opinions expressed here are my own. //