PO TID: A Cafe That Resembles Ollivander's Wand Shop In Harry Potter

PO TID, a cafe located in Sinchon

Harry Potter is one of the most popular book and movie series of all time, so much so that “Potterheads” – a term just for Harry Potter fanatics – were created. But even if you aren’t a Potterhead, you may still remember Ollivander’s Wand Shop from the first movie of the series. Harry Potter visits the shop to get his wand before he begins his first year at Hogwarts.

PO TID, a cafe in Sinchon, bears an uncanny resemblance to Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Stepping into the cafe will make you feel the same awe that Harry Potter felt when he first visited the wand shop.

Designed to look like Ollivander’s Wand Shop

PO TID - cafe that resembles Ollivander’s Wand Shop
Image credit: @ha2sun_

The exterior of PO TID resembles Ollivander’s Wand Shop, and it easily stands out in Sinchon’s modern streets because of its vintage exterior.

PO TID - old-fashioned vibe that’s reminiscent of England in the past
Image credit: @kimhj8574

The interior has an old-fashioned vibe that’s reminiscent of England in the past.

PO TID - old-fashioned vibe that’s reminiscent of England in the past
Image credit: @jwo_ony

PO TID - a staircase, walls of photo frames, and shelves of antique items and books
Image credit: @ssan.gu

Even though it’s a cafe, it still looks similar to the interior of Ollivander’s Wand Shop because it bears similar main features – a staircase, walls of photo frames, and shelves of antique items and books.

The staircase is a popular spot for taking photos.

PO TID - flying brooms when you look up at the ceiling
Image credit: @kimhj8574

If you look up at the ceiling, you’ll spot “flying” brooms. Much attention is paid to the decor, and Potterheads will enjoy pinpointing these Easter eggs. Many pieces of knick knacks resemble those in Harry Potter, so you can be sure that you will have an authentically magical experience here.

PO TID - the narrow path between the shelves of potions is also a popular photo-taking spot
Image credit: @pho3b3_joe

Aside from the staircase area, the narrow path between the shelves of potions is also a popular photo-taking spot. It recreates the setting in the movie where Ollivander walks down the aisle to pick out Harry Potter’s wand. However, the shelves in the cafe are lined with potions instead of boxes of wands.

PO TID - seating area next to a fireplace
Image credit: @ha2sun_

If you’re lucky, you can grab the seat next to the mock fireplace. Dining next to it enhances the vintage dining experience.

Cookies & ice cream are the highlights of the menu

PO TID - cookies and ice cream combination
Image credit: @s_0jin_

PO TID specialises in cookies and ice cream – a heavenly combo.

A cookie here costs KRW3,900 (~USD3.50) and comes in 5 different flavours: White-choco Macadamia Nut, Choco Pecan Cashew Nut, Choco Walnut, Double Choco, and Oatmeal Cranberry.

PO TID - double choco cookie
Image credit: @ttaeng_gu_

PO TID’s cookies are thick and chewy. The Double Choco cookie has a generous amount of white and dark chocolate chips, making it the perfect decadent treat for chocolate lovers.

PO TID - cookies and drinks
Image credit: @jjap__dong

Pair your cookies with double scoops of ice cream for an additional KRW1,000 (~USD0.90), if you’re planning on treating yourself.

PO TID - mugwort cream latte and coconut smoothy latte
Image credit: @y0uandme_

Some unique drinks here include the Mugwort Cream Latte (KRW5,400, ~USD4.85) and Coconut Smoothy Latte (KRW6,100, ~USD5.50).

Mugwort is an aromatic herb that is often used as a tonic. It doesn’t sound tasty, but the Mugwort Cream Latte is worth a try because mugwort desserts are popular in Korea.

PO TID - drinks served in old-fashioned mugs
Image credit: @sy_coffee_10

Some drinks come in old-fashioned mugs that look like the ones used in the Harry Potter movies. If you want your drink served in one of these mugs, do let the staff know.

Visiting PO TID

PO TID - entrance of the cafe
Image credit: @jihye_0123_pl

If you’re a Potterhead, consider including PO TID in your itinerary. Take a break from shopping in trendy Sinchon and have a cookie or 2 in the dimly lit Harry Potter-themed cafe, away from the hustle and bustle.

Getting there:

Alight at Sinchon Station, Seoul Subway, Line 2.
Take Exit 3.
Turn right once you exit the station, and walk straight till you see Coffeesmith.
At Coffeesmith, turn right and walk straight.
Cross the zebra crossing on your left.
Cross the next zebra crossing on your right.
Turn left and walk straight till you see a Dunkin’ Donuts store.
Turn right and walk straight until you see PO TID.