Location

175 Sejong-daero, Jongno District, Seoul
The Original Pancake House Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Classic American Breakfast in Gwanghwamun

Nestled on the second floor of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, The Original Pancake House brings a slice of American diner culture to the heart of Seoul’s most traditional and iconic part. Just a minute’s walk from Exit 1 of Gwanghwamun Station, the location is incredibly convenient for both local office workers and tourists exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace. I highly recommend taking public transportation to get here, as traffic around Gwanghwamun is notoriously hectic, especially on weekends when frequent protests often lead to road closures.

Menu & Pricing

The menu at The Original Pancake House is extensive and proudly American, from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to stuffed omelettes and sweet crepes. Prices range from around ₩15,000 to ₩25,000 which may seem a bit expensive, but the portions are just as generous. Most main dishes including omelettes, eggs benedicts, and special recipe hashes are served with 3 slices of buttermilk pancake. And both the OPH Special Blend Coffee and soda are bottomless, a true nod to the American diner tradition. With unlimited drink refills and hearty portions, OPH is a great spot to enjoy a slow, indulgent meal on a weekend.

What I Ordered

We first ordered the Jalapeno & Bacon Omelette, which was much bigger than what I’d expected. It seemed like they fold in meringue or whipped egg whites, because the puffy texture almost felt like a soufflé. I couldn’t really taste the jalapenos but the smoky bacon added just the right amount of savory kick. I personally preferred the Ever Popular Joe, which I had on a previous visit—scrambled eggs mixed with a healthier mix of ingredients like sausage, spinach, onions, and cheddar cheese.

The Dutch Baby Pancake is probably one of the restaurant’s most signature dishes. It’s worth noting that these take about 20 to 30 minutes to bake, so I’d definitely recommend ordering it as soon as you’re seated. The freshly baked pancake arrived puffed up dramatically around the edges like a bowl, dusted generously with powdered sugar and topped with strawberries, blueberries, and thick slices of banana.

Compared to Japanese-style fluffy soufflé pancakes which have a super light meringue-like texture, Dutch Baby pancake felt denser with a rich egg yolk-forward flavor. The center had a uniquely soft, slightly runny texture (almost like custard) that contrasted beautifully with the crispy and buttery rim. The perfect combination of crusty and creamy textures made this dish a standout of our meal at OPH.

Vibe & Atmosphere

Family-Friendly American Diner in Seoul

The restaurant feels like a classic American diner with its booth seating, warm wood-paneled walls, and mid-century-inspired lighting. The retro typography on the walls adds a touch of playful nostalgia, and the open kitchen provides a peek into the passionate baking of pancakes and omelettes.

I also loved the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere; there was a heartwarming mix of generations and population from grandparents and kids to couples and international visitors. The semi-private booths added to the cozy vibe, making it an ideal spot for families or groups to enjoy a laid back Sunday meal.

The Infamous Wait & Tips

The Original Pancake House is infamous for its long waits, especially on weekends. We started waiting on a Sunday from 11:40am, and there were already 20 teams ahead of us. Thankfully I used the Tabling app to get in line virtually, which saved us from standing around in the heat. You do need to confirm your wait by entering a 6-digit code posted at the entrance (which I think gets updated daily), so it’s important to swing by the restaurant before your turn even if you’re queuing remotely. We were finally seated at around 12:50pm, a wait of just over an hour for a table for two. Despite the delay, the app made it much more manageable. You can browse the Kyobo bookstore nearby or take a walk around Gwanghwamun while keeping track of your wait time.