Ikseon-dong Seoul Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & See
We’re so excited to finally share a post about our absolute favorite neighborhood in Seoul: welcome to Ikseon-dong! (익선동 한옥거리)
Often confused with nearby Insadong, Ikseon-dong is a charming district just east of it, filled with narrow alleys, traditional hanok houses, trendy boutiques, cozy cafés, and some of the best restaurants in Seoul. It’s a place where old and new Seoul blend perfectly, creating a vibe that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Many call it the “hipster side of Seoul,” and it’s easy to see why, Ikseon-dong has quickly become one of the city’s most vibrant and up-and-coming neighborhoods. We absolutely love wandering here, and we’re sure you will too.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Ikseon-dong, where to eat, and why this neighborhood deserves a spot on your Seoul itinerary.
Ikseon-dong can be a little hard to describe, it’s such a small neighborhood, yet it has an incredibly unique charm. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by traditional Korean hanok houses, cozy alleyways, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you instantly feel relaxed.
HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT IKSEON-DONG:
🏡 Traditional Hanok Houses – Wander through charming alleys lined with beautifully preserved Korean houses.
☕ Trendy Cafés & Dessert Spots – From artisanal coffee shops to Instagram-famous bakeries, it’s a coffee lover dream!
🍴 Amazing Food Scene – Discover everything from authentic Koreanmeals to creative fusion restaurants.
🛍️ Unique Boutiques – Browse indie shops, local crafts, and stylish lifestyle stores hidden in narrow streets.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Corners – Every alley offers picture-perfect backdrops, day or night.
🚶 Pedestrian-Friendly Vibes – Relax and explore slowly without the noise of traffic.
🌙 Magical at Night – Cozy cafés, bars, and restaurants keep the neighborhood buzzing after dark.
Here is a sneak peek:
Complete Travel Guide to Ikseon-Dong in Seoul
1. How to get to Ikseon-Dong?
The Hanok Village of Ikseon-Dong is right in the center of Seoul located in Jongno-gu. It is not yet as well known as Bukchon Hanok Village, but it has certainly gained popularity over the last few years. We actually prefer spending some time in Ikseon-Dong rather than Bukchon as there are many more things to do… (just our opinion).
Getting there on foot:
The easiest way to get there is to walk from Insadong. It’s a bit hard to navigate and find your way to Ikseon-Dong. The best way to get there is to use Kakao Map or Naver and point to a restaurant or cafe in Ikseon-Dong to find your way.
Getting there by subway:
Take Line 1 and stop at Jongno 3-ga Station. Then walk for 5-10 min. Since Ikseon-Dong is not only 1 street but a small area full of little alleys, it is sometimes not easy to get there. Just venture yourself in some of the small alleys, and you will normally end up there. Try to follow where most people are heading to.
Getting there by bus:
If you head there by bus, stop at Changdeokgung, and then walk to Ikseon-Dong. It is about 5-10 min walk.
2. What to see in Ikseon-Dong?
Cute alleys full of Hanoks
Ikseon-Dong is often discovered by chance, walking to a narrow lane. Once there you will get pleasantly lost in a labyrinth of traditional houses (Hanok). Well, that’s precisely why people come here. Have a pleasant stroll through the alleys, forget about the busy life of Seoul and explore all these great little shops.
Some of the Hanoks have been beautifully rehabilitated and turned into cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. We love to go to Ikseon-Dong to spend a chill afternoon or pleasant evening after work.
Our local tips: this neighborhood can get very crowded in the afternoon, especially during weekends. The best way to avoid the big crowd is to visit around 11:00 am or in the evening after 18:00 pm.
Hipster boutiques
Many local artists started to set up their boutiques in Ikseon-Dong in recent years.
Madang Flower Cafe is probably one of the most well-known boutiques in the area and probably the most “Instagrammable” place. It owes its success to the absolutely stunning decoration on the outside surrounded by small trees and colorful umbrellas.
Our next stop is Assibabgagan, a shop that has become popular for its antique furniture and cute interior. This shop mainly sells aroma diffusers, candles, and other scent-related items. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything a peek inside this boutique is really worth it.
There are many other boutiques in Ikseon-Dong, for jewelry, clothes, accessories etc. Simply explore all the alleys and you will discover some fantastic places.
Enjoy great food and cafes in Ikseon-dong
One of the highlights of visiting Ikseon-dong is the amazing food scene. From traditional Korean cuisine served in renovated hanok houses to stylish fusion spots and cozy hidden gems, this neighborhood has it all. Here are some of our favorite cafes & restaurants:
1. Tteuran (뜨란) – Traditional Korean Set Menus
If you want to experience authentic Korean food in a hanok setting, Tteuran is the place to go. They serve traditional tea and dessert. For those who don’t like coffee, this is the place to go! Besides, the atmosphere is really nice and relaxing.
2. Dongbaek Bakery
Have you ever tried fluffy pancakes? If not, what are you waiting for, head straight to Dongbaek Bakery for a memorable meal!
3. Madang Flower Café & Dining
More than just a café, this beautifully decorated space offers hearty meals like bibimbap, rice bowls, and fusion pastas, all surrounded by lush greenery and floral interiors. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the stomach!
4. Ikseon Jabbang
One of the most popular spots in Ikseon-dong, Ikseon Jabbang combines modern fusion dishes and stylish interiors in a renovated hanok. It’s especially great for brunch!
READ ALSO: BEST BRUNCH IN SEOUL
5. Ikseon Dimibang
If you feel like having western food (salad, pasta, steak etc.) then head to this beautiful “Korean Bistro” called Ikseon Dimibang. This is another gorgeous place in Ikseon-dong not to be missed.
6. Cheongsudang
Cheongsudang is simply WOW! This cafe made us feel in a remote Japanese zen temple. With water running around the cafe, plants everywhere, and very delicate way of presenting coffees and desserts. Cheongsudang place is a really special place in Seoul.
READ ALSO: BEST OUTDOOR CAFES IN SEOUL
7. Soha Salt Pond Ikseon-dong
This is one of the most instagrammable places in the area. But not only, their bread is absolutely delicious too. We enjoyed their cozy courtyard, and while it does get busy, the rustic vibe made the wait worthwhile. So Make sure to check out Soha Salt Pond!
8. Hang-out
If you fancy a drink, glass of wine or craft beer, we’ve got you covered too! Head straight to Hang-Out. A really cool place to share drinks with friends. They also serve simple bar food if you get hungry!
ALSO READ: 20 MOST INCREDIBLE CAFES IN SOUTH KOREA!
3. Other things to see around Ikseon-dong?
Unhyeongung Palace
Just a short walk away, continue your visit at Unhyeongung Palace, a smaller and lesser-known royal residence in Seoul.
This palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s late Joseon Dynasty. Unlike the larger palaces, Unhyeongung feels more intimate and peaceful, making it a great stop if you want to soak up history without the crowds. It’s the perfect cultural addition to a day spent exploring Ikseon-dong.
Insadong
Explore Insadong, one of Seoul’s most famous cultural streets. Known for its traditional tea houses, antique shops, art galleries, and street food stalls, Insadong is the perfect place to experience a more historic side of the city.
It’s lively yet charming, and strolling here feels like stepping back in time while still being in the heart of modern Seoul. Visiting both Insadong and Ikseon-dong in one day gives you a wonderful mix of old traditions and trendy modern vibes.
READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO SEE IN INSADONG
Changdeokgung Palace
Another must-see near Ikseon-dong is Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning royal palaces in Seoul. It’s actually one of our favorite palaces in Seoul!
Famous for its beautifully preserved architecture and the enchanting Secret Garden (Huwon), Changdeokgung offers a peaceful escape from the city buzz. It’s only a short walk from Ikseon-dong, making it easy to combine trendy cafés and shops with a dose of royal history and nature in the same day.
READ MORE: FULL GUIDE TO VISITING CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE
FAQs about Ikseon-dong
Ikseon-dong is famous for its charming hanok houses, narrow alleyways, trendy cafés, boutique shops, and vibrant food scene. It’s often described as one of Seoul’s trendiest hidden gems, where traditional architecture meets modern lifestyle.
Absolutely! Ikseon-dong is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Seoul. Unlike the big tourist areas, it has a more intimate and cozy vibe. Visitors love exploring its maze of alleys, stopping by hanok cafés, and discovering small restaurants and artisan shops.
Most people spend 2–4 hours in Ikseon-dong, which is enough to explore the alleys, stop at a café, enjoy a meal, and do a bit of shopping. If you’re combining it with nearby attractions like Insadong, Unhyeongung Palace, or Changdeokgung Palace, you can easily make it a half-day itinerary.
This area is lively all year round, but many visitors recommend going in the afternoon or evening. During the day, you’ll find great lighting for photos and open shops, while in the evening the neighborhood takes on a cozy, atmospheric vibe with bustling restaurants and bars. However, be aware of the heavy crowds during weekend…
Yes! The alleys are narrow and designed for walking, making this area a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
Yes, there’s no entrance fee to explore Ikseon-dong. You’ll only spend money on food, drinks, shopping, or activities you choose to enjoy.
In conclusion
Is it worth visiting Ikseon-Dong in Seoul? The answer is absolutely YES! In fact, Ikseon-Dong is where we always bring any of our visitors to Seoul. For us, it is a must-see in the city.
If you like Hanok Village, we recommend visiting Eunpyeong Hanok Village. It is another fantastic village in the north of Seoul, located by the Bukhansan mountain and right next to one of the most famous temples in Korea: Jingwansa.
We lived in Seoul for 3 years and loved exploring all these beautiful places in Korea. We wrote many posts about Korea, you can find them all here.
Photo credit: © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press
