Ikseon-dong: Where To Eat and What To Do
Last Updated on June 11, 2025
Ikseon-dong has become one of the most popular little Hanok villages in downtown Seoul. While people visit Bukchon Hanok Village to see the old Hanoks in all of their grandeur, Ikseon-dong attracts visitors for food, cafes, and fun.
The alleys are narrower and instead of traditional, the shops that have moved in seem to pay homage to the history and traditions of the area through upscale eats and artistic experiences. You can find quirky, cute, and fun places to hang out in this historic district of Seoul, Korea.
Ikseon-dong also makes for a great area to stay in as I found when I stayed at the Moxy Hotel. From adorable alleyways of Hanoks that are a little more gritty and lived in:
- Where is Ikseon-dong?
- What To Know About Ikseon-dong
- Where To Stay
- Cafes With Sweet Treats & Salt Bread
- Best Places To Eat
- Things To Do In Ikseon-dong
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Where is Ikseon-dong?
There are a number of popular Hanok villages in downtown Seoul so it would be easy to wonder which one everyone is talking about. While there is the Bukchon Hanok Village to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of Seoul, and Seochon Hanok Village to the west, Ikseon-dong is a neighborhood of Hanoks turned restaurants and cafes that is just east of Insadong.
While tourists were flocking to Bukchon Hanok Village, locals started heading to Ikseon-dong and now it’s popular with both locals looking for cute cafes and Instagrammable facades and tourists looking for good eats.
Directions: To get to Ikseon-dong, take the subway to Jongno 3-ga Station and go from exit 3, 4, or 6 and head north.
What To Know About Ikseon-dong
Ikseon-dong is the oldest Hanok village in Seoul with over 100 years of history. First established in the 1920s, there a mix of traditional buildings that are filled with cute cafes and some great culinary treats surrounded by more modern hotels and buildings.
I think it’s important to note that the Ikseon-dong alleyways are much narrower than the broad alleys you’ll find in Bukchon and the area is flat without the hills of Bukchon as well which means you can feel a bit squished and get turned around fairly easily in this neighborhood.
That said, you can’t really get lost. If you walk too far in any one direction, you’ll end up on a busier broader street, so you’ll know to turn around and head back in. But, it does make finding specific cafes and restaurants a bit of a scavenger hunt if you don’t know the area well so just be prepared for that.
Where To Stay
There are a number of places to stay around Ikseon-dong but I highly recommend Moxy Seoul Insadong.
Moxy Seoul Insadong
Though called Insadong, Moxy is located at southern end of Ikseon-dong. I stayed at Moxy Seoul Insadong last winter and it is a super fun spot to stay with a nice wine bar on the rooftop and great views out over the Ikseon-dong Hanok village.
Moxy is known for the fun atmosphere, communal spaces, and comfortable stay and I can attest to that. If you’re looking for a hotel in downtown Seoul near the historic sites, but near plenty of restaurants and convenient transportation, this is an ideal stay.
Book a stay on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Cafes With Sweet Treats & Salt Bread
Soha Salt Pond (소하염전)
This is a cafe that you’ll spot without me even telling you about it because the entrance is both intriguing and very inviting. This salt bread bakery went viral so don’t be surprised when you arrive before opening and see a line waiting to get in. I appreciate classic salt bread myself, but they do have some interesting varieties like Leek Cream Cheese Salt Bread, Caramel Salt Bread, and Cheese Olive Salt Bread that I’d readily try next time.
- Address: 21-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 수표로28길 21-5)
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm
Bbat (빻)
Another one that greets you with aesthetics first, I love how so many of the cafes and restaurants in Ikseon-dong use the open courtyard that Hanoks are known for as a means of introduction. Bbat is known for their honey butter breads but also has melon-flavored, perilla cream cheese, and more. Soft breads that are nice to see as they aren’t in competition with the salt bread shops that are growing in number.
- Address: 40 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu (종로구 돈화문로11다길 40)
- Hours: Every day: 10:30am ~ 9:00pm
Cheongsudang (청수당)
One of the most popular cafes in the district, Cheongsudang is very aesthetic and more spacious than other cafes in the area. Designed around water, the whole idea is to promote slowness, living in the calm tranquil moment. Their signature item is the castella and fromage cakes. Note that the souffle castella are made to order, so you should calmy wait for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9)
- Hours: Every day: 10:30am ~ 9:00pm
Best Places To Eat
I’ve spent the most time in Ikseon-dong eating. There are a lot of cool cafes in Ikseon-dong, but the restaurants are really what I recommend going to Ikseon-dong for. Ikseon-dong manages to not just house Instagrammable spaces, but they really do have some amazing restaurants with upscale eats and treats.
Ikseon Banju (익선반주)
One of the best places to eat in the area if you’re also looking for an excellent makgeolli, or Korean rice wine, selection. The interior of the old Hanok is decorated to feel intimate and cozy but upscale and beautiful. The dishes are a modern spin on local ingredients and are delicious and thought out. A great option if you’re with friends and looking for the ambiance.
- Address: 31 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil 31, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11다길 31)
- Hours: Every day: 12:00pm ~ 10:00pm (Break time: 3:00pm ~ 4:00pm on weekdays only)
Whale (고래)
Another good makgeolli spot, the food here is also delicious and pairs well with the great makgeolli selection. This spot is a bit cozier and cramped but in a good way. Dishes and cups have that fun eclectic style which gives you an idea of how it feels inside. There’s plenty to look out all around, suffice to say. Go to this cozy spot with a close friend or acquaintance and you’ll be sure to have great conversations.
- Address: 19 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11가길 19 고래)
Oncheonjip Ikseon (온천집익선)
The courtyard of this traditional Hanok has been been transformed into this foggy oasis which is really magical especially when you visit on a rainy day. Watch as the fog fills the space as you eat shabu shabu, a hot pot meal where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are dropped into boiling broth to be cooked an then eaten.
The polar bear broth ice cubes, adorable to be sure, must be making some sort of commentary on the state of the world, global warming, and the loss of the polar ice caps, as they melt away presumably. They are a conversation starter indeed.
- Address: 31-8 Donwhamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-8)
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:30am ~ Midnight (Break time: 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm); Weekends: 11:30am ~ Midnight
Songam Yugwan (송암여관)
One thing about Ikseon-dong that you’ll realize if you visit enough places is that you really have no idea from the alley what you’re about to step into. Songam Yugwan may look like every other hanok from the entrance, but features a beautiful pond in its central area when you step inside. A delicious meal awaits too.
- Address: 31-3 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-3)
- Hours: Every day: 11:30am ~ 10:00pm (Monday – Friday: Break time: 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm)
Brew 3.15
Looking for some good craft beer in the Ikseon-dong area? Find this beer and pizza spot that is just north of the main Ikseon-dong area. You can find craft beers from local breweries like Magpie, Budnamu and more.
- Address: 40 Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 삼일대로 32가길 40)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 4:30pm ~ 11:55pm
Apgujeong Haru (압구정하루)
When we are out wandering and I’ve got a picky eater or my daughter doesn’t know what she wants to eat, I’m always on the look out for good tonkatsu/donkkaseu and Ikseon-dong has some good ones including this spot. Want something tried and true and will hit the spot? This is a good basic spot to fill up.
- Address: 22-1 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 돈화문로 11나길 22-1)
- Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm
Ikseon Jabbang (익선잡방)
I was on the hunt for brunch in the area and came upon this perfect spot. Ikseon Jabbang serves all day brunch in Ikseon-dong and is run by a chef that worked at Silla Hotel for 10 years. The staff are very friendly and the space is airy and fresh feeling. This is a great spot, just make sure to get there when they open because it fills up fast and stays full throughout the day!
- Address: 17-21 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-21)
- Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm
Artmonster Ikseon-dong (아트몬스터 익선동)
Ikseon-dong isn’t the only neighborhood in Seoul to have a cool Artmonster craft beer pub, but it is a good one to find here. In other Artmonster pubs there are self-pour taps, here though, fitting with the traditional Hanok-style, you’ve got the standard order at the bar experience.
- Address: 30 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11다길 30)
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3:00pm ~ 11:30pm; Friday: 3:00pm ~ Midnight; Saturday: 2:00pm ~ Midnight; Sunday: 2:00pm ~ 11:00pm
Gogi Street (고기길)
If you’re looking for that quintessential Korean BBQ experience, there’s a whole street of meat restaurants in Ikseon-dong that serve up just that. I’ve eaten at three of the restaurants on the street and they’ve all served up some good dishes. You pick, you’ll be happy.
- Address: Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil (돈화문로 11가길)
Craft Roo
With about 10 beers on tap at any time, this is a small but nice craft beer spot in the area serving up beers made from Korean brands like Hand & Malt, Gorilla, Brewery 304, and more. Order a 6-beer sampler and sit back with their well-paired eats.
- Address: 17-7 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 수표료 28길 17-7)
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00pm ~ Midnight; Saturday: 12:00pm ~ Midnight
Things To Do In Ikseon-dong
While most locals, myself included, head to Ikseon-dong for the food, there are some things you can actually do to have fun in between bites. Here are a few things to do in Ikseon-dong if you don’t just want a foodie exploration.
Go Shopping
There are a lot of boutique shops that dot the Ikseon-dong neighborhood. Stop into Teterot Salon to look at their collection of modern Hanboks which are both floral and pretty but also sporty and playful. There are perfume shops, daily wear shops and a number of accessories shop too.
Com Com Play (새서울 콤콤오락실)
The sign out front would tell you that this is the “World Best Korean Style Center”. This retro game arcade gives off 1980s vibes and fits in perfectly with the hipster vibes of the area.
- Address: 23-6 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11길 28-5)
YISHAN Ikseon Boutique Retro Clothing
While renting Hanboks is popular in the more traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, here it’s popular to rent outfits that are not so Joseon. If you want to jazz up your photos, try some renting some retro outfits.
- Address: 3rd floor, 38 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11길 38)
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday: 1:00pm ~ 7:00pm
- Book: You can book your retro clothing rental in advance and get a discount on Klook or on kkday.com
Dotori Caricature (도토리케리커쳐)
Getting a quick caricature drawing whether you’re alone or with a friend has become quite popular in recent years. There’s a rather iconic style that makes them playful and fun in Ikseon-dong, you can get your own keepsake to take home.
- Address: 17-17 Supyo 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-17)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm
Ikseon Shooting Club (익선슈팅클럽)
As I was wandering through the alleyways, I found it interesting there was a shooting club. Not your standard afternoon activity, but you can have your go with a BB gun and a target.
- Address: 17-26 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu Seoul (서울 종로구 수표로28일 21-13)
Ikseon-dong has become a really popular district in Seoul for both locals and tourists. Have a good time exploring this Hanok village.
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