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Top Things To Do In Ikseondong (2025 Guide)

Eat & Drink, Korea Travel, Things To Do / By /

If Bukchon feels too crowded and touristy, Ikseondong (익선동) is where Seoul locals go to relax. Hidden among modern high-rises in Jongno-gu, this Hanok village blends traditional Korean charm with cafes, Instagram-worthy restaurants, and vintage shops.

Walking between the traditional Hanoks covered in lights is a magical experience that I believe is a must-do, so I thought I would offer some tips. Here are the top things to see, do or visit in Ikseondong! Let’s dive in!

Table Of Contents
  1. How to get to Ikseondong?
  2. Top Things To Do In Ikseondong
  3. Ikseondong: Visiting on rainy days
  4. Enjoy delicious meals with beautiful architecture
  5. Instagram-worthy cafes
  6. Visit craft beer bars / shops
  7. Get a Cute Cartoon Caricature
  8. Shopping trendy or Vintage
  9. Take Photos in a Cute Photobooth
  10. Night Vibes
  11. Try Some Street Food
  12. Walking around Ikseondong and taking pictures

How to get to Ikseondong?

The easiest way to reach Ikseon-dong is from Jongno 3-ga Station, which connects to Seoul Subway Lines 1, 3, and 5. Once you get off at the Jongno 3-ga station or the Anguk station, use the Naver map to guide you towards the charming little streets.

  • From Jongno 3-ga Station, Line 5, Exit 4 (Recommended):
    Turn left after exiting, cross the street, and enter the alley beside the CU convenience store. This route takes you straight into Ikseon-dong’s main street.
  • From Jongno 3-ga Station, Line 1 or 3, Exit 6 (Nearest):
    Make a U-turn as soon as you exit, then take the first alley on your left. You’ll reach the Hanok streets in less than two minutes.
  • From Anguk Station, Line 3, Exit 6 (Alternative Route):
    Walk north for about 10 minutes along the main road until you see the Ikseon-dong Hanok Village entrances on your right. This route is ideal if you’re coming from Insadong or Changdeokgung Palace
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Top Things To Do In Ikseondong

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Ikseondong: Visiting on rainy days

Although most people would avoid going out on days of heavy rain, I would recommend visiting Ikseondong on rainy days precisely for that reason. Indeed, there will be fewer people out and about, which means more or less undisturbed photo sessions and a secured seat at some of the beautiful cafes. But more importantly, Ikseondong is – in my humble opinion – most beautiful when it rains. The colorful walls and lights contrasting with the wet pavement give it a unique charm, which is why it is a must-see! The same goes for snow.

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Enjoy delicious meals with beautiful architecture

Ikseondong has a range of delicious and varied cuisines you can try, but the restaurants below have a specific charm because of how they were built. By preserving the Korean traditional Hanok style, they provide an experience you cannot find anywhere else.

Oncheonjip

This restaurant specializes in Shabu-Shabu and has a beautiful Hanok-style layout that allows you to dine surrounded by vegetation and traditional Korean roofs. The mix of fresh meat and healthy vegetables makes for a comforting meal, especially during the winter or on a rainy day. Oncheonjip is one of the most-searched restaurants by Koreans as of July 2022, according to Naver.

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Hohosikdang 

This famous chain has four other locations, with Ikseondong being the latest to open. Specialized in Japanese home-style dishes, Hohosikdang offers authentic Japanese home cooking in a Korean traditional Hanok atmosphere.

Having visited this restaurant myself, I recommend it for small friend groups or couples, thanks to its soft lighting and delicate interior. I also recommend going there early, as the waiting time grows rapidly after 6 PM.

Ikseon Chihyang 익선취향

This is a popular spot with just six dishes — but for good reason. Their menu features signature steak, spicy cream pasta, pork belly rose pasta, vongole pasta, chicken curry risotto, and omurice. Even though the selection is small, each dish is packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The steak is a crowd favorite, cooked to perfection and served with a rich sauce, while the pork belly rose pasta is a must-try for anyone who loves a creamy, savory twist on classic pasta. The vibrant colors and careful plating make every meal look like a work of art, so it’s no surprise that people love snapping photos here. 

Ikseon Yorok Restaurant

This restaurant is a great blend of traditional Korean architecture with a modern, stylish interior. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, creating a perfect setting for a relaxed meal. The beef tripe rice is a standout dish, rich and flavorful. The menu offers elevated Korean comfort food, beautifully presented with seasonal touches.

  • Address: Seoul, Jongno District, Ikseon-dong, 166-36 1층
  • Open hours: 12:00 – 22:00

Solsot (솔솥)

Solsot is a super popular spot in Ikseon-dong, especially on social media. They’re famous for their pot rice, where the rice gets nice and crispy at the bottom. The special thing is, when you nearly finish your dish, you can pour their special broth over the crispy rice at the bottom to make a warm porridge. It’s really tasty and fun to try. You can find Solsot near the edge of Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, close to the ibis Ambassador Insadong. The steak pot rice and sea bream pot rice are two of the top favorites.

Instagram-worthy cafes

One cannot visit Ikseondong without stopping by its most famous cafes. Thanks to the mix between Hanok and modern architecture, the cafe culture climbs to another level in this part of town.

Cheongsudang 

This cafe is easily one of the most visited establishments in the area. Cheongsudang is a dessert cafe with a front yard that made its way all over Instagram for its beauty.

Cheongsudang cafe

They specialize in made-to-order soufflé and other desserts and are known for offering a forest-like atmosphere in the heart of the bustling city. According to the official website, it aims to provide some relaxation and comfort to busy and tired people who live in the city through the concept called “the Aesthetics of Slowness.”

Its road of stones surrounded by trees and lampions makes for the perfect snap. This cozy cafe is a dream for a romantic dessert break or a photo session with your travel buddies.

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Seoul Coffee

This Hanok-style coffee shop was born from the owner’s memories of his grandmother’s home. It was launched in the 80s to offer visitors old-school treats such as twisted bread sticks, Dalgona, and Sikhye (a sweet, refreshing rice drink). Read more about the top Traditional Korean Foods you must eat.

Nowadays, the cafe offers a more modern menu but keeps the spirit of old Seoul in its architecture.

Ruska

This Hanok-style cafe doubles as a tableware shop. It offers an impressive selection of traditional teas and other beverages, along with Korean tea sets and other tableware, perfect for gifting your friends and family back home.

The interior combines modern furniture with a traditional Korean roof and Korean-style decoration. It also sports greenery all around, offering a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruska_cafe_shop/

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Nakwon

Maybe when you search for Ikseon-dong, you’ll probably see the railway track image from this cafe. That’s Nak-won Station, and it’s super popular because of how beautiful and unique it is. The little railway at the entrance is a must-snap spot, and inside, there’s even a mini conveyor belt showing off all their desserts — it’s really fun to watch and perfect for videos. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but it does get pretty busy.

Rami Scone

Rami Scone has a totally different vibe compared to the many Hanok cafes around Ikseon-dong. It catches your eye right away with its white walls and a beautiful pastry display out front. This is also one of the few cafes here that offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, which is a big plus. Their fluffy souffle cheesecake is super popular, you should give it a try!

Visit craft beer bars / shops

Craft Roo(t)

Craftroo bar
By official Facebook

Located in the heart of Ikseon-dong, Craft Roo(t) is a small but stylish craft beer bar that’s perfect for a laid-back evening. With around 10 beers on tap at any time, their core lineup includes Sokcho IPA, Daepo Port Stout, Abai Weizen, and Gaetbae Pilsner. The cozy interior has just a couple of tables near the bar, while the covered outdoor terrace is ideal for people-watching with a pint in hand.

  • Address: 17-7 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
  • Open hours: 16:00 – 23:30 weekdays | 12:00 – 23:30 weekends
  • Contact: +827078080001

Brew 3.15

Brew 3.15
By official Facebook

Just down the street from Craft Roo(t), Brew 3.15 is another go-to for craft beer lovers, especially if you’re craving fresh pizza to go with your pint. The bar usually has 10 rotating taps, featuring favorites like Jirisan Moon Bear IPA, Magpie Brewery Pale Ale, and Budnami Double IPA. If you can’t decide, order their tasting paddle — four mini pours served in quirky Pyrex-style measuring jugs, so you can sample a wide range of flavors before picking your favorite.

You can also stop by Brew 3.14, its sister spot right nearby, for even more craft beer options and a slightly different vibe.

  • Address: 40 Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul
  • Open hours: 17:00 – 00:00 Mon to Sat | closed on Sundays
  • Contact: +8250713843023

Get a Cute Cartoon Caricature

Along the Hanok streets, you’ll find small art stalls where local artists draw cartoon-style caricatures of visitors. They can turn you, your friends, or even your pet into a playful sketch in just a few minutes.

Prices are reasonable, with a quick illustration starting at around 7,000 KRW. It’s a lighthearted way to remember your day in Ikseon-dong, and the finished piece is perfect to frame, gift, or post on Instagram.

Play Retro Games at Com Com Play Arcade

If you want a break from cafe-hopping, stop by Com Com Play, a fun retro arcade right in the middle of Ikseon-dong. It’s a two-story spot filled with games from the 80s all the way to today, and the glowing disco ball at the entrance makes it hard to miss.

Inside, you’ll find everything from quirky fishing games and air hockey to baseball hoops and Konami Bishi-bashi booths. Entry is free, and you just pay per game using tokens (there’s a change machine inside). It’s a quick, lighthearted stop that fits perfectly into an afternoon of exploring the Hanok streets.

  • Address: 171-1 Ikseon-dong, Seoul

Shopping trendy or Vintage

Many shops in Ikseondong can satisfy your desire for trendy, fashionable clothing or vintage, thrift store pieces. Although new stores pop up now and then, some of the most notable places are below.

Only to name a few, Obless, Ikseondong Vintage, and Ruda are some of the popular places to find cute and trendy fashion items. Although they have online shopping available, shopping in-store has a different atmosphere. From accessories to ready-to-wear, there is something for all tastes and wallets.

Flea Market (경성상점) is for some unique finds. In flea markets, you can pay with cash or a card, although using a card will cost you a 10% charge. It is, therefore, better to plan by bringing some cash with you for stress-free shopping.

Take Photos in a Cute Photobooth

Cute Photobooth in ikseondong

If you’re looking to add some fun memories to your visit, stop by one of the photobooths around the neighborhood. Ikseon-dong has a few hidden gems where you can snap cute, vintage-style photos with friends or even on your own. They usually have costumes and accessories you can change into before you take the pictures, making it even more fun and unique! 

Night Vibes

When the sun sets, Ikseon-dong takes on a whole new vibe. The area lights up with cozy bars, dessert cafes, and restaurants. The hanok houses lit up at night look incredible. You can enjoy a drink at a cute bar or dig into some late-night desserts — the neighborhood stays just as charming after dark.

Try Some Street Food

ikseondong street food
Hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts)

Walking around Ikseon-dong, you’ll see lots of small food stalls hidden between the cafes and shops. It’s a great place to grab some quick snacks while exploring. You can try hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and croffles (croissant-waffles with toppings like cream or ice cream). Everything is easy to eat on the go and super tasty.

Walking around Ikseondong and taking pictures

After enjoying food and dessert, it’s time to digest everything. What better way than to walk around the beautiful Hanok Village? It is one thing to visit places one by one, but it’s another to see the neighborhood in all its glory. The paved streets are full of decorations and store windows worth admiring, and you can continue your walk to City Hall to conclude the visit.

Many reviews on platforms such as Trip Advisor mention something similar to my experience: walking through the streets often ends up being the most memorable part of the entire visit. Dozens of alleys that cross each other feel like a maze, except every corner reveals something new and fun to see. Even after eating to your heart’s content, the cute shops and beautiful cafes are lovely to visit during your walk, with a blend of modern and traditional architecture that never becomes boring.

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Seoul is full of secrets, and the Ikseondong neighborhood feels like one, hidden in the middle of modern buildings. Besides the establishments mentioned in this article, there is so much more that you will discover for yourself.

One last tip that I love to offer is: don’t hesitate to ditch the map once you have arrived in one of the alleyways and just walk around. I highly recommend getting “lost” to truly feel the magic of this colorful maze. On rainy, snowy, or sunny days, the charm that emanates from Ikseondong is undeniable. We hope you have fun exploring!

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