Ikseon-dong has become a must-visit neighborhood in Seoul. The maze-like streets of Ikseon-dong hold treasures in the form of cafés, restaurants, and handicraft shops with unique concepts and designs operated by young artists and entrepreneurs. Ikseon-dong has enough to see and eat to fill a half-day of touring!
11AM - The charm of 100 years of history, Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, first established in the 1920s, offers a unique mix of modern and traditional elements. The narrow alleyways are lined with uniquely decorated shops and cafes as they twist and turn. It’s no surprise that these alleyways are referred to as “photo zones” as the colorful shops make the perfect backdrop for photogenic moments. The shop signs and one-of-a-kind murals can also help you find you way within Ikseon-dong Hanok Village.
12PM – Lunch break overlooking hanok rooftops at 2storey_house
2storey_house is a French restaurant that overlooks the surrounding hanok village from the second-floor terrace. The chef was trained at the famous French culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, and makes classic French dishes using ingredients available in Korea. Try unique combinations such as cream pasta featuring bacon and oyster mushrooms, or squid ink risotto with monkfish and French salsa sauce.
Address: 28, Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 돈화문로 11나길 28)
1PM – Café with a view, Cheongsudang
Wander the streets of Ikseon-dong long enough and you'll come across a small pond with stepping stones, lined with tall bamboo and round yellow lanterns. The path leads to Cheongsudang, a café designed with the concept of an Asian garden. In addition to the interior design, the café's menu items are also popular. Enjoy stone pour-over coffee, made using stone drippers, or the Castella and fromage cake, baked in square-shaped pottery.
Address: 31-9, Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 돈화문로 11나길 31-9)
3PM – Get rid of stress at Ikseon Shooting Club
Part of the charm of exploring Ikseon-dong is stopping in to enjoy the shops. At Ikseon Shooting Club, you can relieve stress while also winning prizes! This indoor shooting range provides a variety of BB gun types that feel just like their actual model. Each gun type has a set point goal and if you get over the target goal, you win a prize!
Address: 21-13, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 수표로28길 21-13)
4PM – Sala Daeng BANGKOK, a slice of Thai paradise
For dinner, fly to Thailand. Just kidding! You can enjoy Thai food in Ikseon-dong at Sala Daeng BANGKOK, famous among tourists. The restaurant looks like a resort straight out of Bangkok, decorated with rattan furniture and green plants around a central swimming pool. The menu includes Korean remakes of Thai cuisine for a unique dining option. If you're looking for the full experience, be sure to order the Sala Daeng Special three-tier tray, coming with dinner and dessert!
Address: 40, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 돈화문로 11다길 40)
More Info
- Jongno-gu Cultural Tourism website: tour.jongno.go.kr
- Imagine your Korea; english.visitkorea.or.kr
