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Ikseondong Hanok Village: Best Cafes, Restaurants & Breweries
▶Untold History & Transformation of Ikseondong
▶Other Cafes, Bakeries & Restaurants
▶Fashion Stores, Self-Photo Studios & others at Ikseondong Hanok Village
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Jongno 3-ga Station (line 5, exit 4 - recommended). Upon station's exit, turn left and cross the street to enter the alley next to CU convenience store (bright purple signboard).
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Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1/3, exit 6 - nearest exit). U-turn upon exit and turn left onto the 1st alley.
Ikseondong Hanok Village is a hot trending place with narrow streets of hip cafes, restaurants and pubs in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Conveniently located in a central location with Insadong on its left and surrounded by royal palaces, Ikseondong Hanok Street can be easily reached from Jungno 3-ga Subway Station (line 1, 3 & 5), perhaps explaining its popularity as well.
Untold History & Transformation of Ikseondong
Ikseondong is the oldest hanok village in Seoul with over 100 years of history. There are a total of 119 hanoks in Ikseondong, the highest hanok-density area in Seoul compared to Bukchon and Seochon.
In April 2004, due to the declining conditions of the hanoks and development around the area, Ikseondong was designated as an Urban Environment Improvement Zone with plans by the Redevelopment Promotion Committee to build a 14-storey residential complex.
However, Seoul City Planning Commission put a brake on the Ikseondong development plan in October 2010 to preserve the hanoks. Eventually, the Redevelopment Promotion Committee decided to voluntarily disband in 2014.
During this period, young entrepreneurs opened retro restaurants and cafes in renovated hanoks.
With the local atmosphere changing, the Seoul Metropolitan Government put forth the District Unit Plan focusing on tourism and regional revitalisation of Ikseondong in June 2015.
In March 2018, Ikseondong was designated as the last hanok village, Ikseondong Hanok Village in Seoul. It will be managed under District Unit Plan with aims to revitalize Ikseondong area, hanok management and local economy.
Under Ikseondong District Unit Plan:
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existing hanoks are preserved as much as possible.
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receive funds in support for building or repairing hanok.
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height of building within the village is limited to first floor.
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height of nearby roadside buildings (i.e. Donhwamun-ro and Taehwagwan-gil) cannot exceed fifth floor (20m).
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franchises and large-scale stores are not allowed to enter Ikseondong.
In April 2018, after 14 years, the Seoul Metropolitan Government officially lifted Ikseondong from the Urban Environment Improvement Zone.
It is amazing how Ikseondong survived the fate of demolition. Through careful urban planning and persistence, the city managed to preserve its traditional hanok heritage and successfully transformed Ikseondong to co-exist and well-liked by both locals and overseas visitors.
Best Cafes at Ikseondong Hanok Village
With cafes, restaurants and guesthouses gradually increased over the years, Ikseondong Hanok Street has emerged as a hot place to visit in Seoul. It has retained the beauty of traditional hanoks with modern interior charms.
Here is an overview of popular cafes you may find at Ikseondong Hanok Village (listing in no particular order):
Cheongsudang Bakery 청수당 베이커리 (清水堂)
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9 | 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:30 - 22:00. Last order 21:30
Cheongsudang is one of the most famous cafes in Ikseondong Hanok Village. The entrance is captivating with bamboo and lanterns on both sides of the walkway. The cafe specialises in souffle castella (original, mugwort, signature strawberry composte) and fromage cakes (black sesame, matcha and strawberry).
Seoul Coffee Ikseon Main Branch 서울커피 익선본점
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 33-3 | 33-3, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:00 - 22:00
Seoul Coffee is a lovely cafe with rustic but cozy interior. The cafe is known for its butter loaf bread and and squid-ink butter bread. They also serve a good selection of ice-cream, cakes, tiramisu, terrine and chocolate platters.
Langsom Cafe Ikseon 한옥랑솜 익선동카페
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 21-6 1층 | 1F, 21-6, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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10:00 - 22:30 (Sun-Thu), 10:00 - 23:00 (Fri-Sat)
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Set in a renovated traditional Korean house with courtyard, Langsom Cafe Ikseon is one of the most atmospheric cafes in Ikseondong Hanok Village where you can take a break to enjoy their pretty-looking fresh fruit dessert and drink. The cafe is located 2 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 4).
Appiforet 아삐뽀레
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 21-14 1층 | 1F, 21-14, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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9:30 - 22:00. Last order 21:10
Appiforet is a fairly large, charming and well-decorated cafe located 3 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 4).
Their menu includes a good selection of popular desserts such as gelato, bingsu ice flakes, croffles and cakes on top of beverages.
Flipper's Ikseon 플리퍼스 익선점
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 31 1층 | 1F, 31 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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10:00 - 22:00. Last order 21:00
Flipper's Ikseon is a famous souffle pancake specialty restaurant located 2 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 4).
You can enjoy a variety of soft and fluffy souffles including fresh fruit, plain, Guerande salt caramel butter, honey blueberry yogurt and roasted pistachios & caramel nuts. There are To-Go menu and gift sets of souffle sando and honey butter financier.
Best Restaurants at Ikseondong Hanok Village
Ikseongdong Hanok Village boasts numerous popular restaurants set in traditional hanoks, with a significant number offering modern Korean-fusion fare. For those who need a drink, there are breweries with unique hanok atmosphere worthy of a visit.
Here are recommended restaurants and breweries you may find at Ikseondong Hanok Village (listing in no particular order):
Ikseon Jabbang (All Day Brunch) 익선잡방
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-21 | 17-21, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:00 - 21:00. Break time 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon-Fri & Non-Public Holiday only). Last order 20:00
If you are looking for brunch, head out to Ikseon Jabbang, a popular restaurant in Ikseondong Hanok Village. Besides its brunch menu, they also serve french toast, salad, pasta, risotto, steak, sides, house wine and beer.
🤳Advance online reservation/remote waitlist available on CatchTable app.
Ikseon Chwihyang 익선취향
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-32 1층 | 1F, 17-32, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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12:00 - 21:00. Last order 40 mins before closing
With just 6 items on the menu (signature steak, spicy cream pasta, pork belly rose pasta, vongole pasta, chicken curry risotto & omurice), Ikseon Chihyang is nonetheless popular. It is the perfect place for insta-worthy shot as all dishes are beautifully presented.
🤳Remote waitlist available on CatchTable app under restaurant name, 'Favorite Ikseon'.
Dongnip Millbang Ikseon 독립밀방익 선
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 30 | 30 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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12:00 - 22:00. Break time 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only). Last order 21:00
Dongnip Millbang Ikseon is a famous Italian restaurant introduced by Owner Chef with 10 years of experience at The Shilla Seoul (5-star hotel). The restaurant is a Blue Ribbon Survey recommended restaurant from 2021 to 2026. Its menu includes starter, steak, pasta, pizza, side, seasonal menu and menu set.
👉Rebrand from 'Ikseon Dimibang 익선디미방' to 'Dongnip Millbang Ikseon 독립밀방익선' in 2026.
🤳Advance online reservation/remote waitlist available on CatchTable app.
Bangida Ikseon 반기다
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11다길 51 1층 | 1F, 51 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:30 - 21:30. Break time 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only)
Bangida Ikseon is a modern Korean restaurant selected as 'Taste of Seoul 2021: 100 Best Restaurants & Bars' by Seoul Metropolitan Government along with fifteen gourmet curators and experts. The chef-owner was previously from a Michelin 3-star restaurant, La Yeon at The Shilla Seoul (Hotel). The set menu is popular at Bangida with lunch/vegetarian sets from ₩22,000- ₩30.000 and dinner sets from ₩30,000-₩40,000 (per person). prices subject to change.
Hang Out 행아웃
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11다길 29 | 29, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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16:00 - 23:00 (Mon-Fri), 15:00 - 23:00 (Sat)/22:00 (Sun)
Hang Out is located in a non so busy alley where you can drink their craft beer (/wine) with tasty snacks and chill out at their outdoor terrace. Their interior is pretty nice and cozy too.
Art Monster Ikseondong 아트몬스터 익선동점
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서울시 종로구 돈화문로11다길 30 | 30 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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15:00 - 23:30 (Mon-Thu), 15:00 - 24:00 (Fri), 14:00 - 24:00 (Sat), 14:00 - 23:00(Sun)
For beer lovers, head for Art Monster Ikseondong for an unique drinking experience in a hanok! Art Monster is known for their craft beer and has won many beer competition awards both locally and internationally. You can have their boutique beer together with a wide selection of chicken (e.g. fried, BBQ, spicy, rose cream) and pizzas, on top of sides (e.g. fries, nachos, tteokbokki, sausages) and salads.
Oncheonjib 온천집
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-8 | 31-8 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:30 - 21:30. Break time 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only). Last order 14:00 (Mon - Fri only) & 20:30
Oncheonjib is probably the most popular restaurant in Ikseondong Hanok Village with people often queuing up for it. It serves shabu shabu steamboat in a beautiful Japanese zen atmosphere. There is even a hot spring in the courtyard that resembles an onsen in Japan.
🤳Advance online reservation/remote waitlist available on CatchTable app under restaurant name, 'Oncheonjip Ikseon'.
Songam Onban 송암온반
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-3 1층 | 1F, 31-3, Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:30 - 22:00. Break time 15:00 - 17:00
Songam Onban is a traditional hanok-style Korean restaurant located 3 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 6).
Songam Onban's signature and highly-rated dish is Onban, a refined savory broth with tender boiled pork and cooked rice at the base. Other menu highlights include ginseng chicken soup (Samgyetang), perilla oil buckwheat noodles, seafood & chive pancake, boiled pork slices, dumplings and seasoned raw beef (Yukhoe). You can make your order including their popular set meals via the tablet at the table.
🤳Advance online reservation available on CatchTable app.
Solsot Ikseon Branch 솔솥 익선점
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서울 종로구 삼일대로30길 46 1층 | 1F, 46, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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11:30 - 21:00. Break time: 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon-Fri only). 30 mins before closing
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For fans of pot rice, check out the small but famous Solsot restaurant located at the edge of Ikseondong Hanok Village near ibis Ambassador Insadong, 5 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 6). Steak pot rice and sea bream pot rice are two of the most popular options at Solsot Ikseon Branch.
🤳Remote waitlist available on CatchTable app.
SotNaeEum Jongno Insadong 솥내음 종로인사동점
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서울 종로구 인사동길 14 지상2층 | 2F, 14 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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10:00 - 21:30. Break time 15:00 - 16:00. Last order 20:30
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If you are looking for a bigger and more spacious pot rice speciality restaurant, there is another vastly popular one located just outside Ikseondong Hanok Village. SotNaeEum Jongno Insadong is located on the 2F, right above OFF BEAUTY warehouse outlet and Starbucks, 5 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 4).
SotNaeEum Jongno Insadong serves over 20 varieties of pot rice (abalone, steak, octopus, eel, pumpkin mushroom, pork bulgogi, marinated cockles, marinated seafood in soy sauce, fish, eggplant, beef stew, etc), pancakes, grilled pollack roe, steak rose tteokbokki, chicken skin dumplings, etc. There are a good selection of traditional alcoholic beverages too. Orders are placed via tablet at table.
BBQ Restaurants Near Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 6)
Interestingly, contrast to the chic cafes and restaurants at Ikseondong Hanok Village, there is a big cluster of Korean BBQ restaurants with local vibes located near Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station. Many of these open-air BBQ restaurants generally open towards the late afternoon.
🐾click on the restaurants below for their map location & opening hours on Naver Map (in no particular order).
Other Popular Cafes, Bakeries & Restaurants at Ikseondong Hanok Village
Ikseongoro 익선고로
Jayeondo Sogeumppang (Salt Bread) & Jayeondoga 자연도소금빵&자연도가
Soha Salt Pond Ikseon-dong 소하염전
Cultural Bakery 문화제빵
Onjisim Ikseon Cafe 온지심 익선 카페
Cafe Onhwa Ikseon 카페온화 익선점 (温花)
Nakwon Station Cafe 낙원역
Cafe Highwaist 카페하이웨스트 익선점
WOO'Z 우즈베이커리 익선점
Zio Cucina Italian Restaurant 지오쿠치나익선
Aledang 에일당
There are too many fabulous cafes and restaurants with their own unique, charming style at Ikseondong Hanok Village to cover all of them in details. As such, please keep an open mind and leisurely explore other fabulous eateries in Ikseondong.
Here is a quick overview of other chic and amazing cafes, bakeries and restaurants at Ikseondong Hanok Village (listing in no particular order):
Fashion Stores, Self-Photo Studios & Others at Ikseondong Hanok Village
Besides the chic cafes and restaurants, there are several fashion stores, self-photo studios, portrait drawing, craft and entertainment (e.g. shooting gallery) stores at Ikseondong Hanok Village.
Attractions Nearby Ikseondong Hanok Village
Ikseondong Hanok Village is surrounded by many well-known attractions like Insadong, Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden that are within 7 mins walk away.
From these attractions, you can continue your walk to other famous attractions nearby like Bukchon Hanok Village or Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Recommended Accommodation Near Ikseondong Hanok Village & Airport Limousine Bus
Ikseondong Hanok Village offers a wealth of fantastic cafes, restaurants and breweries, while many major popular attractions remain just a short walk away. On top, there are good selection of accommodation options and near to two subway stations, namely Jongno 3-ga (line 1, 3 & 5) and Anguk Station (line 3).
Airport Limousine Bus between Incheon International Airport & Ikseondong Hanok Village/Jongno 3-ga Station
Airport Limousine Bus 6002 to/from Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1 & 2) stops at Jongno 3-ga Station. From Incheon International Airport - Drop off at Jongno 3-ga Station exit 15, in front of Lotteria. T1 (15th stop)/T2 (16th stop). To Incheon International Airport - The bus stop is 30m from Jongno 3-ga Station exit 11. T1 (15th stop)/T2 (16th stop).
Alternatively, if your accommodation is nearer to Anguk Station (line 3), you can take Airport Limousine Bus 6011 with drop off between exit 5 & 6, pick up between exit 1 & 2. T1 (6th stop)/T2 (7th stop).
💡If you are taking the subway, exits 3-8 of Jongno 3-ga Station are nearer to Ikseondong Hanok Village with escalator access (exit 4) and lift access (near exit 8).
Recommended Accommodation near Ikseondong Hanok Village
Here are the recommended accommodation options near Ikseondong Hanok Village from the budget-friendly to well-known international hotel chains. All properties are located within 5 mins walk from Exits 3 to 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station, the nearest subway exits to Ikseongdong Hanok Village.
Orakai Insadong Suites
★★★★ | 8.9 Review Rating
Orakai Insadong Suites is one of the most popular accommodation in the area. It offers luxurious 1-4 bedrooms self-catering apartments with a well-equipped kitchenette. It also has an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna facilities. 5 mins walk to Ikseondong Hanok Village and 3 mins walk to Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 & 5, exit 4/5).
Dormy Inn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong
★★★ | 8.9 Review Rating
Dormy Inn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong is located across the street from Orakai Insadong Suites, 3 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 & 5, exit 4/5). Guests can enjoy buffet breakfast of Japanese and Korean cuisines in a modern ambience. The hotel also offers Japanese-style communal bath with both men's and women's indoor baths, high-temperature dry saunas and cold plunge pools, allowing guests to relax and unwind.
N285Hotel Insadong
★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating
N285Hotel Insadong is located next to Dormy Inn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong, 3 mins walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 & 5, exit 4/5). The non-smoking hotel offers free WiFi, 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. There are also Miltop (shaved ice cafe), CU convenience store (24 hrs), The Hanoi Foot & Body (Massage) and new concept pub in the hotel.
SimpleStay Hotel in Jongno
★★ | 8.2 Review Rating
SimpleStay Hotel in Jongno is located on the street behind Moxy Seoul Insadong, 2 mins walk to Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 & 5, exit 5). The non-smoking property provides 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms are with air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Map of Getting to Ikseondong Hanok Village & Recommended Accommodation
Map of Popular Attractions Around Ikseondong Hanok Village
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