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Ikseondong Hanok Village: 14 Best Cafes, Restaurants & Breweries
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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 the Ikseondong area, hanok management and the 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 has 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 & Restaurants 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 a good selection of popular cafes, restaurants and breweries you may find at Ikseondong Hanok Village. Listing order is based on their locations from Jongno 3-ga Station's exit 4. Please do explore and visit other fabulous eateries in Ikseondong too.
Ikseon Jabbang (All Day Brunch) 익선잡방
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11:00 - 21:00. Breaktime 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon-Fri & Non-Public Holiday only). Last order 20:00
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-21 | 17-21, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Ikseon Dimibang 익선디미방
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12:00 - 22:00. Breaktime 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only). Last order 21:00
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-27 | 17-27, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Ikseon Dimibang is a 'Korean Touch Bristo'. Its menu includes salad, pasta, risotto, steak, sides, lunch and dinner sets. It has good selection of bottle beer and wine (sparkling, white & red) too.
Ikseon Chihyang 익선취향
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12:00 - 21:00. Last order 40 mins before closing
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-32 1층 | 1F, 17-32, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Ikseon Jutaek Coffee & Bar 익선주택
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12:00 - 22:00 (Mon - Fri), 12:00 - 23:00 (Sat - Sun)
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 17-33 1층 | 1F, 17-33, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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Ikseon Jutaek Coffee is popular for their interesting-looking waffles (plain, banana & nutella, green tea and fruit) and fruit parfait.
Bangida Ikseon 반기다
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11:30 - 21:30. Breaktime 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only)
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서울 종로구 익선동 166-52 | 166-52 Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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).
Cafe Onhwa Ikseon Branch 카페온화 익선점 温花
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12:00 - 23:00. Last order 22:00
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 21-10 | 21-10 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Cafe Onhwa specialises in souffle pancake and drip coffee. Their plain souffle pancake with caramelised banana is the most popular and a must try!
Seoul Coffee Ikseon Branch 서울커피 익선점
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11:00 - 22:00
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 33-3 | 33-3, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Donburi Pasta Ikseon Branch 돈부리파스타 익선점
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11:30 - 21:00. Breaktime 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri). Last order 14:30 (Mon - Fri) & 20:00
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서울 종로구 수표로28길 33-10 | 33-10 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
At the entrance of Donburi Pasta is a cute otter photo zone. Though the restaurant is known for its pasta, they also serve donburi, steak and salad.
Hang Out 행아웃
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14:00 - 23:00 (Mon-Sat). 13:00 - 22:00 (Sun)
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11다길 29 | 29, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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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15:00 - 23:30 (Mon-Thu), 15:00 - 24:00 (Fri), 14:00 - 24:00 (Sat), 14:00 - 23:00(Sun)
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서울시 종로구 돈화문로11다길 30 | 30 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Cheongsudang Dessert Cafe 청수당 清水堂
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11:30 - 22:00. Last order 21:30
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9 | 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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).
Oncheonjib 온천집
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11:30 - 21:30. Breaktime 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only). Last order 14:00 (Mon - Fri only) & 20:30
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-8 | 31-8 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Ikseondong 121 익선동 121
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11:00 - 24:00. Breaktime 16:00 - 17:00 (Mon - Fri only)
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서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 30 | 30 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Ikseondong 121 is a Korean fusion restaurant popular for its homemade curry, pork cutlets and bibimbap.
Solsot Ikseon Branch 솔솥 익선점
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11:30 - 21:00. Breaktime: 15:00 - 17:00 (Mon-Fri only). 30 mins before closing
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서울 종로구 삼일대로30길 46 1층 | 1F, 46, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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For fans of pot rice, check out the famous Solsot restaurant located at the edge of Ikseondong Hanok Village near ibis Ambassador Insadong. Steak pot rice and sea bream pot rice are two of the most popular options at Solsot Ikseon Branch.
Attractions Around Ikseondong Hanok Village
Recommended Accommodation Near 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.
With so many nice cafes, restaurants and breweries at Ikseondong Hanok Village and many popular attractions are within easy walking distance away, it is indeed a convenient location to stay in Jongno-gu. On top, it is near to two subway stations, namely Jongno 3-ga (line 1, 3 & 5) and Anguk Station (line 3).
In fact, there are a good selection of accommodation options near Ikseondong Hanok Village. Here are KoreaToDo's recommended picks based on their popularity, review rating, distance from subway station and uniqueness. Listing order based from Jongno 3-ga Station (exit 4).
Moxy Seoul Insadong by Marriott
★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating
Moxy Seoul Insadong by Marriott has the best location to Ikseondong Hanok Village. Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 & 5, exit 4) is just in front of the hotel. i.e. the hotel is directly across the road to Ikseondong Hanok Village's entrance. 2 mins walk.
NamHyunDang - Hanok Korean Traditional House
★★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating
If you are looking for an authentic hanok living experience, check out the 3-bedroom traditional house, NamHyunDang that comes with a courtyard, living room and fully equipped kitchen. The hanok is located near ibis Ambassador Insadong and a short 4 mins walk to Ikseondong Hanok Village.
Orakai Insadong Suites
★★★★ | 8.5 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 Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1, 3 & 5, exit 4/5).
Map of Getting to Ikseondong Hanok Village & Recommended Picks (Eat, Drink & Stay)
Map of Popular Attractions Around Ikseondong Hanok Village
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