Explore Ikseon Dong Seoul — Visit Ikseon Dong Hanok Village & Top 9 things to do in ikseon dong

March 21, 2020

Ikseon-dong is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul, located in Jongno district and the north of the city center. Previously, when mentioning Seoul, people often only remember a few typical names such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Gwanghwamun or Insadong,… However, Seoul has many other interesting destinations and recently, Ikseon-dong is becoming a popular tourist attraction not only for locals but also for many foreign tourists. What’s hot in Ikseon-dong neighborhood – the hidden gem of Seoul? Taking advantage of the unique architecture of the traditional Hanok architecture style, many young Koreans are combining to open restaurants, cafes, and craft shops to create a space that is both modern and ancient. So, what to do in Ikseon Dong Seoul (Ikseon Dong hanok village of Seoul). So, what’s hot in Ikseon Dong Seoul? Let’s check out our Ikseon Dong blog to explore Ikseon Dong Hanok village, top things to do in Ikseon Dong, the ancient streets hidden amidst bustling Seoul to find out the answer! Now, let’s joining Living Nomads discover the charms of Ikseon-dong in the article below!

Top things to do in Ikseon Dong: Check-in Ikseon Dong Hanok village in Ikseon-dong Seoul

Ikseon Dong Hanok Village in Ikseon-dong was built in the 1920s. Despite hundreds of years in history, the ancient traditions still remain preserved to this day. The narrow alley with many bends makes visitors feel get lost in the magical maze world. You can easily see many restaurants, cafes, shops located close together but do not cause any boredom because each store is wearing its own color, specific characteristics that can not be confused.

Lovely souvenir shop | ikseon dong hanok village blog

You can choose your favorite cafe on the alley, just sitting to enjoy the coffee flavor while watching the ancient scenery and the flow of people passing by, very gentle and romantic right? This neighborhood is also suitable for checking-in photos for girls who love vintage style too.

One of the most prominent shops in Ikseon-dong is Vintage Bonnie. This place not only sells retro clothes but also kitchen tools, very cute handmade products. The price is also very affordable, so you can check out the store if you have the opportunity to go to Ikseon-dong.

Vintage Bonnie

Address: 21-17, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 12PM-9PM (Closed every Monday)
Official website: www.vintagebonnie.com
How to get there: From Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 4, you cross the street and walk straight for about 300m along Donghwamun-ro Street 11-gil (Approx. 3 minutes)

Visit the Unhyeongung Royal Residence

In ancient times, the Unhyeongung Royal Residence (Palace) was the home of Heungseon Daewongun – the father of King Gojong (1863-1907) – the 26th King of the Joseon Dynasty. Despite being located in the heart of a modern city, the Unhyeongung Royal Palace retains its ancient and peaceful beauty. Autumn is the best time for you to visit Unhyeonggung Residence, both experience the traditional space and immerse yourself in the romantic scenery with a yard covered with yellow leaves.

It also often takes place interesting events, traditional festivals to re-present history. You can track the details at the official website http://www.unhyeongung.or.kr/ before you go!

Address: 464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 삼일대로 464 운현궁)

How to get there: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), exit 4. Walk for about 100m (about 2 minutes) to reach.

Opening hours:

Early April to end of October: 9AM-7PM (Last entry at 6:30PM)
Early November to late March: 9AM-6PM (Last entry 5:30PM)

Note: Free admission and closed on Mondays (except Monday is a public holiday)

Experience wearing Hanbok at Kukminhanbok Chabim

Coming to Ikseon-dong, you hardly miss the opportunity to dress up in a traditional Hanbok and wandering around the streets. Kukminhanbok Chabim shop is located right in Ikseon-dong so you can come here freely to choose your favorite costumes and accessories. If you prefer simplicity, you can also choose to wear innovative hanbok. The products here come in a variety of designs and colors, so it’s easy to pick out your favorite hanbok right away.

Address: 4F, 16, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10AM–8PM
Phone: +82 2-738-9170
How to get there: From Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Line 5), Exit 5, cross the street and follow the road below Nagwon Music Mall. Then turn left at the T-shaped junction. Continue walking for about 30 meters and you will see the store on the left.
See more details at the official website: www.kukminhanbok.com

Enjoy culinary specialties at Gyeongyangsik 1920

1920 was the year the Hanok village in Ikseon-dong (Ikseon dong hanok village) was found and the number appearing in the name of Gyeongyangsik 1920 also meant that. The restaurant has a modern style, serving Western cuisine but is set in traditional Hanok space with lovely pink curtains. With many attractive, delicious dishes and luxurious design, Gyeongyangsik 1920 is very popular with many Korean girls. The two most outstanding dishes are donkkaseu (thin crispy pork cutlet) and hamburg steak. Remember to try it when you come here!

Gyeongyangsik 1920 restaurant is usually crowded at lunch or dinner time, so it is likely that you have to queue for a long time for your turn to eat. If you want to go to the restaurant, we recommend reserve to save more time.

Address: 17-30, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 수표로28길 17-30)
Opening hours: 12PM-11PM (Break time: 15PM-5PM)
How to get there: From Exit 4, Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station, cross the road and go straight for 200m along Donghwamun-ro Street 11-gil (About 3 minutes)

Experience the casual Korean dining space at Pojangmacha in Ikseon-dong

Pojangmacha | things to do in ikseon dong seoul

If you often watching Korean movies, the image of the light-lit food stalls like Yatai in japan along the road is very familiar, right? These eateries are called Pojangmacha (포장마차) (meaning small street vendors), usually erected with orange tarps and mostly serving popular dishes with Soju. This is a quite popular place for Koreans to talking and chatting after stressful working hours.

Along the streets of Ikseon-dong to Nagwon Music Mall (Nakwon Musical Instrument Arcade), you will encounter many small and pretty pojangmacha. Favorite dishes here are udon noodle, ramyeon, eomuk, jeon, tteokbokki (Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes) and sundae (Korean blood sausage), etc… You should coming here to experience a casual dining style like a Korean!

Opening hours: 7PM-2AM (time may vary depending on the stalls).
How to get there: From Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), exit 6, walk to Donghwamun-ro 11-gil (100m). Along the way you go is Pojangmacha Street of Ikseon-dong.

Top things to do in Ikseon dong: Seoul Coffee 1945

The cafe is located on the ground of the traditional Hanok house, Seoul Coffee 1945 is famous for its minimalistic design but equally as sharp as it comes with the wooden furniture of traditional Hanok house. Besides, the restaurant is also famous for a variety of desserts such as ice cream, butter bread – which you must try when coming to Seoul Coffee 1945. What do you think if you spend about 1-2 hours to sip and enjoy drink / food menu here? Remember to tell us how you feel after the experience.

Address: 33-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-333-0861
Hours: 12pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Le Blanseu

Le Blanseu is a restaurant that received good reviews on Naver of Korean people. The restaurant specializes in serving French cuisine made in home-cook style to create a sense of intimacy for diners. In addition, the diverse menu is also a plus that makes visitors come to Le Blanseu every time they have the opportunity to visit the ancient town of Ikseon-dong. Be sure to order a cool Mint Mojito cocktail with a pasta plate sprinkled with fragrant cheese.

Address: 30 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 11:30AM–4PM, 5–10:30PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +82 2-766-9951

Dongbaek Bakery

Dongbaek means the flower of Camellia in Korean, Dongbaek pastry shop is a must-visit place if you are intending to want to experience the cuisine at Ikseon-dong. It is known that the restaurant specializes in serving typical soufflé pancakes, donuts with smooth cream foam layer served with syrup and fruit, bring a good impression for those who come even for the first time. Fruit teas also are loved by many visitors at the same time. Cute shop design is also a significant plus, worthy for you to “buy now” for yourself some great virtual pictures.

Address: 166-73 Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 10AM–11PM
Phone: +82 2-744-1224

Ikseon Boutique

Located near Hanok Village, Ikseon Boutique Store is a place to store and remind of the classic dress style of many years ago. As Asian-European cultural mix became popular and gradually changed the way of dress inherent of Korean people. Coming to Ikseon Boutique, you will have the opportunity to wear retro costumes and record commemorative photos right at Ikseon Boutique or on the roads of the ancient Hanok village. Costume rental price will be charged by the hour and there will be surcharges according to the different costumes.

Ikseon Boutique Korean Retro Clothing Rental Experience

Address: 3rd Floor, 38 Donghwamunro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 9AM–7PM
Phone: +82 2-747-4310
URL: https://www.ikseonboutique.com/

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

Myeongdong night market — The bustling street of Myeongdong.

Are you looking for more Seoul travel guide and top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Seoul travel blog — The fullest Seoul travel guide blog for a wonderful budget trip to Seoul for the first time.