Ikseon-dong Seoul: 5 Must-Visit Hanok Cafes, Street Food & K-BBQ | Seoul Explorer

Ikseon-dong Seoul: 5 Must-Visit Hanok Cafes, Street Food & K-BBQ | Seoul Explorer
Ikseon-dong View

Ikseon-dong is a hidden gem in Seoul where traditional hanok streets meet modern cafés, street food, and K-BBQ. Here are five must-visit spots that combine authentic local experiences with Instagram-worthy moments.

1. Cheongsudang (청수당) — Traditional Sweets & Tea

Ikseon-dong Cheongsudang

Cheongsudang serves traditional Korean sweets and herbal teas in a charming hanok setting. Perfect for travelers looking for a calm cultural experience.

  • Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Hours: 10:30 – 20:00(Last order 19:30)
  • Price: Stone Drip Coffee Original ₩6,300, Stone Drip Egg Coffee ₩7,800, Matcha Latte ₩7,800, Original Souffle Castella ₩16,800, Matcha Fromage Cake ₩15,000, Strawberry Compote Souffle Castella ₩18,800
🍵 Tip: Recommend pairing the signature desserts listed above with coffee and matcha. From the entrance to the interior, the entire cafe is Instagram-worthy, so don't stop snapping photos. It's located down an alley, so be sure to refer to the map carefully.

2. Seoul Coffee Ikseon (서울커피 익선점) — Hanok Café

Ikseon-dong Seoul Coffee

A hanok cafe blending traditional architecture with modern coffee culture. A favorite spot for Instagram photos and relaxing coffee breaks in Ikseon-dong.

  • Address: 33-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Hours: 11:00 – 22:00(Last order 21:30)
  • Price: Sobok Soft icecream ₩5,500, HandDrip IKSEON Coffee ₩6,000, Americano ₩5,000, Vienna Coffee ₩6,500, Chocolate Latte ₩7,000, Vienna Milk Tea ₩6,500, Sweet Pumpkin Drink ₩6,500, Injeolmi Kasutera ₩7,500, Icecream Yakgwa Cookie ₩6,500
📸 Tip: This cafe, with its Hanok-style architecture, is perfect for Instagram, TikTok videos, and photos. Recommend ordering the ice cream and coffee combo.

3. Bangida Ikseon (반기다 익선) — Modern Korean restaurant

Ikseon-dong Ban-gida

Bangida Ikseon is a Korean restaurant where you can enjoy special menus from a Michelin-starred chef at reasonable prices. The interior is clean and comfortable, and each table features a tablet for convenient ordering and payment, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

  • Address: 51 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Hours: 11:30 – 21:00(Last order 20:00, Weekdays Break TIme 15:00 - 17:00)
  • Price: A-Set 35,000, B-Set 45,000
🍸 Tip: It's the perfect place to enjoy a cozy dinner after exploring the alleyways of Ikseon-dong.

4. Street Food Alley (익선동 포장마차 거리) — Local Snacks

Ikseon-dong Street Food Alley

End your Ikseon adventure with the ultimate Korean street food experience. This lively alley turns into a night market, filled with tent bars serving spicy tteokbokki, skewers, soju and a variety of Korean street foods under fairy lights.

  • Address: 9-2, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Hours: Roughly 18:00 – 03:00
  • Price: Soju ₩5,000, Beer ₩5,000, Makgeolli ₩5,000, Coke ₩3,000, Stir-fried Small Intestines and Vegetables ₩18,000, Grilled Chicken Feet ₩18,000, Sliced Raw Octopus ₩20,000, Grilled Shrimp ₩20,000, Squid Salad ₩20,000, Seafood and Green Onion Pancake ₩20,000, Egg Soup ₩15,000, Pork and Kimchi Stew ₩20,000, tteokbokki ₩15,000
🌮 Tip: Recommend exiting Jongno 3-ga Station through exits 3, 6, or 4. Be sure to bring cash. A public restroom is located near exit 4.

5. Ikseon-dong Meat House (익선동 고기집) — Korean BBQ Experience

Ikseon-dong BBQ

This Korean BBQ gem is a go-to for visitors craving authentic grill experiences. The mix of sizzling pork belly and hanok ambiance makes it a top pick for foreigners exploring Korean food culture.

  • Address: 47, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • Hours: Weekdays: 11:00 – 23:00, Weekends: 10:00 – 23:00
  • Price: Pork Belly 18,000, Pork skirt meat 18,000, Assorted Set(2 people) 54,000, Assorted Set(3–4 people) 72,000, Rib eye 43,000, Rib 23,000, Kimchi soup 18,000, Beer 6,000, Soju 5,000, Makgeolli ₩5,000, Coke 2,000
🥩 Tip: On a nice day, sit on the terrace and enjoy the hanok scenery while you eat your meat. Grilling pork belly with water parsley, kimchi, and garlic, then wrapping them in a ssam (Korean lettuce wrap) makes it even more delicious.

Why This Mix Works

This itinerary balances hanok cultural experiences, Instagram-friendly cafes, lively street food, and classic Korean BBQ. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting both traditional and modern Seoul experiences in one neighborhood.

Practical Tips

  • Nearest subway: Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5, Exit 4)
  • Wear comfortable shoes — alleys are walkable.
  • Be respectful of residents; maintain low voices in narrow streets.
  • Most shops accept cards, but small cash helps at pojangmacha stalls.
  • Visit on weekdays for quieter alleys and easier cafe seating.
Getting There: Take Line 1, 3, or 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 4 — Ikseon-dong is a short walk east along the hanok streets.

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