Ikseon-dong

Overview

Ikseon-dong is Seoul's oldest hanok neighborhood, transformed into a trendy dining and café district. Tiny traditional houses now contain Instagram-worthy cafés, fusion restaurants, and vintage boutiques along atmospheric alleyways.

Highlights

• Hanok Cafés: Coffee and desserts served in beautifully renovated traditional houses with courtyard seating.
• Fusion Restaurants: Creative Korean-fusion dining in intimate hanok settings.
• Vintage Shops: Retro clothing, accessories, and records in converted hanok spaces.

History

Built in the 1920s, Ikseon-dong was Korea's first planned hanok neighborhood. It was nearly demolished for redevelopment until young entrepreneurs began opening cafés in the early 2010s, sparking a renaissance.

Visitor Tips

• Weekend Crowds: The tiny alleyways get very crowded on weekends — visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
• Afternoon Tea: The neighborhood is best experienced over a leisurely afternoon coffee.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.