Ikseon-dong is a photogenic neighborhood filled with trendy boutiques and eateries. The neighborhood is a hipster stronghold and is popular with young artists, chefs and entrepreneurs. Venture into the pedestrianised district and get lost in a maze of narrow alleys lined with historic buildings.
Things to do in Ikseon-dong
Get lost in labyrinth-like Hanok Village. This micro neighbourhood dates back to the 1920s and features narrow streets lined with traditional Korean houses. Most are reimagined as hip cafes and teahouses, while others sell antiques, homewares and one-of-a-kind gifts. Wooden shopfronts decorated with flowers, parasols and murals give the area a postcard-perfect feel. It’s a great place to snap photos and capture Instagram-worthy moments.
Ikseon-dong boasts some of the best eateries in Seoul. Enjoy authentic French cuisine at elegant rooftop restaurants and escape to serene, Asian-inspired cafes complete with ponds, bamboo gardens and colourful string lanterns. You’ll see several shops selling “hotteok”, a traditional Korean dessert made with honey, peanut butter and sticky rice.
Gyeongbokgung recalls the grandeur of the Joseon dynasty and will dazzle you with its magnificent buildings and ornamental gardens. Walk around the enormous complex and admire hundreds of beautifully restored buildings from the 14th century, including the impressive main palace. Time your visit to coincide with a changing of the guard ceremony or enrich your visit with ticketed experiences like traditional Korean music concerts and multicourse royal feasts.
Bustling Insadong Street is just steps from Ikseon-dong. The lively thoroughfare is lined with shops where you can buy locally made crafts, independent art galleries and traditional Korean restaurants. Try dishes like kimchi stew, “bulgogi” BBQ beef and spicy stir-fried noodles.
Getting around Ikseon-dong
Most of Ikseon-dong is pedestrianised and easy to get around on foot. The neighborhood is a five-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga Station on Line 1 of the Seoul Metro and the Changdeokgung bus stop. Trains run between Jongno 3-ga Station and Incheon International Airport in one hour.