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Guide to Ikseondong Hanok Village, a Hidden Gem in Seoul

ByRoseanne Ducut

Ikseondong Hanok Village is a charming and historic neighborhood in Seoul, known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, or hanoks.

I accidentally stumbled upon the area while wandering around Insadong.

Ikseondong Hanok Village is especially popular with locals, but remains somewhat of a hidden gem in Seoul.

It’s also located next to popular Seoul attractions like Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Shopping Street.

Address: Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

A charming alleyway in Ikseondong Hanok Village, Seoul, brought to life with a vibrant array of suspended umbrellas in a multitude of colors, as people with umbrellas walk below during a rainy evening, reflecting the area's blend of tradition and modernity

What’s Special About Ikseondong Hanok Village?

The bustling alleyways of Ikseon-dong Hanok Village in Seoul feature a variety of restaurants, including a prominently displayed DONBURI Japanese cuisine sign. Visitors stroll down the sunlit path, exploring the fusion of traditional Korean architecture and modern dining options

Ikseondong Hanok Village dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1300s).

Many of the hanok houses in the village have been restored to their original architectural designs.

Visiting is like getting a glimpse into traditional Korean living from centuries ago. It’s a unique cultural experience, but while enjoying modern amenities.

Many of the hanok houses in the village have been converted into guesthouses, shops, trendy cafes, and restaurants.

Top 5 Things to Do at Ikseondong Hanok Village

Shoppers browse through a variety of colorful bags and fashionable clothing displayed outside a vibrant shop in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. Umbrellas hang overhead, adding to the charming and bustling street market atmosphere

1. Explore the Hanok Houses

You can wander through each of the alleyways lined with beautifully restored hanok houses.

A lot of the hanoks have been decorated with intricate designs, from modern to traditional.

2. Enjoy Traditional Korean Cuisine

Ikseondong Hanok Village has many restaurants, cafes, and teahouses that serve Korean food and traditional Korean desserts.

Some of the cafes offer vegan items too like Rami Scone. Also nearby one is Vegan Insa, which is also in a traditional hanok and offers vegan Korean food.

A vibrant alleyway in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea, bathed in sunlight. The narrow path is lined with small shops and cafes, some of which have colorful umbrellas hanging overhead for shade. The area is bustling with activity, with people strolling and browsing the eclectic mix of traditional and modern storefronts. The greenery and flowers add a touch of nature to the lively scene.

3. Shop for Handcrafted Goods

There are also boutiques and shops in the area, with handcrafted goods and traditional Korean souvenirs. You can find unique clothing, accessories, pottery, and artwork.

4. Rent a Hanbok and Take Photos

Consider renting a hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing, from one of the hanbok rental shops and have a photo session in the alleyways, or at one of the photo booth shops within Ikseondong Hanok Village.

5. Stay at a Hanok

There are a few accommodation options in the area, including both traditional hanok stays and modern hotels.

But for a traditional hanok stay, try Dajayon Hanok Stay or Gung Guesthouse nearby.

How to Get to Ikseondong Hanok Village

A couple walks down the wet, reflective streets of Ikseon-dong Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea, sharing an umbrella on a rainy day. Traditional Hanok buildings line the narrow alley, adorned with signs in Korean, as the quaint urban scene conveys a serene ambiance despite the weather.

By Subway:

Take the subway to Anguk Station and go through exit 6. Keep walking north for about 10 minutes.

By Bus:

There’s many buses that stop near the Anguk Station. From Anguk Station, you can easily walk to the village.

From Insadong Shopping Street:

If you’re already at Insadong Shopping Street, Ikseondong Hanok Village is about a 10-15 minute walk away.

Nearby Attractions to Ikseondong Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic neighborhood located nearby and a popular tourist site.

Similar to Ikseondong Hanok Village, it’s known for its well-preserved traditional hanoks dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.

A picturesque view of a narrow, uphill street in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea. The street is lined with traditional Korean hanok houses, featuring wooden eaves and stone walls with intricate patterns. The architecture reflects Korea's rich cultural heritage, and the alleyway is peaceful and empty, with just a few people visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. The overall scene captures the serene and historic atmosphere of the village.

Samcheongdong Road

A tree-lined street in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, with golden autumn leaves contrasting against a clear blue sky and storefronts, including a CU convenience store.

Samcheongdong is a neighborhood adjacent to both Ikseondong Hanok Village and Bukchon Hanok Village.

I also stumbled across this area while trying to find the Bukchon Hanok Village. There’s lots of boutique shops, galleries, and trendy cafes.

Insadong Shopping Street

A long walking street surrounded by small shops and restaurants with tourists walking at Insadong Shopping Street - in top Seoul attractions and places to visit in Seoul

Insadong Shopping Street is just a 10-15 minute walk away from Ikseondong Hanok Village. It’s is a long street of local shops and restaurants.

You can find a lot of traditional Korean souvenirs and desserts here. Annyeong Insadong and Ssamzigil Mall are also located here.

Is Visiting Ikseondong Hanok Village Worth It?

A creative storefront display at a cafe in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Seoul, with cheerful hand-painted prints on concrete blocks, flanked by vibrant pink and purple flowers. Two brooms whimsically decorated with sunglasses and bows stand guard beside a miniature garden arrangement, adding a touch of whimsy to the traditional setting

Yes! I’m glad I stumbled across Ikseondong Hanok Village, even in the rain! It felt like a hidden discovery and all of the cafe and shop-turned hanoks were beautifully decorated inside and out.

It can get crowded during peak hours though, so plan accordingly.

Plus, it’s already near iconic Seoul attractions, so it doesn’t hurt to add it to your itinerary!

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Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.