Ikseondong Hanok Village

Ikseondong Hanok Village, the trendy district

The Seoul audio-guided tour takes you to another traditional district, Ikseondong Hanok Village, cousin of Bukchon Village situated a little higher on the hill, but much less old. Having become one of the trendiest districts of the capital, it combines traditional houses with fashionable addresses.

A village rehabilitated in the 1920s

The district was rehabilitated in the 1920s according to the characteristics of the famous traditional Korean houses, the hanok. Conceived as a true small village within the city, it has been able to preserve its charm while reinventing itself. Today, its houses are home to restaurants, cafés and tea houses with original and eclectic concepts, which attract a young and curious clientele.

What there is to see

The charm of Ikseondong would almost make you forget that you are in one of the most modern capitals in the world. Its narrow alleys, lined with houses with curved roofs, invite you to push open the door of one of its shops to appreciate the singular decoration of each one. It is a lively district, particularly busy in the evening, where tradition and trend meet.

Practical information

Ikseondong Hanok Village is in the centre of Seoul, near the Insadong district. It can be walked freely. The restaurants, cafés and shops follow their own opening hours; the district is especially lively at the end of the day and in the evening.

How does Ikseondong differ from Bukchon?

Ikseondong, rehabilitated in the 1920s, is much less old than Bukchon and stands out for its restaurants, cafés and tea houses with trendy concepts.

What is there to do in Ikseondong?

Stroll through its alleys, enter its hanok houses transformed into cafés, restaurants and tea houses with original decor, especially in the evening.