Popular Cafes in Ikseon-dong, a Stylish Area in Korea You’ll Want to Visit During the Silver Week Getaway!
Korea has become a popular travel destination since the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also appealing due to its proximity, just a 1-2 hour plane ride from Japan. In Korea, Ikseon-dong is an especially hot topic as a fashionable area. There are many cafés and shops in a modern style renovated hanok (a traditional Korean house), so you can feel Korean culture while enjoying shopping and Korean foods. The area is conveniently accessible from the heart of Seoul, allowing visitors to explore the retro streets of Korea and capture great photos. This time, we’re going to introduce the 3 most popular cafes in Ikseon-dong.
Enjoy Sweets with a Travel-like Feel at Nakwon, a Cafe themed around Train Stations
Nakwon (Nakwon Station) is a railway-themed cafe in Seoul. It means Paradise station in Japanese and the interior and layout of the café are carefully designed, with railroad tracks and information boards showing departure times. In addition, The sweets they offer are a unique style that goes around the rails on the table like a train. This cafe is where you can feel like visiting a real station. The building is a renovated hanok, so you can feel the unique and retro atmosphere of a hanok in places. It’s a popular café that often has a long line, so how about using take-out if you don’t have enough time? The area near the entrance where you can take beautiful pictures of the railroad track is a popular photo space.
Opening Hours | 11:30AM – 10:30PM |
Address | 33-5, Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Access | 7 min. walk from Hotel Gracery Seoul to City Hall Station, then a 5-minute train ride on Subway to Jongno 3-ga Station, and a 6 min. walk from there |
URL | https://www.instagram.com/nakwonst/ |
Madang Flower Cafe – An Eye-catching Photogenic Cafe in Ikseondong
There are many unique and hot shops in Ikseon-dong. Madang Flower Cafe is especially a beautiful must-visit café in Seoul. The café is full of flowers and plants from the inside to the outside. Vivid-colored umbrellas hanging from the eaves, add a colorful touch to the atmosphere. The interior is filled with the scent of flowers, and you will feel very calm and healed. The flowers on display are for sale, so it would be a good idea to buy some flowers and take pictures with the sweets and drinks. This location is used as a shooting spot for TV commercials, artist music videos, and even the popular Korean drama ‘Goblin,’ making it a must-visit spot for enthusiasts.
Opening Hours | 8:00AM – 11:00PM |
Address | 33-12 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Access | 7 min. walk from Hotel Gracery Seoul to City Hall Station, then a 5-minute train ride on Subway to Jongno 3-ga Station, and a 5 min. walk from there |
URL | https://www.instagram.com/madangflowercafe/ |
Indulge in Exquisite Steamed Bread – Mil Toast, a Popular Choice for Breakfast
Mil Toast is popular café & toast café in Ikseon-dong. It opens at 8:00AM, so it would be nice for your breakfast. The most popular menu is the steamed loaf of bread, which is prepared right in front of you using a bamboo steamer. You have the option to select from various ingredients, including plain, adzuki beans, corn, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and more. The menu is also presented in Japanese. Steaming begins after placing your order, ensuring you can enjoy it piping hot with a fluffy and chewy texture. This eatery is a popular destination that attracts many customers each time they visit Seoul. It tends to get crowded shortly after opening, so if you want to make sure you get a chance to try it, arriving early is recommended.
Opening Hours | 8:00AM – 10:00PM |
Address | 30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Access | 7 min. walk from Hotel Gracery Seoul to City Hall Station, then a 5-minute train ride on Subway to Jongno 3-ga Station, and a 5 min. walk from there |
URL | https://www.instagram.com/miltoasthouse/ |
Base of this trip
Hotel Gracery Seoul
3-min walk from City Hall station on the subway line 1 and 2