Ikseon-dong, located in Jong-no district, one of the oldest towns in Seoul, is now a booming attraction between locals thanks to its sensuous restaurants and cafes. The neighborhood has already been well known for its 100-year-old Hanok Village, and now with its rising cuisine places, it is regaining fame as the best instagrammable place. Let’s take a closer look into Ikseon-dong’s Best 3 diners.
Jong-no Jaemyunso (Jong-no Noodle Manufacturer)
55 Donhwamun-ro, Myo-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Time 11:30 – 20:30
Break time 15:50-17:00
Close on Sundays
Jong-no Noodle Manufacturer features its handmade noodles and dumplings. Menus including Home-made Noodle Soup, Dumpling Soup with sliced rice cakes in it, all sell for a reasonable price. The best recommended among locals is its Dumpling Hot Pot. Home-made dumplings filled with pork and vegetables are served with fried tofu, sliced beef, and various vegetables all together in boiling meat stock. The harmony of tastes with fresh-made kimchi as a side dish is constantly attracting people of all ages.
Saladaeng Bangkok
40 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Time 11:00 – 22:00
Break time 15:00-17:00(No break time on Weekends)
Saladaeng Bangkok is a place where Hanok, a traditional Korean building, meets an exotic mood. Famous for its beautiful exterior and interior design including an artificial waterfall, mood lights, and tropical plants, this place provides countless photo spots.
Also, the foods never disappoint you: not only Thai classics like Tom Yam Kung, Pu Phat Phong Curry and Pineapple Crab Fried Rice, “Sala Daeng Special Triple Tray” includes the diner’s own menu Mango Sushi, a creative variation of Thai Sticky Rice with Mango. Young Seoulites especially in their twenties and thirties, visit this place waiting in line.
Ikseon Banju
31 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Time 11:30 – 22:30
Sitting in a quiet and peaceful backstreet of Hanok Alley, Ikseon Banju offers traditional Korean Cuisine with a slight fusion variation. Ikseon Banju’s best menu, “Lunch Full Course”, serves Several Korean dishes in a course at 25,000 won. Starting with starters(Black bean puree, Fig Tabbouleh salad), hot plates(Sous vid Pork with Pickled Korean Vegetables, Bulgogi Potato Pancake with sour cream, Chicken Hot Pot and Bulgogi Rice with Basil-pesto) follow. The culinary delights finish with a nicely prepared Cream Cheese Terrine.
Other than its Lunch Course, Ikseon Banju also boasts a wide list of traditional liquor including Local Craft Beer, Premium Soju, Refined Rice wine and Premium Makgeolli. Besides, the diner has several types of rice menu including Seasoned Grilled Dried Pollack, only available during winter as the seasonal delicacy.
