Cheongsudang is the Ikseon-dong cafe where you walk through a small bamboo forest and over stepping stones before you even reach the counter. Set inside a traditional hanok in Jongno-gu, it has become one of the most photographed cafes in Seoul and a regular feature on Korean Instagram feeds.
Below you’ll find what makes the space special, what to order, opening hours and how to beat the crowds. Want more ideas? Our guide to trendy Seoul cafes and restaurants lists nine other favorites.
The Space: Bamboo, Water and Hanok Wood
Ikseon-dong is a tiny neighborhood of 1920s urban hanok houses near Jongno 3-ga Station. Over the last decade its narrow alleys filled with cafes, bakeries and small restaurants, and Cheongsudang is one of the most dramatic. The entrance leads you along a path of tall bamboo and a shallow pond lit by lanterns. Inside, wooden beams, low lights and plants create a calm, almost forest-like room.
The design is the main reason young Koreans visit. Many come in pairs for photos, then linger over dessert. Seats near the bamboo garden go first.
What to Order at Cheongsudang
- Yakgwa set – Korean honey cookies reimagined with flavors such as egg, matcha, black sesame and pistachio. Sets come in 4 or 7 pieces.
- Cakes and souffle-style desserts – rich and photogenic, though on the pricey side.
- Coffee and tea – lattes and traditional-style teas pair well with yakgwa.
Prices are higher than an average Seoul cafe. Think of it as paying for the space as much as the food.
Cheongsudang Hours, Address and Getting There
- Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9)
- Hours: 10:30–21:00 (last order 20:30)
- Subway: Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5), Exit 4 or 6 – about 5 minutes on foot
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive at opening. By early afternoon on weekends there is often a waiting list.
- Explore Ikseon-dong. The alleys are full of small shops; Jayeondo Salt Bread is a two-minute walk away.
- Combine with palaces. Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine are both within walking distance.
Is Cheongsudang Worth Visiting?
If you love design-led cafes, yes. Cheongsudang shows how Seoul’s young cafe owners use hanok architecture in new ways, and the bamboo entrance is unlike anything else in the city. Go for the atmosphere, order a yakgwa set, and take your time.
FAQ
Is Cheongsudang a bakery?
It is best known as a dessert cafe. It is often listed as Cheongsudang Bakery Cafe and serves cakes, yakgwa and drinks.
Can I reserve a table?
Seating is generally first come, first served, sometimes with a waitlist at busy times.
What is Ikseon-dong known for?
Its 1920s urban hanok houses, now home to cafes, bakeries and restaurants popular with young Seoulites.
Source: Creatrip – Ikseon-dong cafe guide
Featured image: Photo: S h y numis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Photos illustrate the area or dish and may not show the venue itself. Details checked October 2026; confirm hours on Naver Map before visiting.