Perfect for Foreign Travelers: Korean Steak & Pasta in Seoul’s Ikseon-dong

 

 

A Modern Twist on Korean Cuisine in Ikseon-dong: Dining at 'Ikseon Dimibang'

If you're traveling around Jongno and looking for a restaurant that combines the charm of traditional Korean architecture with modern cuisine, I highly recommend Ikseon Dimibang—a stylish fusion restaurant nestled in the quaint alleyways of Ikseon-dong.

 

Restaurant Name: Ikseon Dimibang(익선디미방)
Location: [Google Maps Link] 

익선디미방 | Jongno Restaurants | 익선 맛집 | レストラン | 钟路美食 · 서울특별시 종로구 익선동 121

How to Get There:
Ikseon-dong is a compact neighborhood, so it’s easy to find the restaurant.
Just take Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station and walk straight up — you'll get there in no time!

 

Business Hours:
🕒 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🥄 Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (No break on weekends and public holidays)
🕗 Last Order: 8:30 PM

Additional Information:

• Private room available (1 room)
• Reservations accepted via Naver and CatchTable
• Corkage allowed
• Restroom located inside the building (shared facility)

 

 

 

A Hidden Gem in a Hanok

Located just a short walk from Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 6), Ikseon Dimibang sits in a renovated hanok (traditional Korean house). The exterior maintains the elegance of old Seoul, while the large windows and modern interior design give it a fresh, contemporary feel.

Despite its cozy size, the restaurant is neatly designed, offering a chic yet intimate dining experience. It can get a little crowded during peak hours, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

 

 

Led by a Top-Class Chef

This spot is not just visually appealing—it’s also recognized for its culinary quality. The restaurant has been awarded several Blue Ribbon stickers, Korea’s version of a food guide, and is operated by a chef with over 10 years of experience at the prestigious Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

 

 

What We Ordered

We tried the Steak Set for Two, which included:

• Warm bread and house red wine to start
• Soft-boiled egg (suran) and spicy bacon cream pasta
• Fresh kimchi-style salad (geotjeori)
• Grilled beef steak (Korean-style chuck flap tail)
• Truffle mashed potatoes

The wine was smooth with medium body and low sweetness—surprisingly good for a house wine. The bread, although simple, was served warm and crispy on the outside, soft inside—just right to open the meal.

The spicy bacon cream pasta was a pleasant surprise. The spice level was similar to Korea’s instant noodles (Shin Ramyun), just enough to excite the palate without overwhelming it. Thick-cut bacon added depth to the flavor, and the creamy sauce balanced the heat beautifully.

We also enjoyed the geotjeori salad, a lightly fermented Korean-style cabbage salad. It was refreshing and crunchy, offering a perfect contrast to the richer dishes.

 

 

The Highlight: Steak

The grilled steak was tender and flavorful—far exceeding our expectations considering the reasonable price. Served with salt, steak sauce, and a dab of wasabi, the dish allowed for customized tasting preferences. The accompanying garnishes also complemented the meat well.

 

 

A Bit of a Miss: Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Although the truffle mashed potatoes had a deliciously creamy flavor, they were a bit too rich and soup-like in texture. It would have been better served alongside the steak rather than as a separate dish afterward. That said, the overall satisfaction from the main dishes more than made up for this small hiccup.

 

Final Thoughts

Ikseon Dimibang is a great choice for travelers seeking a modern introduction to Korean cuisine in a unique setting. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring the hip and historic neighborhood of Ikseon-dong, this restaurant offers a memorable dining experience.

Just don’t forget to make a reservation in advance—it’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike!