Cheongsudang Ikseon Review – Bamboo Path, Egg Coffee

cheongsudang stone pathway with lanterns at dusk

It’s COCOnibble here, writing for KOREAwise, your ultimate guide to Korea’s most enchanting and delicious cafes! As a local who loves finding stunning hidden gems, I’m thrilled to share an unforgettable experience from Ikseondong: Cheongsudang Cafe. If you’re planning your Korean adventure and searching for unique, Instagram-worthy spots, trust me, this magical cheongsudang spot is an absolute must-visit!

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Prologue: Ikseondong’s Charm & My Date with Cheongsudang

Ikseondong always sparks a special kind of excitement in me. Walking through its charming hanok (traditional Korean house) alleys, where old-world charm meets trendy vibes, feels like stepping into a time machine.

hanok building with large glass windows facing a stone pathway

On my latest Ikseondong adventure, I was on a mission to find a unique healing spot, and that’s when Cheongsudang literally called to me. As I strolled down an alley, its mysterious entrance just grabbed my attention. I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, this is it!” right then and there.

Indeed, Cheongsudang felt like destiny, exactly what my soul needed to escape the daily grind and find true peace in nature. My heart was buzzing with anticipation for the healing vibes this place promised.

1. Jaw-Dropping from the Entrance: Cheongsudang’s Vibe & Features

A Mysterious Entrance: Stepping into Another World

The entrance to Cheongsudang isn’t just a door; it’s an experience! Imagine a bamboo forest, stone pathways, gently flowing water, and soft, ethereal lighting. It instantly transports you to a serene forest in Kyoto or a secret garden in Southeast Asia.

cheongsudang cafe signage with bamboo and stone decor

The moment I stepped in, it felt like I’d been whisked away from the bustling city into a deep, peaceful forest, surrounded by the calming sound of water and rustling trees.

bamboo-lined entrance pathway lit by soft morning sunlight

This stone path and flowing water are practically the main photo zone of Cheongsudang. It’s truly a magical spot that makes you want to whip out your camera the second you arrive.

stone path leading to a traditional hanok with bamboo and lanterns

Furthermore, this entrance isn’t just a walkway; it’s the cafe’s first impression, perfectly setting the stage for its “urban nature healing” concept and totally embracing the ‘Instagrammable moment’ culture.

Seriously, it’s not just a path; it’s a strategically designed space for those must-have ‘proof-I-was-here’ shots!

Nature’s Embrace Within a Hanok at Cheongsudang

Cheongsudang is absolutely massive – imagine six interconnected hanok houses! Each hanok boasts its own unique interior design and seating.

lush garden space surrounded by bamboo and wooden buildings

Inside, you’ll find a central pond, a lush bamboo garden, and beautiful moss and volcanic rocks surrounding the pond, creating an utterly unique atmosphere where you can fully immerse yourself in nature, even in the middle of the city.

wooden deck with round tables connecting hanok rooms over a pond

One of the first things that blew me away was the absolutely grand moss counter, an absolutely commanding presence. Moreover, the Hinoki cypress bathtub, overflowing with water, was a treat for both the eyes and ears.

tatami mat seating area with garden view through glass wall

These elements felt like I was in an art exhibition, clearly showcasing Glow Seoul’s philosophy of ‘space reinterpretation.’ This blend of a super-sized hanok with diverse natural elements offers visitors a unique sense of ‘urban healing,’ definitely making you want to come back for more.

This cheongsudang cafe isn’t just for coffee; the space itself is a work of art and an experience, perfectly reflecting the current trend!

Photo Zone Galore! Your Cheongsudang Photo Guide

Cheongsudang is literally a photo zone everywhere you look! From the mystical entrance with its stone paths and flowing water to the indoor pond, bamboo garden, giant moss counter, and the area around the Hinoki bathtub – every corner screams “take a picture here!”

cheongsudang bamboo entrance with lanterns and stepping stones

Especially after sunset, when the lights come on, the atmosphere transforms into something even more dreamy and enchanting, perfect for those extra special ‘life shots. Since each hanok has a different seating style, it was super fun finding the perfect backdrop for my photos. Ultimately, Cheongsudang’s ‘everywhere is a photo zone’ vibe means you’ll naturally want to snap and share everything!

It’s just so beautifully designed, making it a dream for anyone looking for those amazing, share-worthy shots.

2. A Feast for Your Eyes & Taste Buds: Cheongsudang’s Signature Menu

Cheongsudang is already famous for its hand-drip coffee and soufflé castella. Seriously, the Stone-Drip Egg Coffee and Soufflé Castella are absolute must-tries!

You can get the soufflé castella in various flavors like original, strawberry, and mugwort. Additionally, they have a bunch of other desserts like matcha fromage cake, yakgwa (traditional Korean confection), and Mont Blanc. So much fun choosing!

handmade yakgwa at cheongsudang cafe in ikseondong

One Sip, One Bite – Totally Hooked! COCOnibble’s Honest Review

Stone-Drip Egg Coffee (7,800 KRW)

two glasses of torched cream egg coffee on a wooden tray

This one is wild in the best way! It’s hand-drip coffee topped with a rich, fresh egg yolk custard cream, then torched to create a crispy, crème brûlée-like crust. At first, “egg coffee” sounded a bit out there, but one sip, and I was like, “YES, this is it!” Breaking the crispy top with a spoon was so satisfying.

close-up of two torched cream egg coffees with caramelized tops

In fact, it had a slightly dalgona-like flavor, and the smooth, sweet cream blended perfectly with the coffee. It’s a unique and rich taste, totally different from a latte. It just made me so happy! The fun of cracking the torched top just made the whole experience even better.

Strawberry Soufflé Castella (18,800 KRW)

square strawberry cake topped with whipped cream and a single strawberry

Made to order and served warm, this strawberry soufflé castella was pure magic. Crispy on the outside, unbelievably moist and soft on the inside, it literally melted in my mouth.

close-up of strawberry castella with soft cream and a missing bite

The fluffy cream and fresh, tangy strawberries created a perfect balance of sweet and fresh flavors. Truly, it was so worth the wait! This warm, pillowy soufflé with tangy strawberries and creamy goodness? Pure heaven. I honestly felt like I could eat the whole thing by myself!

Matcha Fromage Cake (15,000 KRW)

square matcha cake with textured green surface and moss-like decoration

As a matcha lover, I had to try the Matcha Fromage Cake, and the presentation was definitely on point! My take on the taste was that it was more about the sweet, creamy cream cheese and milky notes rather than a super intense matcha flavor.

spoonful of matcha cream dessert with layers of green tea and whipped topping

While some reviews mentioned it was a bit average for the price, still, it was super smooth and easy to devour!

Cheongsudang’s signature items aren’t just about taste; they’re all about visual delight and a unique experience. Just like the cafe itself feels like an exhibition, their menu items are totally photogenic too!

When I described the ‘torched finish’ on the egg coffee or the ‘fluffy’ and ‘warm’ soufflé castella, it’s because these dishes are so much more than just food – they’re about the full sensory experience, from how they look to how they feel.

Seriously, ultimately, Cheongsudang nails both delicious taste and incredible visuals, making the whole cafe experience next-level!

3. Your Cheongsudang Visit Guide: Essentials & How to Get There

For your convenience, here’s some essential information for visiting Cheongsudang Ikseondong:

Address: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Ikseon-dong 144)
Operating Hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM)
- Note: While some older information online might list different hours, the 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM hours are the most current and widely confirmed.
Reservations: Not available (it’s first-come, first-served)

Getting There Without Getting Lost!

Cheongsudang is super easy to get to from Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Lines 1, 3, and 5). Just take Exit 6, walk along the Ikseondong Hanok Street, and you’ll easily spot Cheongsudang’s unique entrance with its bamboo and lighting. It’s about a 5-minute walk!

4. What Makes Cheongsudang So Special Among Ikseondong Cafes?

lantern-lit bamboo grove with a narrow stream running through

Cheongsudang is truly special in Ikseondong. It’s more than just a cafe; it feels like an art exhibition infused with nature, offering a perfect urban escape. You’ll find diverse, spacious seating, allowing you to easily find your own tranquil spot for a truly unique and relaxing experience.

5. COCOnibble’s Tips for Enjoying Cheongsudang

Since Cheongsudang is such a popular spot, be prepared for a potential wait. Therefore, especially on weekends or during peak hours, the line can get pretty long, so if you want a more relaxed visit, I’d recommend going right when they open or on a weekday.

The cafe’s charm also changes with the time of day! During the day, you can soak in the bright, fresh natural vibe, whereas at night, the lighting creates a dreamy, exotic atmosphere perfect for photos. You get two totally different vibes, both amazing!

Epilogue: My Forever Secret Hideout at Cheongsudang

For me, Cheongsudang was truly more than just a cafe—it was a magical escape where I found healing and beautiful memories amidst nature. If you’re in Ikseondong, step into its doors; I’m sure you’ll find your own special moment of peace too!