Onjisim Ikseon Review – Where Trees Grow Inside a Hanok

onjisim hanok café exterior on ikseondong alley

COCOnibble here, and I’m so excited to share my latest Seoul cafe discovery with you! If you’re planning a trip to Korea and are on the hunt for those dreamy, Instagram-worthy cafes, you have to put Onjisim on your list. Truly, this isn’t just a cafe; it’s an experience!

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Onjisim: A Warm Welcome & Whimsical Oasis

First Impressions that Wow!

As you wander through Ikseondong’s charming, labyrinthine alleys, Onjisim immediately stands out. Its beautiful hanok exterior seriously gave me “vintage patisserie from the Gaehwagi era” vibes! The warm wooden door felt much cozier than a cold metal one.

onjisim green exterior sign and glass door with bagel posters

Indeed, it filled me with excitement even before I pushed it open. Furthermore, the blend of traditional hanok architecture, arched windows, and lush greenery outside subtly hinted that this Onjisim was no ordinary cafe.

onjisim entrance with chandelier and vertical bagel sign

Stepping into an Onjisim Secret Garden

onjisim hanok style entrance with plants and wooden door

When I finally pushed that door open, a warm, woody scent enveloped me. Then, I walked into the most unexpectedly beautiful space! Onjisim is a hanok-turned-cafe, where traditional elements like exposed rafters and tiled roofs blend seamlessly with modern design. Consequently, this creates a serene yet super chic atmosphere that is truly captivating.

The Iconic Indoor Trees and Serene Vibe

However, the absolute showstopper is the giant, real trees reaching for the sky right in the center of the cafe! It felt as if I’d stumbled into a magical forest, instantly bringing a sense of calm and healing. Little details like the teapots, water, cups, and cute plant decor under the trees, all bathed in soft lighting, made this Onjisim feel less like a cafe and more like a miniature indoor garden.

onjisim tree cafe interior with bagel shelves and skylight

This thoughtful blend of hanok, plant-filled interiors, wooden tones, and living trees isn’t just pretty; it’s brilliant design. Moreover, it actively invites you to snap endless photos and share the Onjisim magic with everyone!

Finding Your Perfect Spot at Onjisim

The interior is surprisingly spacious. It offers plenty of seating options, including cozy tables for two, larger ones for four, and even shared tables for bigger groups. I particularly loved the window seats overlooking the Ikseondong alleys.

onjisim indoor seating with central tree and wooden chairs

They offer a sweet little escape and are perfect for a relaxed brunch. In fact, I honestly walked around for ages, trying to pick the perfect spot at Onjisim.

onjisim hanok seating area with arches and wooden tables

Just a heads-up, though: if you go on a weekend afternoon like I did, Onjisim can get pretty busy and a bit lively. Therefore, the tables are fairly close, so you might hear snippets of conversations from next door. It’s probably not the best spot for some super focused studying. However, it’s absolutely perfect for catching up with friends, a cute date, or a fun family outing! If you’re craving a quieter vibe, then aim for a weekday morning to enjoy Onjisim.

onjisim hanok interior with wooden beams and indoor trees

My Top Onjisim Photo Spots

Onjisim is practically made for “life shots”! My number one recommendation is definitely in front of the giant trees in the center of the cafe. This is Onjisim’s symbolic space. Here, the trees and soft lighting create such a dreamy, artsy mood.

onjisim main counter with central tree and order sign

Additionally, the arched hanok windows and any window seat overlooking the Ikseondong alley are fantastic photo spots at Onjisim. You can capture the unique streetscape and passersby for a super natural, candid shot. Seriously, the whole place is just brimming with warm, aesthetic photo zones from the moment you step into Onjisim!

onjisim indoor forest with real trees and soft light

Onjisim’s Delicious Temptations: Bagels & Beyond!

A Bagel Wonderland

Onjisim is famous as a “bagel맛집” (bagel hot-spot), and for good reason! Their bagels are super unique. They’re called “Korean bagels,” made with Korean wheat and fluffy potatoes as a base. Consequently, this isn’t just about the taste; it’s also about supporting local agriculture, which I totally love.

onjisim assorted bagels in wooden display with handwritten labels

Endless Bagel & Cream Cheese Pairings

onjisim fig and salted butter bagels displayed in wooden tray

At Onjisim, they have an insane variety of bagels: plain, jalapeño cheddar, salt butter, sweet potato, laugen, tomato basil, blueberry, olive cheese, onion, spinach basil, cinnamon pecan, fig, whole wheat, and even marble dark chocolate chip! Furthermore, you can pair them with a huge selection of homemade cream cheeses. Options include plain, basil pesto, chive, blueberry, fig maple, truffle, salmon, lemon dill… you name it! It’s like building your own custom brunch masterpiece. This huge array of options really makes Onjisim stand out in Ikseondong’s super competitive cafe scene.

COCOnibble’s Honest Review!

onjisim cafe bagel sandwich and iced drinks on wooden table

For my visit to Onjisim, I went all out and tried a few amazing things! I started with the Salmon Bagel Sandwich and the Basil Tomato Bagel. I paired them with an Iced Americano and a Deep Latte.

onjisim salmon cream cheese bagel cross section

The Salmon Bagel Sandwich was a revelation. Indeed, the bagel itself was perfectly chewy, and the fresh salmon and creamy filling were just fantastic together. It offered a truly satisfying bite. The Basil Tomato Bagel was equally impressive, with a lovely aromatic basil flavor complementing the subtle sweetness of tomato. This made it a fresh and vibrant choice.

onjisim basil tomato bagel with cream cheese and parsley on top

onjisim red bagel with cream cheese filling and seaweed

My Iced Americano was crisp and refreshing. It was exactly what I needed to balance the rich flavors of the bagels. And the Deep Latte? Oh, that was a smooth, comforting delight. It was perfectly creamy without being too heavy. Consequently, it was a wonderful contrast to the Americano and a truly satisfying drink. Overall, the menu choices at Onjisim perfectly complemented each other, making for an incredibly enjoyable and well-rounded experience.

onjisim iced latte in a glass with wooden background

Pro Tips for Enjoying Your Onjisim Bagel at Home!

Bringing some delicious bagels home from Onjisim? Here are some tips to enjoy them to the max! If it’s at room temperature, simply pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. If it’s frozen, let it thaw for 30 minutes naturally, or microwave for 20 seconds. Then, bake it in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2 minutes—it’ll taste fresh out of the oven! They recommend eating them the same day if possible. However, you can seal and freeze them for up to two weeks. Cream cheese stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Your Guide to Onjisim: Essential Info!

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Onjisim:

Address: 17 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11다길 17)
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 AM – 09:30 PM (Last Order 09:00 PM)

Getting There (from Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station)

Onjisim is super easy to get to by public transport. It’s just about a 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Lines 1, 3, and 5). Just come out of Exit 4, cross the street, and turn into the alley next to the CU convenience store—that’s where the Ikseondong cafe street begins, and you’ll easily spot Onjisim there.

Onjisim: Your Ultimate Ikseondong Escape!

onjisim counter area under lush indoor tree canopy

Seriously, Onjisim is the whole package! This unique hanok-turned-cafe with its breathtaking indoor garden offers a serene escape. It is famous for its “Korean bagels” and thoughtful healthy options. Plus, friendly staff make it even better. Therefore, it’s an absolute must-visit for a cozy, aesthetic moment in Seoul.