If you’ve ever visited Seoul, chances are you’ve heard of Ikseondong, the charming hanok village tucked away in the heart of the city. Most people explore it during the day, wandering its photogenic alleyways, sipping matcha in tiny cafés, and popping into local boutiques. But here’s a little secret: Ikseondong at night hits different.
I usually visit this neighborhood when the sun’s out, but last winter, right after an overnight solo trip to Nami Island, I met up with friends Marc and T for a spontaneous late-night hangout, and honestly, it was one of my favorite memories from that season.
Marc had invited us to Saeseoul (새서울), a funky, retro-inspired spot located on the third floor of the former Hotel Seine — which you might recognize as a filming location from Hotel Del Luna. Think dim lights, chill beats, creative cocktails, and even a mini arcade at the ground floor.
Here’s what we had on the table:
Buffalo Wings & Fries – crispy, spicy, and perfect for sharing
Tomato Ragu Pasta – warm, rich, and surprisingly comforting
Ricotta with Honey Tomatoes – sweet, salty, creamy… just wow
Ruby Martinis for Marc and me
🥃 Nutty Dirty for T (definitely worth a try if you’re into bold flavors)
As someone who loves solo travel, I cherish those quiet moments on the road. But this night reminded me how refreshing it is to just laugh out loud with friends… over cocktails, a few rounds of basketball arcade, and some hilarious (but memorable) photo booth shots.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ikseondong at night, or wondering where to eat and drink in Seoul with friends, I’d 100% recommend checking out Saeseoul. Come for the food, stay for the vibes — and don’t be surprised if you stumble on a filming spot or two along the way!
