Things To Do
in Ich'N
Ich'N (commonly rendered as Ichon) is a residential neighborhood in Seoul along the northern bank of the Han River, known for leafy streets, riverside parks and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. It sits close to major cultural sites and green spaces, making it a convenient base for exploring central Seoul without the bustle of downtown. The area blends traditional Korean eateries and neighborhood markets with modern cafes and riverside promenades popular with joggers and cyclists.
Expect good transit links, a noticeable expatriate presence, and easy access to museums and river activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by visiting the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Spend time wandering through the beautiful palace grounds and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Joseon Dynasty. Don’t forget to stop by the National Folk Museum located inside the palace complex for a deeper understanding of Korean culture.
After lunch, head over to Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses known as hanoks. Stroll through its narrow alleys and take countless pictures of the charming architecture. You can also participate in a tea ceremony or try on a hanbok, making your experience even more authentic.
As the sun sets, make your way to Insadong, a vibrant cultural district filled with art galleries, traditional restaurants, and souvenir shops. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, tasting dishes like bibimbap or bulgogi. Cap off your night with a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, beautifully lit and offering a serene escape from the bustling city.
Start your day with a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare popular Korean dishes, including kimchi and kimbap. This hands-on experience will not only teach you how to cook but also the cultural significance of each dish. Savor your culinary creations for brunch, appreciating the flavors you've just crafted.
Post-lunch, venture to the Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul. Here, you can taste street food delicacies like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rolls). Engage with local vendors and witness the hustle and bustle of everyday Korean life.
In the evening, sign up for a food tour that specializes in Korean barbecue. Enjoy the interactive dining experience as you grill your own meats right at the table, accompanied by an array of banchan (small side dishes). Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and explore local pubs or karaoke places afterwards.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚇Subway/bus single ride | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi (start / short ride) | $3-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, residential neighborhood with easy river access and parks
- Good public transport links to central Seoul and cultural sites
- Family-friendly dining and green spaces for outdoor activities
- Close to museums and walkable attractions
- Less nightlife and fewer tourist amenities directly in the neighborhood
- Can be expensive compared with more peripheral areas of Seoul
- Summer humidity and monsoon can disrupt outdoor plans
- Some language barriers in smaller, family-run establishments
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "죄송합니다 / 실례합니다" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "화장실 어디예요?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "얼마예요?" - How much is this?
- "이거 고맙지만 채식(또는 알레르기)이 있어요" - Thank you, but I am vegetarian (or I have an allergy)
Places to Visit in Ich'N
Visit one of these nice places.
Open views of the river, bridges and skyline ideal for sunrise/sunset shots, reflections on calm water and candid street photography of cyclists and picnickers.
Charming narrow streets with boutique cafés, murals and everyday life scenes — good for detail shots and atmospheric neighborhood portraits.
If you visit nearby museums, the architecture and wide plazas provide clean lines and large-scale compositions for photography.
Seasonal foliage and landscaped gardens offer nature shots close to the city; spring blossoms and autumn colors are particularly photogenic.
Food in Ich'N
Ich'N Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled pork belly or marinated ribs served with lettuce wraps and banchan — ubiquitous in the area; try a well-reviewed local barbecue for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
Mixed rice with vegetables, meat (optional) and gochujang — a common and easy-to-find, balanced meal at casual eateries.
Comforting stews such as kimchi jjigae or doenjang jjigae are popular for lunch or dinner at neighborhood restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small indoor/outdoor market selling fresh produce, seafood and street snacks — ideal for tteokbokki, hotteok or pajeon from vendors and sampling everyday Korean flavors.
During warmer months mobile vendors and cafés near the river sell drinks, ice cream and quick bites perfect after a bike ride or walk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A slight bow or nod is a polite greeting; address elders and superiors with respect and use two hands when giving or receiving items like business cards or gifts.
Remove shoes when entering traditional homes, some guesthouses and certain restaurants — watch for shoe racks and follow hosts' cues.
Keep phone conversations quiet on public transport and be considerate in crowded spaces; loud or disruptive behavior is frowned upon.
Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl (resembles funeral rites) and don’t use someone else’s chopsticks to take food directly from shared plates.
Safety
Tipping in Ich'N
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Korea and usually not expected; excellent service may be acknowledged with a small tip but most places will politely refuse. In tourist-focused restaurants or premium hotels, tipping or service charges may appear, so check the bill.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Seoul, but small market stalls and some local eateries prefer cash. Use a rechargeable T-money card for public transit and convenience stores; mobile payments are common for locals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures and cherry/blossom blooms make this a popular time for outdoor walks and picnics; pack a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Hot and humid with a monsoon (jangma) period typically in June–July; expect occasional heavy rain and high humidity — bring breathable clothing, sun protection and a small umbrella.
Arguably the most pleasant season with mild days and vibrant fall foliage; ideal for hiking and riverside activities — light layers recommended.
Cold, dry winters with temperatures often below freezing at night; occasional snow—pack a warm coat, hat and gloves and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Ich'N at Night
Hiking in Ich'N
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short urban hikes up Namsan provide panoramic views of central Seoul and are accessible by foot or a short transit ride; well-maintained paths and lookout points.
A bit further north but reachable for a day trip — offers rugged trails, granite peaks and great views over Seoul; routes vary from moderate to challenging.
Popular with local hikers for steeper trails and rewarding city views; good for half-day hikes and accessible by public transport.
Airports
How to reach Ich'N by plane.
Main international gateway to Seoul, about 50–60 km west; reachable by AREX express/train, airport bus or taxi (1–1.5 hours depending on traffic).
Closer to central Seoul (domestic and some regional flights), approximately 20–30 km away; accessible by subway, airport bus or taxi — convenient for short domestic hops and some flights to nearby countries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The neighborhood has many long-term residents and families attracted by schools, parks and a calm environment.
Ich'N hosts a notable expatriate community (including diplomats and foreign-military families) which contributes international shops and restaurants in the area.
Younger residents and commuters use the area as a convenient base to reach central Seoul for work or university.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Korea's most popular spectator sports — lively games with cheering sections, songs and food. Local fans are passionate and stadium atmosphere is energetic.
Professional and amateur football are popular; local leagues and community matches are common and televised matches draw crowds to sports bars.
Recreational cycling and running along the Han River are widespread among locals for fitness and leisure.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ich'N.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited: many broths and side dishes (banchan) include fish or anchovy stock. Look for vegetarian or temple-food restaurants, check menus for tofu and vegetable bibimbap, and ask staff to remove meat or fish-based broths.
Vegan dining requires care: request no fish sauce/anchovy and confirm ingredients. Specialty vegan cafés and some international restaurants in Seoul cater better to strict vegans — carry a Korean dietary card explaining restrictions.
Gluten is common in soy sauce and some noodles; rice-based dishes are safer but verify sauces. Gluten-free options are increasing in Seoul — ask restaurants and choose grilled or steamed dishes when unsure.