Step into Ilseonsa Temple, a timeless sanctuary tucked into a quiet hillside, where eaves soar like eagle wings and incense curls tell stories older than words. The solemn Buddha statue watches with gentle eyes, while moss blankets the stone steps, whispering secrets of centuries. Whether you’re seeking peace or chasing that perfect shot, this sacred space delivers—one breath of incense, one moment of stillness, is worth more than a thousand words.




















Everything you need to know about Ilseonsa
Stay at Gwangjang-dong Boutique Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Ilseonsa Temple, blending traditional Korean architecture with modern minimalist design. Rooms feature zen-inspired courtyard views and include complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions. The hotel offers exclusive Korean tea ceremony experiences and morning meditation sessions, immersing guests in Seoul’s spiritual heritage. Nearby hidden hanok restaurants serve authentic dishes like Busan seafood stew and stone-bowl bibimbap, making it an ideal base for cultural exploration.
Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Gwangjang Market Station, then walk 8 minutes to Ilseonsa Temple—this route passes through Myeongdong and Namdaemun, offering excellent connectivity. Several bus lines (e.g., 101, 102) also stop directly outside the temple, featuring ramp access and audio guide systems for elderly and international visitors. For taxis, simply input "Ilseonsa Temple" into your GPS—ride time is about 15 minutes, costing roughly KRW 30,000.
Near Ilseonsa Temple, enjoy hands-on Korean calligraphy workshops, traditional hanbok photo sessions, and monk-led morning meditation—all offered within the temple grounds or affiliated studios. Don’t miss the Night Lantern Walk, held every Saturday evening, where visitors stroll along stone paths illuminated by century-old tree-lit art installations, creating a serene, poetic atmosphere. Nearby, Gwangjang Market opens daily at dawn, serving fresh Korean pancake and chicken soup noodles, offering a vibrant taste of local life.
Yes, Gwangjang-dong Boutique Hotel offers spacious family rooms with child-safe railings, cribs, and a dedicated kids’ activity lounge hosting interactive Korean folk song sessions and paper craft workshops. The hotel features wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour front desk support, ensuring comfort for seniors and young children. Nearby, a children’s museum and green park trails provide safe outdoor play areas. All rooms include soundproof windows and air purifiers for optimal sleep quality.
Absolutely! The millennium ginkgo avenue in front of Ilseonsa Temple is a must-photograph site—golden leaves in autumn create a stunning natural tunnel. The temple’s bell tower and wooden hall showcase perfect symmetry, complemented by traditional courtyards and moss-covered walls, ideal for cultural photography. Nearby, street art murals on Gwangjang Market’s exterior walls and lantern-lit alleyways attract photographers seeking unique backdrops. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture softer light. Some shops offer hanbok rental services, allowing you to pose as a historical figure amid authentic heritage settings.
Start with a Korean breakfast at Gwangjang Market—try rice cakes and tofu soup. Then visit Ilseonsa Temple for morning meditation and calligraphy class. Lunch at a nearby hanok restaurant with a Korean beef set meal. In the afternoon, explore the heritage craft market for handmade ceramics and incense pouches. End the day at the hotel’s courtyard teahouse, sipping green tea while watching the sunset silhouette of the ancient temple. All activities are walkable, with seamless transit options, offering a deep immersion in Seoul’s historical charm and mindful living.
See what other travelers say about Ilseonsa

Staying at this traditional Korean house was an absolute delight! The breakfast was simple yet homely—warm, comforting, and just right to start the day. The room was spotlessly clean, with authentic Korean architectural details that truly captured the essence of old Korea—wooden beams, hanok-style layouts, and a peaceful ambiance. The host was incredibly welcoming and always ready to help, offering thoughtful tips on local transport and nearby attractions. It felt less like a hotel and more like staying in a cherished family home. For anyone looking to experience real Korean culture in Seoul, this is a must-try. Highly recommend for its charm, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality.

Staying at Friendly DH Naissance Hotel was an absolute delight! Located just steps from the Seongnyeonsuhak Station on University Road, it’s incredibly convenient for getting around Seoul. The neighborhood is vibrant and student-friendly, with countless cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores right outside the door—perfect for grabbing a quick bite or coffee anytime. The hotel itself is spotless, well-maintained, and offers excellent amenities. What really stood out? The bathroom features a built-in massage bathtub—a real luxury after a long day of exploring. It made my stay so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, this place delivers incredible value. I’d definitely book again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

I stayed at Mangrove Sinseol Hotel for a few days and was really impressed. The location is perfect—right next to the subway station, just a 15-minute ride to Seongsu and about 30 minutes to Hongdae. The airport bus 6002 stops right outside, making travel super convenient. There are plenty of nearby convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, OY, Mega, and Mammoth—no long lines even during peak hours. The building has a secure entry with a password lock, and the elevator requires your room keycard, which adds peace of mind. The shared kitchen is clean and well-maintained, and the rooftop terrace offers a great view—perfect for relaxing in the evening. Check-in and check-out are fully self-service, and the machine supports Simplified Chinese, which is a big plus for introverted travelers. The bathroom is on the smaller side, and housekeeping comes every six days, but that’s not an issue if you’re staying just a few days. Overall, it’s a quiet, safe, and well-designed place with excellent value. Highly recommend for solo travelers.

Tongtong Petit Hotel is an absolute gem—cozy, charming, and perfectly located right near Ikseondong Hanok Street, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market. At night, the lively Pocha Street (with its street-side bar tents) comes alive just a 2-minute walk away, offering endless food options. The Jongno 3-ga Station is only a 4-minute stroll, making public transit super convenient. The room was exactly as shown in the photos—small but thoughtfully designed, spotless, and even came with a back massager, which was a delightful surprise. I especially loved having a cozy café on the ground floor for my morning coffee fix. Perfect for solo travelers who value comfort, convenience, and a genuine local vibe. A standout stay in Seoul!

Staying here was an absolute delight! The traditional hanok design gave the room a unique, authentic Korean vibe, yet everything felt modern and well-maintained. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the space was thoughtfully laid out, and even the bathroom was spotless and spacious. The staff were warm and helpful throughout our visit—check-in and check-out were smooth and stress-free. Location is excellent too; it's just a short walk from the subway, making it easy to explore downtown Seoul. I couldn’t ask for more in terms of comfort, charm, and value. Would definitely book again if I return to Seoul—highly recommend this gem!

I absolutely loved staying at Glue Hotel Dongdaemun! The staff were incredibly polite and attentive from check-in to check-out. The room was spotless and well-maintained—every detail felt thoughtfully designed. I stayed for a few nights, and they even replaced the towels, bed linens, and glasses each time, which made me feel really comfortable and cared for. There were plenty of power outlets, so charging my devices was never an issue. The in-room TV was a big plus—streaming YouTube and Netflix made my downtime super enjoyable. The bathroom was clean, modern, and well-kept. Best part? The location is unbeatable. I walked to Gwangjang Market in under 20 minutes, perfect for exploring local food and shopping. If I ever come back to Dongdaemun, this is definitely where I’ll stay again. Highly recommend for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and great value.

The triple room we stayed in had four beds, and the space was actually larger than I expected—definitely more roomy than most hostels I've been to. The front desk staff speaks a bit of Chinese and can manage basic English conversations, and they were very responsive and helpful. We only received one key card initially, which made splitting up a bit inconvenient, but after mentioning it, they quickly provided two extra ones—really thoughtful! The nearby 7-Eleven is super convenient; just exit subway line 7, walk straight across the street, and you're there. It's a short walk if you're not carrying heavy luggage. Waste sorting isn't strictly enforced, but there’s a large trash bin right at the bottom of the stairs on the first floor, so you can easily bring your trash down without hassle. Overall, this place offers great value, excellent location, and a comfortable stay—definitely a top pick for travelers visiting Seoul.

Staying at this hotel was a highlight of my trip to Seoul. Located just steps away from Ikseondong, the convenience of being surrounded by trendy cafes, local eateries, and vibrant street life made every moment enjoyable. The room is compact, but honestly, that’s a small price to pay for such an unbeatable location. The staff were friendly and attentive, the space felt clean and well-maintained, and the overall experience was exceptional. I’d absolutely stay here again—perfect for travelers who value location, charm, and a cozy urban vibe.

The room was incredibly quiet and cozy, making it a perfect retreat after a long day. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, filling the space with warmth and a serene atmosphere. Everything was spotlessly clean—right from the first step inside, the impression was excellent. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, soft yet supportive, ensuring a deep and restful night’s sleep. What truly stood out was the staff—always smiling, attentive, and genuinely helpful. Whether I needed extra towels or local recommendations, they responded promptly and with care. Their hospitality made me feel valued throughout my stay. Overall, this was an outstanding experience. If you're looking for a peaceful, well-maintained hotel with exceptional service in Seoul, I highly recommend giving this place a try—it’s definitely on my list for future visits.

The inn was exceptionally clean and comfortable—truly a great stay! The staff were very helpful and friendly during check-in, making the whole process smooth and welcoming. The location is perfect—right in the heart of Jongno, just steps away from subway stations and major attractions. It’s so convenient for exploring Seoul. I’d absolutely come back again and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting. A real gem with excellent value!

I had a fantastic stay at Hanil Hostel! The location was incredibly convenient—just a short walk to subway stations and major attractions. The staff were friendly and always willing to help with tips and recommendations. My room was clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly comfortable for a hostel setting. It’s clear they care about guest experience, and I truly appreciated the warm atmosphere and attention to detail. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a budget-friendly yet enjoyable stay in Seoul.

The first room had a strong smell of smoke, which was quite unpleasant, so I asked to be moved. The staff were very kind and promptly arranged a new room without any hassle. However, the second room wasn’t much better—the bathroom felt a bit dark and slightly unsettling, and the overall facilities were just average. That said, the price is definitely affordable, making it a solid choice if you're on a budget. It’s perfect for students or travelers looking for a no-frills stay with good value. While not luxurious, it gets the job done, especially considering the cost.
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