Wandering through the hipster neighborhood of Ikseon-dong in Seoul, you will be spoilt for choice of different cafes to patronize. However, Cheong Su Dang stands out for its beautiful setting that makes you feel as if you have stepping into a vintage house set in beautiful bamboo forest.
Cheong Su Dang in Ikseon-dong: Bamboo Forest Cafe
Cheong Su Dang is located in a hanok or traditional Korean building. In fact, most of the cafes in the Ikseon-dong neighborhood are found in hanoks. These wooden structures have been given new life by the many hipster cafes and arty shops in the neighborhood.
What you may notice first, especially at peak times, is the queue of people waiting along the narrow street outside Cheong Su Dang. This clues you in to how popular the cafe is. If it is busy, you may have to leave your name with the server at the door and patiently wait for your turn.
Cheong Su Dang welcomes its patrons with a set of stepping stones over water, surrounded by the lush greenery of a bamboo forest. This unique entrance makes you feel as if you are entering somewhere special.
Once inside, directly in front is the ordering counter.
To the left is the more traditional seating area. You can take off your shoes and sit down at a low table.
There is also an outdoor area where you can also sit on the floor to soak in the aesthetics of an inner garden along with the fresh outdoor air.
On the right of the entrance is the more contemporary seating area with tables, counters and chairs.
Cheong Su Dang is definitely a pretty cafe. Even the route to the toilets takes you through a bamboo forest.
Cheong Su Dang Food & What to Order
Cheong Su Dang is best known for its Castella cakes. These are baked in square dishes and served hot.
The signature dish at Cheong Su Dang here is the Original Souffle Castella. It comes in two sizes. The 14 cm by 14 cm by 4 cm is 16,800 won while the 17 cm by 15 cm by 5 cm size costs 21,000 won.
Another interesting version of the cake to try is the Mugwort Souffle Castella.
Mugwort (doesn’t that invoke Harry Potter vibes) is a plant with aromatic and slightly bitter leaves and young spring shoots.
Yet another version is the Strawberry Compote Souffle Castella.
The Souffle Castellas are baked to order and so you may have to wait for a while for them to be served.
For those who love cheesecake, there is a choice of Black Sesame Fromage Caek, Matcha Fromage Cake and Strawberry Fromage Cake.
The Matcha cake comes topped off with a layer of matcha powder from Jeju and has layers of sponge cake, cheese and cream. It offers a wonderful mix of luscious goodness with every bite.
You can also enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages at Cheong Su Dang. These include coffees to matcha to teas.
Slowing Down and Enjoying the Aesthetic of Life
The best part of the experience at Cheong Su Dang is simply the chance to slow down and enjoy its aesthetic surroundings and the lovely food. Even better if you have the company of someone special!
Cheong Su Dang 청수당 (淸水堂)
Where: 31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9
Opening Hours: 11.30 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy this one on famous mandu in Myeongdong or the Rami Scone cafe.
