Hey Friends! Today I want to share my experience visiting Iksan, a charming little city in South Korea. π
Iksan is a charming mid-sized city located in North Jeolla Province (Jeollabuk-do) in the southwestern part of South Korea. While it may not be as famous as Seoul or Busan, Iksan has so much to offer! It's best known for its rich Baekje Kingdom history, stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and being the heart of Korea's jewelry industry. πππ
π By KTX (High-Speed Train) — Recommended
The easiest and fastest way to get to Iksan is by taking the KTX from Seoul Station. The journey takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour, and trains run frequently throughout the day. Iksan has its own KTX station, so it's super convenient!
π By Express Bus
You can also take an express bus from Seoul's Central City Terminal (Gangnam) to Iksan. The ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic, and it's a more budget-friendly option compared to the KTX.
π By Car
If you prefer driving, Iksan is accessible via the Honam Expressway from Seoul. The drive takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
✈️ Nearest Airport
The closest major airport is Gunsan Airport, which is about 30 minutes from Iksan. However, flight options are limited, so most visitors prefer the train or bus.
Once I arrived at Iksan KTX Station, getting around was surprisingly easy! Just cross the crosswalk right in front of the station, and you'll find a Tourist Information Center where friendly staff can help you plan your trip.
Right there, you can also hop on the Iksan Tourist Circular Bus π — a super affordable way to visit all the major attractions in the city without any hassle. If you time it right, you can cover all the key sights at a very budget-friendly price!
Since I didn't have much time on my itinerary, I decided to start with the Culture & Arts Street, located just a short walk from the station.
You can clearly see the efforts that have gone into preserving Iksan's old streets and architecture, which gives the area a really unique and nostalgic charm. That said, since it's part of the old downtown area, it was pretty quiet and not too crowded — which honestly made it feel even more peaceful and authentic! π️
One highlight was stopping by the Modern History Museum, which was originally an old medical clinic building that has been beautifully renovated. It's a wonderful place to learn about Iksan's rich local history and get a real sense of what life was like in this city throughout the years.
The Iksan Modern History Museum is actually a beautifully preserved and renovated building that was originally home to a clinic called Samsan Medical Clinic (μΌμ°μμ). The building dates all the way back to the Japanese colonial period in Korea, and because of its historical significance, it has been officially designated as a cultural heritage site. π️
Once you step inside, you'll find incredibly detailed records and exhibits covering a wide range of history, including the old streets and landscapes of Iksan, the city's overall history through the decades, and most movingly, the stories of the Korean independence movement against Japanese colonial rule. It's one of those places that really makes you stop and reflect on the resilience and spirit of the Korean people.
Of course, one of the restaurants recommended inside the museum was a place called Taebaek Kalguksu (νλ°±μΉΌκ΅μ) — a spot serving kalguksu, which is a traditional Korean knife-cut noodle soup — and I was definitely tempted to stop by! However, I was more excited to explore the local market, so I ended up just snapping a quick photo of the restaurant as I walked past. Maybe next time! π
Just a short walk away was Jungang Market (μ€μμμ₯), where I had a great time wandering around and taking in the lively local atmosphere. Inside the market, I stumbled upon the famous Snack Alley (λΆμ 골λͺ©) — and it did not disappoint!
In the alley, there are two side-by-side restaurants both serving ramyeon (Korean instant noodle soup) and tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) at incredibly affordable prices. Since both restaurants offer the same menu at the same price, my tip would be to simply go with whichever one is less crowded at the time! π
I went with Uri Bunsik (μ°λ¦¬ λΆμ) and ordered the jjamppong ramyeon (spicy seafood noodle soup) and tangsuyuk — and honestly, it was such a satisfying and wallet-friendly meal! π€€
This was my lunch for the day — a bowl of jjamppong ramyeon and a plate of tangsuyuk! The ramyeon appeared to be a seafood-based jjamppong style, loaded with seafood toppings, but I'll be honest — it was a little too spicy for my taste! πΆ️
The tangsuyuk, on the other hand, was a single serving but came in a surprisingly generous portion. The sauce was beautifully sweet and mild, which actually paired really well with the spiciness of the ramyeon — a great balance! π€€
That said, I wouldn't necessarily call it a hidden gem or a must-visit foodie destination. It's more of a great value-for-money meal — simple, filling, and easy on the wallet. Sometimes that's exactly what you need! π
After a satisfying lunch, it was time for some dessert — and I have just the place for you! Right near the station, I highly recommend stopping by Geumjong Bakery (κΈμ’ μ κ³Ό). π₯
What makes this place so special is that it's actually a former bank building that has been beautifully renovated into a bakery cafΓ©. But here's the really unique part — the entire cafΓ© is themed around a train station concept, giving it such a one-of-a-kind and charming atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else! π It's the kind of place where you'll want to take photos of literally everything before even touching your food. πΈ
Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or treating yourself to some freshly baked goods, Geumjong Bakery is absolutely worth a visit — especially since it's so conveniently located near the KTX station!
Stepping inside Geumjong Bakery honestly felt like walking into a scene from Harry Potter! π§ The interior has this wonderfully magical and whimsical atmosphere that immediately catches your eye, with an impressive display of freshly baked breads and pastries that are almost too pretty to eat. π
You can also order a variety of drinks including coffee to go along with your baked goods, making it the perfect spot to sit back and relax after a day of exploring. And the best part? The second floor has plenty of seating, so you won't have to worry about finding a table even on a busy day! ☕π₯
I grabbed a coffee, along with the cafΓ©'s signature sweet potato bread and a pastry, and made my way up to the second floor to find a cozy spot to sit. π₯
Looking down at the first floor from above was such a unique experience in itself — the whole interior looked even more magical from up there, and I couldn't stop taking it all in. It really is unlike any cafΓ© I've been to! ✨
Even though I only had a short amount of time before catching my train, Geumjong Bakery gave me the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and wrap up my Iksan trip on a really lovely note. Sometimes the best travel moments are the quiet ones — just you, a good coffee, and a warm piece of bread before heading home. π☕
If you're planning a trip to Iksan, I'd actually recommend not visiting Iksan alone! The nearby city of Gunsan (κ΅°μ°) is just a short distance away and makes for a perfect combo trip — the two cities complement each other really well, so you can get the most out of your journey to this part of Korea! πΊ️
This time around, I only had a limited amount of time so I mostly explored the area around the station, but honestly even that alone was such a rewarding experience. However, Iksan has so much more to offer — the city is home to some truly incredible cultural heritage sites and historical landmarks that I would absolutely love to explore on my next visit! π️✨
So if you have the time, make sure to plan a full day or even a weekend to properly take in everything that Iksan and Gunsan have to offer. Trust me, it'll be worth it! π
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