Suyeonsanbang — A Tranquil Teahouse in a Hanok, Seongbuk-dong
- 유리 최
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Hidden in the quiet alleys of Seongbuk-dong, there is a place where time seems to move a little slower. Suyeonsanbang, a traditional Korean teahouse inside a historic Hanok (traditional house), is not just about drinking tea—it is a space where literature, history, and culture come alive.
A House of Literature and History
During the 1930s and 40s, Koreans often said, “For poetry, there is Jeong Ji-yong. For novels, there is Lee Tae-jun.” Suyeonsanbang was the home of the famous novelist Lee Tae-jun, who lived here for 13 years and wrote many of his masterpieces, including The Stone Bridge and A Moonlit Night. His essay collection Museorok and the writing guide Munjang Ganghwa (often praised as a classic manual for Korean literature) were also born here.
Lee Tae-jun once described books as “the flower, the angel, and the hero of all human culture.” Although his later life took a tragic turn after the Korean War, his former home was preserved and designated a Seoul City Folk Cultural Heritage in 1977. Today, it is lovingly run by his descendant, transformed into a teahouse under the name Suyeonsanbang, where visitors can sip tea surrounded by history.
📍 Location & How to Get There
Address: 8 Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Sangheo Lee Tae-jun’s House)
By Subway & Bus: Take Line 4 to Hansung Univ. Station, then transfer to bus 1111, 1112, or 2112 and get off at the Lee Tae-jun House stop. From there, it’s just a short walk.
Seongbuk-dong locals know this place well, but seating is limited, so it’s common to wait in line—especially on weekends.
🕒 Opening Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:50 PM (Last order 5:00 PM)
Saturday & Sunday: 11:30 AM – 7:50 PM (Last order 7:00 PM)
☕ The Charm of Tea in a Hanok
What makes Suyeonsanbang so special is not just the tea, but the atmosphere. Sitting on the warm Ondol floor or at a wooden table, you’ll see sunlight streaming through paper windows, hear the creak of old beams, and feel the serene beauty of a Hanok.
Signature items: Pumpkin Bingsu (shaved ice) & Ssanghwa-cha (traditional herbal tea)
Other favorites: Omija-cha (five-flavor berry tea), Honey Ginger Bellflower Tea, Ginseng Tea, Jujube Tea
Snacks: Traditional Korean treats such as rice cakes and crispy Yugwa
Prices range from 15,000 to 30,000 KRW per person, which is fair considering the atmosphere and cultural experience.
🌧️ Best Experienced on a Rainy Day
If you have the chance, visit Suyeonsanbang on a rainy day. Sitting under the eaves while listening to raindrops fall on the tiled roof, sipping a hot cup of tea, is a memory you won’t forget. The quiet harmony of tea, wood, and rain creates one of the most authentically Korean moments you can experience in Seoul.
🌿 Why Visit
Romantic Rainy Days: Enjoy tea with the sound of rain falling on the Hanok roof.
Cultural Significance: Once home to Korea’s celebrated novelist, Lee Tae-jun.
Atmosphere: A hidden oasis of calm, away from the city’s noise.
Travel Tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon for a quieter experience. On weekends, expect to wait.
🚗 Travel Tips
About 10 minutes by car from Changdeokgung Palace
About 25 minutes by bus
About 50 minutes on foot
👉 Suyeonsanbang is not just a teahouse—it is a place where literature, history, and the beauty of Korean tradition come together. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat in Seoul, where time slows down and culture seeps into every detail, this Hanok teahouse in Seongbuk-dong is the perfect spot to pause, reflect, and savor the moment.
