One of the most famous places in Seoul for a romantic, luxury dinner is this restaurant right by Han River called I.O.U. Many Koreans book a spot at I.O.U for proposals or anniversary dinners as it has an amazing view of the Han River and delicious Italian-style course dinners.
No matter where you sit at I.O.U, you'll have an absolutely stunning view of Han River and 63 Building. For a romantic, high-quality dinner, we highly recommend I.O.U! It'll be the perfect night!
Because it is already well-known in Korea, the restaurant runs on a reservation-only basis. Creatrip members can enjoy a special discount at I.O.U, so make sure to make a reservation here for an unforgettable night!
I.O.U. | Han River Restaurant
Information
Address: 서울 용산구 원효로1길 16
16 Wonhyo-ro 1-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Why We Recommend It
I.O.U is a restaurant with a great atmosphere and is a very popular proposal spot.
You can dine on a luxurious meal while enjoying a fantastic view of the Han River.
Especially at night, the Han River's night view is beautiful, creating unforgettable memories.
Before and after your meal, you can take lovely photos in the garden with the Han River and 63 Building in the background.
Things To Keep In Mind
Please be sure to arrive on time.
If you arrive more than 10 minutes past the reserved time, your reservation will be automatically canceled.
Cancelations and refunds are available up to 3 days prior to the reservation date.
The tables are assigned randomly. Earlier time slots usually guarantee better seats!
There is a 2-hour time limit.
Reservations are not available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Languages Available: Korean, English
If you would like to make any changes to your reservation, please contact us at help@creatrip.com.
Reservation Time Slots
MON-FRI
Lunch 11:30-13:00 (30 min intervals)
Dinner 17:30 / 18:00 / 18:30 / 20:00 / 20:30 / 21:00
SAT-SUN
17:00 / 19:40
*Please note that the maximum seating duration is 2 hours.
Menu
Chef's Course | 128,000 KRW (128000) / Person |
Special Course (Lunch) | 68,000 KRW (68000) / Person |
Pasta Course (Lunch) | 39,000 KRW (39000) / Person |
Candle Flower Table Setting | 150,000 KRW (150000) |
Flower Bouquet | Small 50,000 KRW (50000) Medium 70,000 KRW (70000) Large 100,000 KRW (100000) |
Homemade Cake | 45,000 KRW (45000) |
* Please make sure that the menu is the same for each table when making a reservation.
* You can order a single serving.
* Chef's Course: In December, only T-bone steak will be available. An additional fee of 40,000 KRW per person will be charged on-site.
* Special Course (Lunch): In December, only two types of steak—tenderloin and T-bone—will be available. An additional fee of 10,000 KRW for tenderloin and 40,000 KRW for T-bone will be charged on-site.
* Pasta Course: Reservations are not available in December.
Course Meals
Chef's Course
Focaccia
Freshly baked every morning, served with white balsamic and virgin olive oil
Pumpkin Almond Soup
pumpkin, almonds, crème fraîche, rosemary oil
Carasau Bruschetta
carasau bread, pumpkin, prosciutto, lime ricotta
Avocado Gnocchi
gnocchi, avocado salsa, stracciatella, bacon
Salsiccia Porcini Pasta
salsiccia sausage, porcini mushrooms, arugula, brown cheese
Sorbet
Served with dill
Duck Breast or Tenderloin (+10.0)
Choice of duck breast or tenderloin beef
Herb brown butter, cinnamon carrot purée, homemade whole grain bread
Earl Grey Basque Cheesecake
Earl Grey-infused Basque cheesecake, pepper maple syrup, sour cream
Coffee or Tea
Choice of coffee or tea (Earl Grey / Peach Oolong)
T-Bone Steak for Two (+80.0)
Prime T-bone steak, brown butter
Supplement (+140.0)
Lobster
live Canadian lobster, apple, parsnip, white asparagus
Special Course
Focaccia
Freshly baked every morning, served with white balsamic and virgin olive oil
Garlic Soup
Garlic, crème fraîche, rosemary oil
Seafood Arancini
Crab meat, rice, red bell pepper
Gravlax
Cured salmon, smoked salmon, thyme
Bolognese
Beef, bacon, red wine
Main Course – Choice of One:
Striploin or Tenderloin (+10.0)
Beef striploin or tenderloin
or
T-Bone Steak for Two (+80.0)
Prime T-bone steak with brown butter
Tiramisu
Espresso, ladyfingers, cream cheese
Coffee or Tea
Supplement: Lobster (+140.0)
PAIRING (90ml)
3-Glass Wine Pairing (+ KRW 50,000)
4-Glass Wine Pairing (+ KRW 62,000)
Pasta Course
Focaccia
Freshly baked every morning, served with white balsamic and virgin olive oil
Garlic Soup
Garlic, crème fraîche, rosemary oil
Endive Salad
Endive, apple, blue cheese
Pasta of the Day
(Choose this option for an additional +5.0)
Tiramisu
Espresso, ladyfingers, cream cheese
Coffee or Tea
PAIRING (90ml)
3-Glass Wine Pairing (+ KRW 50,000)
Other Services
Flowers
If you want to add to I.O.U's romantic vibes, consider their flower services. The florist on-site prepares flowers. If you have specific requirements such as colors, designs, etc., please request a week in advance.
The Candle Flower Table Setting (150,000 KRW) looks like it's straight out of a fairytale.
 |  |  |
If you want something a little bit more low-key, consider a Flower Bouquet (~50,000 KRW).
Wine Carefully Selected By Sommelier
If you need a glass of wine to go with your dinner, you can ask the server. I.O.U's sommelier is passionate about delicately selecting bottles for upcoming reservations.
Delicious Housemade Cake
If you want to add even more sweetness to your dining experience, pre-order their housemade cake (35,000 KRW).
Our Visit
I.O.U may initially appear to be an ordinary house, but the Han River view hidden behind the building and the interior of the restaurant are truly that of a high-end restaurant.
No matter which seat you choose inside the restaurant, you can enjoy a stunning view. If you want to dine while enjoying a night view of the Han River, I.O.U is the perfect place for you.
Open Garden
Next to the entrance of the restaurant, there is a garden that I.O.U has opened to the public.
There's plenty of greenery and a tranquil atmosphere along with tables that have been set up in the garden so you can leisurely enjoy a view of the Han River on a sunny day.
There are spots in the garden that offer a panoramic view, like an observation deck, and there are also tripods available for taking photos.
Night View
I.O.U is particularly famous for its beautiful night view of the Han River. You can enjoy a sparkling and shining view of Seoul from there.
Having a delicious meal while slowly watching the sunset is very romantic. You can also take beautiful photos from daytime to sunset.
At night, the garden is lit up, creating an even better atmosphere.
If you use the tripod well, you can take lovely photos with the Han River in the background, just like this!
The view of the Han River from the garden is breathtaking, so be sure to stop by after your meal!
I.O.U Restaurant Interior
Counter
Upon opening the door, which looks like an opening to a residential house, you will be greeted by the staff at the entrance. If you provide the name the reservation is under, they will confirm it and guide you to your table right away.
2nd Floor
As soon as you enter, you'll see the second floor spread out before you.
The interior is styled with wood tones and warm-colored lighting, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere, which is perfect for dining!
The most popular seat on the second floor is undoubtedly the window seat. It offers a 180-degree view of the Han River and the famous 63 Building on Yeouido.
There are also private rooms available where you can enjoy a meal in a private space.
3rd Floor
The third floor is an attic space with four tables. The private room in the photo above is especially popular for proposals, as the slightly low ceiling and private atmosphere make it a space where couples can feel closer to each other.
The other private room on the third floor is a lovely room with pink wallpaper, reminiscent of traditional Korean houses. The roof is made of windows, giving it an open feel.
There are also seats for children available, so families can enjoy a meal here as well!
First Floor
The first floor has a different atmosphere from the other floors, with a more retro vibe.
Since the building itself is located in a high position, you can still enjoy a good view of the Han River from the first floor.
On the first floor, there are small private rooms and large private rooms where you can dine with large groups of people.
I.O.U also has a dedicated florist who arranges flowers in vases that are used for the tables. In addition, they also sell bouquets in the men's restroom, making it a perfect surprise gift for your girlfriend!
Chef’s Course – Focaccia, Garlic Soup
The meal begins with freshly baked focaccia, made every morning. Infused with rosemary oil and leaves, it’s extra chewy and aromatic. Enjoy it with white balsamic and extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor. The garlic soup is made with a base of roasted garlic and caramelized onion, finished with rosemary oil and crème fraîche for a rich, comforting taste.
Chef’s Course – Grilled Cauliflower
Grilled cauliflower is served on a base of hummus and onion sauce, topped with pomegranate and prosciutto. Finished with jasmine leaves for a delicate, aromatic touch.
Chef’s Course – Grilled Pulpo
A tender Spanish-style grilled octopus dish. Served inside a squid ink corn chip with granomeshed, spicy carrot sauce, basil slices, and grilled octopus. Finished with squid ink aioli and black olive powder for added depth of flavor. Charcoal oil adds a subtle smokiness to complete the dish.
Chef’s Course – Brandy Butter Pasta
A creamy brandy butter shrimp pasta made with cavatappi, a spiral-shaped pasta that captures the sauce beautifully. Finished with a splash of lemon juice and lemon zest for a refreshing, well-balanced flavor.
Chef’s Course – Main
A steak rested in brown herb butter for rich flavor and tenderness. Served with seasonal vegetable garnish, homemade whole grain mustard, and a cinnamon carrot purée. Each element complements the steak, adding depth and harmony to the dish.
Chef’s Course - T-bone Steak
This is a prime grade American T-bone steak, grilled and finished with brown butter infused with sage. Enjoy the steak with the garnish of broccoli, mashed potatoes, and carrot purée for a variety of flavors in every bite.
Chef’s Course – Earl Grey Basque Cheesecake
A fragrant Earl Grey-infused Basque cheesecake served with sour cream. Paired with a sweet yet subtly spicy pepper maple syrup, this dessert offers a smooth texture with a delicate hint of spice.
Lobster
This is steamed Canadian live lobster and served it with an apple and apple cider vinegar sauce. The side salad features spicy green mustard, with lobster meat and parsnip purée underneath.
How To Get There
Leave from Mapo Station Exit 4.
Make an immediate left.
Turn right at the second corner.
Go straight ahead and you will come to a Y-shaped intersection. Go towards the left.
You will soon come to another fork in the road. You can continue straight ahead.
The road will continue slightly upwards.
When you finish walking up the hill, you will see I.O.U on the left.
It's about a 10-minute walk, but there is a slight slope, so you could take a tax as well. However, it is not too difficult to walk, so it would be nice to go while enjoying the scenery of the surrounding residential area!
I.O.U. | Han River Restaurant
We hope you can enjoy this fine dining experience with a loved one! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
