Introduction
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.
The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.
Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked off from traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (green onion pancake), and lose yourself in all the joyous festivities of the street.
Telephone
+82-2-734-0222
Available Facilities
Outdoor stage (Naminsa Madang), souvenir shops, restaurants, craft shop, etc.
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Exhibition & Memorial Halls
Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and Buddhist meals for domestic and international visitors. The cent...
Insa-dong PR Center (인사동홍보관)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Others
Insa-dong PR Center opened in 2006 with the goal of providing accessible education for both domestic and international visitors to understand Korean traditions ...
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art (사비나 미술관)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Art Museums/ Art Galleries
The Savina Museum provides visitors with fresh and exciting pieces that reflect the diverse and dynamic aspects of Korean modern art. Museum organizers actively...
Ssamzigil (쌈지길)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Others
Ssamzigil, opened on December 18, 2004, has been called the "Special Insa-dong within Insa-dong." This unique area was designed in such a way as to connect each...
Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art (경인미술관)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Art Museums/ Art Galleries
Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art is located at the center of Insa-dong, Seoul. Insa-dong is famous as a traditional cultural street. Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art is a...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Inn/Motel
Located near Gwanghwamun Gate, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Somerset Palace Seoul is a great hotel to stay for both travel and business. Within walking distance are a num...
Center Mark Hotel (센터마크호텔)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Tourist Hotel
Located in Insa-dong, Center Mark Hotel is a business Hotel with 250 guest rooms. WIth many attractions nearby, the hotel provides extra convenience.
Charm Hanok Guesthouse (참한옥게스트하우스)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
Located in Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Charm Hanok Guesthouse is traditional Korean house-style accommodations built over 100 years ago. While it keeps the or...
Namhyundang (남현당)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
As a guesthouse located in Gyeongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Namhyundang is a traditional Korean house built more than 100 years ago; this is the reason 70-80% of the ...
Hyu Guesthouse (휴게스트하우스)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
Located in a narrow alleyway between hanok buildings in Anguk-dong, Hyu Guesthouse is not far from Anguk Station Exit 2 in the direction of Bukchon Hanok Villag...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Sarangchae is located in Insa-dong, one of the most famous neighborhoods visited by tourists. Majority of the restaurant's customers are foreigners, a...
Balwoo Gongyang (사찰음식 전문점 발우공양)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Vegetarian Restaurants
Originating from the law of eating food at Buddhist temples, Balwoo Gongyang refers to the act of eating as part of practicing discipline and self-control. Balw...
Jirisan Restaurant (지리산)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Jirisan is one of the representative Korean restaurants in Insa-dong, an area known for its traditional culture. One of the trademarks of this restaurant, besid...
Nwijo (뉘조)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Nwijo (뉘조) is a Korean restaurant specializing in wild vegetable cuisine. The name ‘Nwijo’ means ‘the god of the silkworm,’ and likens wild vegetables to silkwo...
Nuri (누리)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Located in neighborhood of Insa-dong, traditional Korean lunch box and tea restaurant Nuri brings out the true beauty of hanok while implementing western dining...
Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop (KCDF 갤러리숍)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Shops/Malls
The Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop displays and sells high-quality Korean handicrafts, stamped with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts...
Gru (그루)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Craft Workshops
Gru is a shop dedicated to the promotion of Fair Trade items. Items in Gru are made by women living in impoverished areas in Asia. These environment-friendly cl...
Knife Gallery (칼 갤러리)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Shops/Malls
The only knife specialty shop in Korea, this Insadong gallery is home to over 6,000 knives from all over the world. They include traditional Korean and Japanese...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Souvenir Shops
Opened in 1979, Kukjae Embroidery specializes in embroidered crafts using Korean traditional patterns. Every product is handicrafted, delicate, and elegant. Kuk...
Directions
[Subway]
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 100m straight, then turn left.
Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 3.
Go straight 300m, and turn left at the 4-way Intersection.
Go straight 100m, and take the left road toward Insadong-gil Road.
[Bus]
Get off at Anguk Station, Jongno Police Office, or Insa-dong Bus Stop.
Green Bus: 7025
Blue Bus: 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 601
Maeul Bus: Jongno02
Airport Bus: 6011
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