Insa-dong

Insa-dong is a popular neighborhood in the heart of Seoul that is often visited by locals and tourists wanting to experience traditional culture of Korea. Streets and narrow back alleys are lined with art galleries, wooden tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling arts and crafts. The main street, Insadong-gil, runs for 700 meters from Tapgol Park in the south to Anguk-dong Rotary.

Many of the buildings in the area were once owned by merchants, bureaucrats, and government officials during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).

Dohwawon, the National Department of Painting, was once located in Insadong. For centuries, this department created royal paintings and woodwork that were found in many of the royal palaces. Artists and painters have made their way here for centuries, making Insadong art mecca.

After the Korean War, many art galleries moved in. Today, there are around 100 unique art galleries in the area which focus on traditional Korean art including paintings, sculptures, pottery, porcelain, and more.

Insadong is one of the best places in Seoul to find tea, calligraphy materials, folk crafts, antique furniture, hanbok (traditional clothing) and hanji (traditional paper). Many Korean ceramics, some dating back thousands of years, are bought and sold here everyday. Their prices range from a few won to million of won.

Many of the streets and alleys are blocked off to vehicles on Saturdays (14:00-22:00) and Sundays (10:00-22:00). This is the best and most popular time to visit.

Insadong is quite busy during this time, especially when the weather is nice. Walking down the streets of Insadong with thousands of other people, shopping in the many small stores and colorful shops, and trying out street foods is a great experience for anyone traveling to Seoul.

One recommend street food to try is hotteok. Hotteok is a sweet snack filled with nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This tasty snack is great to have on a cold day. The vendor is easy to spot on Insadong-gil at Insadong 4-gil. There is usually a line of hungry people waiting patiently in line. The hotteok cost 1,000 won.

You will also see many people eating and walking with an interestingly shaped corn cookie snack that is filled with vanilla ice cream.

Insadong Information Center

The Insadong Information Center is located 100 meters west of Ssamziegil Market on the way to Jogyesa Temple. It is open everyday from 9:30 to 18:300 and offers information and interpretation services to tourists, free internet access, and the change to see and even wear hanbok (traditional clothing). Recordings about Korean culture in multiple languages are available to those who make reservations at least one week in advance.

Hours : 9:30-18:30 (Closed on Seollal and Chuseok)
Directions : From Ssamziegil Market, follow Insadong 11-gil for 100 meters.

There are also two small tourist information centers. The first is located north of Insadong, outside exit 6 of Anguk Station. It is open daily from 12:00 to 22:00. The second is located south of Insadong in front of Nam Insa Madang. It is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Nearby Sights

Ssamziegil

Ssamziegil is a colorful shopping and culture complex in Insadong that features cafes, galleries, and workshops that mix modern and traditional Korean styles.

Ujeongchongguk (Central Post Office)

Ujeongchongguk (Central Post Office) was established as the first post office of Korea on April 22, 1884 during the reign of King Gojong. Postal service began on November 18, 1884. It was the first modern postal service. Service was suspended during the Gapsin Coup on December 4, 1884. Service was resumed on July 22, 1895.

Cheondogyo Central Temple

When Cheondogyo Central Temple was built between 1918 and 1921 it was used as a temple of Cheondoism, a 20th century Korean religious movement. Cheondogyo literally means "religion of the Heavenly Way."

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a symbol of Korean Buddhism. It is located in the heart of the city near Insadong. Since 1936, it has been the head temple of the first district of the Jogye Order of Korea Buddhism.

Unhyeongung Palace

Gojong, 26th king and emperor of Korea, was born at Unhyeongung Palace on September 8, 1852. He lived here until age 12 when he ascended to the throne. The residence was owned by Heungseon Daewongun, the father of Gojong.

Seung-dong Presbyterian Church

Seung Dong Presbyterian Church, located near Insadong, was established in 1893 by Samuel Foreman Moore (1860-1906). Over the years, the church has been relocated and renamed many times. Before being renamed Seung Dong, it has been known by as Gondanggol, Jungang, and Baekjeong.

Last Updated on Oct 21, 2023