Ssamziegil: Centerpiece Of Insadong

Ssamziegil is a colorful shopping and culture complex in Insadong that features cafes, galleries, and workshops that mix modern and traditional Korean styles. The complex opened in 2004 and now is a destination in itself and an important centerpiece of Insadong. Ssamziegil may be modern, but it is construction blends wondering into the surrounding traditional neighborhood.

When entering Ssamziegil, you will first encounter a large open courtyard that is surrounded by four floors of shops. There is also a basement with Gallery Bob, a workshop, and restaurants. The whole area may not look large but it takes up 3,967 square meters (42,700 square feet).

From here, you can follow the 500 meter (1,640 foot) footpath as it wraps around the courtyard as it ascends to the roof.

Along this footpath, which resembles a small Insadong alleyway, are 70 small shops about 10 square meters (107 square feet) in size.

Twelve of the workshops on the first floor are original. They existed here before Ssamziegil was constructed and have since been modernized.

The second floor features traditional handicraft shops that range from items created by college students to master craftsmen shops.

The third floor is where you can find traditional Korean handicrafts, clothing, and fashion accessories. Such items sold on this floor include scarves, neckties, glasses, and fans with unique artistic touches.

The fourth floor features a Sky Garden, Gallery Sum, crafts exhibition hall, Galpi book cafe, and other places to rest. The views looking down at the courtyard and Insadong are wonderful, so don’t forget your camera.

If you take the staircase, notice the interesting rose stem that climbs from the basement to the roof of the building. There is also a lot of sloppy hand drawn writings and graffiti on the wall that add to the uniqueness of Ssamziegil.

Nearby Sights

Insa-dong

Insadong 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.

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."

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.

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 Dec 27, 2023