Insa-dong (인사동)
2.4Km 2024-05-17
62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering 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. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. 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 to vehicular 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 first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.
Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌삼계탕)
2.4Km 2024-03-12
5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-7444
Tosokchon Samgyetang is a restaurant specializing in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) near Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is housed in several renovated traditional hanok buildings, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere. Samgyetang is a traditional Korean nutritious food made by simmering cleaned young chicken with ginseng, jujube, sweet rice batter, and various nuts. The thick broth of samgyetang, served alongside ginseng liquor, stimulates the appetite. Diced radish kimchi and cabbage kimchi are served as basic side dishes.
Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)
2.4Km 2024-12-04
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900
Built in 1395 under the reign of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty, Gwanghwamun Gate is the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is also the main gate of the palace, therefore larger and fancier in comparison to the other gates. Gwanghwamun Gate consists of three arched gates; the center gate was used by the king, while the other two were used by the crown prince and royal officials. The tall granite walls of the gate serve as a platform for the wooden gate tower that watches over the city. The gate has a sign with its name written at the top center of the gate tower.
Gwanghwamun Gate went through several damages and restorations over the course of history. It was first severely damaged during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was not restored until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1864. Under the Japanese administration, the gate was demolished and relocated to the north of the palace's eastern gate, followed by series of damages during the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1968, Gwanghwamun Gate was relocated back to the south of the palace and was rebuilt using concrete; however, the gate’s position was shifted a few meters away from its original location. In 2006, a major reconstruction project took place to restore Gwanghwamun Gate to its original state and location, disassembling the structure completely and replacing concrete with granite and wood. After three years and eight months of construction, Gwanghwamun Gate was fully restored to its original form and was open to the public on August 15, 2010.
1m Classic Art Hall (1m 아트홀)
2.4Km 2019-03-18
31, Daehak-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-7623
1m Classic Art Hall, located in Daehang-ro is a classic art experience center exclusively for children. The center provides children with the opportunity to enjoy classical music in a fun and interesting way. In the ‘1m Experience Classic’ program (the oldest children’s classical program in the nation), teachers not only provide interesting mini-music learns, but also assist children in trying out a variety of instruments.
At the performance halls at the 1m Classic Art Hall, the stage is just 1m away from the surrounding seats, giving young audience members a more intimate musical experience.
Jogeum (조금)
2.4Km 2021-03-29
62-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-8400
It is a Japanese-style hot pot rice store. The best menu at this restaurant is Hot Stone Pot Rice. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Kkotbabe Pida (꽃밥에피다)
2.4Km 2021-03-26
3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-0276
It is a 2021 Michelin Guide restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is bibimbap. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Jirisan Restaurant (지리산)
2.4Km 2019-08-01
30, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-4696
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, besides its amazingly delectable bean and tofu dishes, is a wooden sign that welcome guests into a neat and cozy interior.
Each day, fresh beans are ground at the restaurant to prepare dishes such as soybean paste, soft tofu, and bean-curd tofu stew. Bean-curds are prepared by using seawater, which gives the tofu a unique flavor. The fresh and clean taste of the tofu is one of the many reasons that choosey tofu aficionados flock to the restaurant.
Not just limited to tofu, Jirisan presents customers with a full-range of side dishes such as kimchi, japchae (glass noodles with sautéed vegetables), cucumber kimchi, seasoned seaweed, braised lotus roots, roasted yellow corbinas (a type of fish), leafy greens, bean-curd stew, and more. The restaurant gives visitors a chance to experience a hearty traditional Korean-style meal, but has thoughtfully toned down its seasonings to appeal to a wider audience (particularly those not used to spicy foods).
One of the recommended menu items is the Jirisan set meal, which offers diners the chance to sample foods that are popular in the Jirisan region. Adventurous diners may want to try the sea urchin soup or dried Pollack soup.
The restaurant, originally a traditional Korean house, has been modified over the years to better suit the needs of its customers. The walls surrounding the structure were removed and a glass ceiling was installed to allow guests to enjoy the natural light of the sun as they sample some of the area’s best traditional Korean cuisine.
A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃,밥에피다)
2.4Km 2023-10-10
3-6 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
A Flower Blossom on the Rice serves beautiful, healthy meals using ingredients grown in accordance with eco-friendly practices. Diners can expect to enjoy dishes made with organic rice grown in Bongha Village, pesticide-free vegetables, wheat, traditional pastes, and undyed meats. Popular menus include the vegetable course, suitable for vegans, the tteok bulgogi made with Korean beef, braised rockfish harvested around Heuksando Island, and the five-colored bojagi bibimbap.
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