Insa-dong (인사동) - Area information - Korea travel information

Insa-dong (인사동)

1.3Km    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.

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

1.3Km    2021-06-19

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3783-5900

Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirety of Seoul below. As it is a prime spot to view the first sunrise of the year, the annual sunrise festival takes place every New Year's Day.

HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

1.3Km    2024-03-18

50, Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7557

It is a store that has been operating with a long tradition since 1939. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

High - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이엔드코리아 안국)

1.3Km    2024-04-17

1F, 62-5, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

Bongsan Mask Dance(봉산탈춤 다 모여라~ )

1.4Km    2025-12-04

서울특별시 종로구 종로1길 45 (세종로)

Jeongdong Guksi (정동국시)

1.4Km    2024-06-19

5 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-732-0114

Jeongdong Guksi features a rich soup with a clean taste, created by carefully removing the oil dozens of times while boiling Korean beef bones for 15 hours. The restaurant uses this same beef bone broth in their mandutguk (dumpling soup), something not many restaurants do. The rich flavor of the broth combined with the soft dumplings, made in-house daily, is a must-try. The restaurant is also surrounded by many cultural and artistic spaces, making it a great addition to tours in the area.

TUBAn [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 투바앤)

1.4Km    2024-04-23

1955, Goyang-daero, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

-

Jalppajin Memil Ikseon Branch (잘빠진메밀 익선)

1.4Km    2024-03-18

73 Yulgok-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4531-1214

Jalppajin Memil is a specialty restaurant that directly kneads 100% buckwheat dough to make buckwheat noodles. They offer both bibim makguksu (spicy buckwheat noodles) and mul makguksu (buckwheat noodles). Additionally, they serve memil jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepe), memil mandu (buckwheat mandu), and tender suyuk (boiled pork slices). They have a selection of 10 different kinds of makgeolli (unrefined rice wine) including chestnut, citrus, corn, and mulberry, allowing customers to choose according to their preference. Their famous makgeolli sampler set, which allows customers to taste five different types of makgeolli in small quantities, is popular.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

1.4Km    2024-10-15

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2500

A store with rooms reproducing a traditional kitchen. The best menu at this restaurant is napa wraps with pork. This is a Korean cuisine located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul.

Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284)

1.4Km    2025-10-23

1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Culture Station Seoul 284 opened in 2011 by restoring the old Seoul Station. The complex holds various programs including exhibitions, performances, cultural events and workshops. It holds over 100 years of history with Namdaemun Station being the original name of the station in 1900 and changing to Gyeongseong Station, Seoul Station, and now Culture Station Seoul 284. The look of 1925 Gyeongseong Station offers visitors a flashback to the past, providing a fun and special experience.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
This is where Mok-ha (played by Park Eun-bin) waited for Ki-ho (played by Chae Jong-hyeop) with flowers in the TV series "Castaway Diva." As the restored historic Seoul Station, it also appeared in "Reply 1994" as the location where Samcheonpo (played by Kim Sung Kyun) first arrived in Seoul.