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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

1.4Km    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.

Tteok Museum (떡박물관)

Tteok Museum (떡박물관)

1.4Km    2021-09-29

71, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-741-5447

The Tteok Museum displays over 2,000 Korean kitchen utensils and tteok (rice cake) related items, arranged by various themes. The displayed utensils are handmade household necessities that are ingenuous, yet reveal the lifestyle of the working class. The elderly may relive fond childhood memories and the younger generation can experience the wisdom of ancestors through the rare kitchen utensils.

Jilsiru -Rice Cake Café (떡카페 질시루)

Jilsiru -Rice Cake Café (떡카페 질시루)

1.4Km    2020-04-24

71, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-741-0258

Jilsiru is a modern cafe serving a panoply of traditional snacks. Customers may enjoy the wide variety of tteok (rice cake), hangwa (Korean traditional sweets & cookies), and traditional organic beverages at this cafe with a sophisicated interior.

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

1.4Km    2022-12-27

198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3703-9200

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials. The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World. In addition, the Korean History Dream Village features a hands-on program hall for children to learn modern and contemporary history. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum also offers educational and cultural programs for children.

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

1.4Km    2024-04-17

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

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Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

1.4Km    2020-04-23

34-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-9969

Eunjujeong (은주정)

Eunjujeong (은주정)

1.4Km    2024-03-12

32, Changgyeonggung-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2265-4669

Situated near Gwangjang Market, Eunjujeong focuses on kimchi jjigae. Served wrapped in lettuce, it offers a unique delicacy. They also sell barbecued pork belly, which is grilled in the traditional Korean style. After finishig the meal, it's recommended to take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream right in front of the restaurant. Across Cheonggyecheon Stream is Gwangjang Market, which is also worth exploring, enriching the experience of the area.

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

1.4Km    2019-09-16

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.

Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.

HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

1.4Km    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.

Sejong-ro Park (세종로공원)

Sejong-ro Park (세종로공원)

1.4Km    2022-08-31

jiha 189, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-9598

Sejong-ro Park is located next to Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Inside the park, there are wooden benches and shaded areas where people can sit and relax. Also available are water fountains, a round outdoor stage, and various sculptures. The lunch crowd from the nearby office buildings often come to the park during weekdays. On the weekends, the park is also used as a venue for outdoor weddings.

Seoul's anthem and the poem "Bulnori" by Ju Yo-han are written on a memorial stone that can be found inside the park.