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

Insa-dong (인사동)

295.7M    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.

Tteulan Teahouse (뜰안)

320.5M    2024-12-10

Tteulan Teahouse is a cafe that really allows one to feel the tradition and flair of Korea. Tteulan has two entrances: one facing the wide alley and the other facing the smaller one. The smaller entrance is decorated like a garden, so it feels as if one is stepping into a land of fairy-tales. The café has a floor seating tables with traditional items like gadari soban (a table with legs that curve like a dog's legs), and jogakbo (a textile woven from several pieces of scrap cloth), all of which add to the traditional Korean aesthetic. The menu features ssanghwacha (medicinal herb tea known to help the immune system), a favorite among middle-aged and elderly Koreans; omija tea (omija is a tart berry that grows in East Asia known to be good for lung and bronchial health and boosts immunity); citrus tea (usually made with yuzu which is rich in vitamin C and said to help mitigate fatigue); and pour-over coffee. Traditional desserts include mugwort rice cake (rice cake with mugwort added for herbal flavor, best enjoyed with malt syrup), pumpkin rice cake, and roasted grain powder (a nutritious beverage made with a variety of powdered grain). It can be hard to find seating in the afternoon, so visitors are advised to avoid these hours if they seek to enjoy their drink in peace.

Donjon Chamnamu Jangjakgui (돈존참나무장작구이)

323.6M    2021-03-19

8, Jong-ro9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-2700

A smoked BBQ restaurant. The representative menu is grilled duck. This Korean cuisine is located near Jonggak Station, Seoul.

Jonggak Hanu (종각한우)

323.6M    2021-03-19

8, Jong-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5613

A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Jongno, Seoul. The most famous menu is assorted grilled Korean beef cuts. A restaurant that's open for group dinners.

Seonbiok (선비옥)

325.0M    2021-03-19

32, Jong-ro 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-2214

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul. A restaurant located near Tapgol Park. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled spareribs.

CheongKwanJang - Jonggak Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종각역)

330.4M    2024-04-22

#102, 95, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁)

334.9M    2024-03-04

464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-9090

Located near the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace was a residence of royalty in Joseon period. It was the place where Gojong (1582-1919, reign 1864-1907), king of Joseon (1392-1897) and emperor of the Korean Empire (1897-1910), was born in, as well as the place where Heungseon Daewongun (1821-1898), his father, had resided in. Buildings include Noandang Hall, Norakdang Hall, and Irodang Hall. The Royal Residence offers programs like traditional weddings and traditional culture experiences, while the exhibition hall showcases Joseon-era artifacts. 

Gongpyeongdong Kkomjangeo (공평동꼼장어)

334.0M    2021-03-26

29, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-1769

It is a place where you can eat in the atmosphere of a cart bar that is often featured in Korean dramas. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled sea eel. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

335.1M    2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Dongdaemun Heopajip (동대문허파집)

341.1M    2021-03-19

26, Jong-ro, 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-4445-7672

A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Tapgol Park, Seoul. A store that uses only Korean beef. The most famous menu is grilled beef small intestine/grilled pork small intestine.