Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자) - Area information - Korea travel information

Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

412.5M    2020-04-23

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

Seoul International Writers' Festival (서울국제작가축제)

Seoul International Writers' Festival (서울국제작가축제)

414.4M    2025-07-30

26 Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8826-5207

Seoul International Writers' Festival was founded in 2006 with aims to lay a foundation for connecting Korean literature and international literature. This year's theme is "() Meets the Eye," inviting attendees to explore the beauty of literature that is much more than meets the eye.

Insa-dong PR Center (인사동홍보관)

Insa-dong PR Center (인사동홍보관)

415.5M    2017-07-26

19 Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-82-737-7890~1

Insa-dong PR Center opened in 2006 with the goal of providing accessible education for both domestic and international visitors to understand Korean traditions and history. It was built in what was once the private residence for Prince Uichin (1877-1955), one of the sons of Emperor Gojong (1852-1919).

Insa-dong PR Center also introduces the traditions and culture of Insa-dong, and provides tour pamphlets and tourist assistance in multiple languages (English, Japanese and Chinese). Visitors can try on hanbok (traditional costumes) and enjoy Wi-Fi within the facility.

Imun Seolnongtang (이문설농탕)

418.2M    2025-06-18

38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-6526

Imun Seolnongtang has been serving its hearty seolleongtang for over a hundred years since it first opened in 1907. Even its name has a long history: the word imun comes from Imun-gol, the now-obsolete name of the restaurant’s location, and seolnongtang, an old variation of the word seolleongtang. During the Japanese colonial rule, the restaurant’s regular customers included Gijeong Son, the marathon gold-medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The meal served at this restaurante is reputed to stay consistent from the Japanese colonial period. 

Neungnabapsang (능라밥상)

Neungnabapsang (능라밥상)

429.1M    2021-03-22

42, Donhwamun-ro, 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9905

A place where you can taste North Korean traditional dishes run by a chef who was a North Korean defector. This restaurant's signature menu is boiled meat platter. This North Korean cuisine restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Kkotpineun Sangol (꽃피는산골)

Kkotpineun Sangol (꽃피는산골)

431.8M    2021-03-26

17, Jong-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7963

A restaurant frequented by office workers in Jongno after work. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is seafood and green onion pancake.

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

435.7M    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.

Jeonjugol Sutbulgalbi (전주골숯불갈비)

Jeonjugol Sutbulgalbi (전주골숯불갈비)

435.9M    2021-03-22

15, Donhwamun-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-2582

It is famous as a regular hang-out spot of the well-known Korean MC (Hae Song). This restaurant's signature menu is grilled beef ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Hwaro heukdondon (화로흑돈돈)

Hwaro heukdondon (화로흑돈돈)

443.1M    2021-03-20

34, Donhwamun-ro, 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3675-0191

A place that’s popular among workers for group dinners. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled skin-on pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

444.2M    2024-01-05

56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Balwoo Gongyang, located in front of the main gate of Jogyesa Temple, is a temple food restaurant operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. It was selected as a 1-star restaurant by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 and it is so popular that reservations must be made a month in advance. “Balwoo” refers to meals for monks and it means that the act of eating is also a process to realizing the truth. The restaurant offers five types of course menus inspired by Buddhist teachings that are served in the order of Suljuksim, Juksang, Sangmi (嘗味), Dammi (噉味), Seungso (僧笑), Youmi (愈味), and Ipgasim. The menu is made with seasonal ingredients to bring out the best flavor of each season. The course meal starts with appetizing kimchi stew according to the traditional Korean meal culture. Then it is followed by porridge, seasonal salad, rice and stew, side dishes, tea, and dessert, satisfying both the taste buds and health. Those who wish to experience an authentic temple meal are recommended to try the Beop Course.