Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

1.6Km 2025-04-09

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2011-1744~7

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lanterns at Yeon Deung Hoe Festival brighten the heart and the world!

Saeki P&C [Tax Refund Shop] (세기피앤씨)

1.6Km 2024-04-18

22-12, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong PR Center (인사동홍보관)

1.6Km 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.

Knife Gallery (나이프갤러리)

1.6Km 2020-04-30

7, Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-4431

The only knife specialty museum in Korea, this Insa-dong gallery is home to over 6,000 knives from all over the world. They include traditional Korean and Japanese knives, Chinese knives, decorative knives, knives by famous artists, and knives shown in movies. There are a variety of knives for both daily and decorative uses. Customers who order custom knives may observe the entire manufacturing process.

Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

1.6Km 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.

Templestay Information Center (템플스테이 홍보관)

1.6Km 2022-10-17

56, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2031-2000

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and temple meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as tea time with a Buddhist monk, traditional culture activities and more.

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.6Km 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.

Daeseong Hanjeongsik (대성한정식)

1.6Km 2021-03-30

10, Insadong 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-4407

It is a hidden famous restaurant in Insa-dong. The best menu at this restaurant is soy sauce marinated crab set menu. This Korean table d'hote restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Yangbandeck (양반댁)

1.6Km 2024-03-18

19-18 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5507, +82-2-730-1112

Yangbandeck is a traditional Korean house in Insa-dong, serving ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and bori gulbi (barley-aged dried yellow croaker). Theganjang gejang is made from crabs filled with roe, matured in soy sauce. The taste of barley-aged dried yellow croaker, made from dried yellow croaker matured in sea breeze and served on top of rice, is exceptional. Each meal comes with a hot pot rice, and side dishes such as soybean paste jjigae, pancakes, kimchi, and japchae are served as standard.

Matborae Jeukseok Tteokbokki (맛보래즉석떡볶이)

1.6Km 2021-03-19

9, Insadong, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-4831

A spicy rice cakes specialty restaurant located in Insa-dong, Seoul. The most famous menu is stir-fried rice cake with cheese. Jjajang tteokbokki is also delicious.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회) - Area information - Korea travel information