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.

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

1.4Km 2025-06-30

Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si

There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry stores in this district, spread throughout Jongno 3(sam)-ga and 4(sa)-ga. The glittering showcases here are especially popular amongst young people and foreign tourists looking to find fine jewelry at affordable prices. Stores in the jewelry district have a selection of designs that are extraordinarily diverse and prices that are 20 to 40% lower than at other jewelry outlets in Korea.

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (서울 남산국악당)

1.4Km 2021-08-02

28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2261-0500

Seoul Namsan Gukakdang was established by Seoul Metropolitan Government as a representative traditional art-centered performance hall in 2007. It is comprised of one ground and two basement levels. The performance hall is located on the basement floor with 300 seats, equipped with facilities that deliver pansori sounds and gayageum music to every seat. Visitors can make a reservation at the Namsangol Hanok Village website.

Bukchon-ri Dullegol (북촌리둘레골)

1.4Km 2021-03-19

44 Insadong 14-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-747-9700

A restaurant with Korean traditional house-themed interior design. The representative menu is Korean table d''hote. This is a Korean cuisine located in Insa-dong, Seoul.

Jogeum (조금)

1.4Km 2021-03-29

62-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-8400

It is a Japanese-style hot pot rice store. The best menu at this restaurant is Hot Stone Pot Rice. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃,밥에피다)

1.4Km 2023-10-10

3-6 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A Flower Blossom on the Rice serves beautiful, healthy meals using ingredients grown in accordance with eco-friendly practices. Diners can expect to enjoy dishes made with organic rice grown in Bongha Village, pesticide-free vegetables, wheat, traditional pastes, and undyed meats. Popular menus include the vegetable course, suitable for vegans, the tteok bulgogi made with Korean beef, braised rockfish harvested around Heuksando Island, and the five-colored bojagi bibimbap.

Kkotbabe Pida (꽃밥에피다)

1.4Km 2021-03-26

3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-0276

It is a 2021 Michelin Guide restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is bibimbap. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

CheongKwanJang - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 광화문)

1.4Km 2024-04-22

20, Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Tonymoly - Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (토니모리 을지로3가역점)

1.4Km 2024-06-27

B3-14, 131, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.4Km 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.

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