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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

1.9Km    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.

Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

1.9Km    2025-03-15

68, Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

The Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course is a nostalgic path connecting famous old houses in Seongbuk-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village, divided by the old city walls. Along the way, you'll find historic sites like Gilsangsa Temple, Jeongbeopsa Temple, Han Yong-un’s Simujang House, and novelist Lee Tae-jun's House. The trail also features charming cultural spots, such as the traditional tea house Sooyeon Sanbang and the Seongbuk Museum of Art.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Parasite"
The scene in the alley where Ki-woo visited Mr. Park's house in a wealthy neighborhood for expensive tutoring was filmed in a residential area in Seongbuk-dong. Seongbuk-dong, an old wealthy village, has luxury mansions lined up in. There are many pretty cafés and galleries here and there, so it's good to take a leisurely look around. Mr. Park's house was a filming set, which was demolished after filming.

Insa-dong Traditional Culture Festival (인사전통문화축제)

1.9Km    2022-10-27

49 , Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-7890

Celebrated annually since 1987, Insa-dong Traditional Culture Festival is a feast of Korean culture and art, hosted by the Traditional Culture Preservation Society and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The festival features an international folk festival, parade, and singing contest. Street events include ceramic art demonstrations, portrait drawings by street artists, and making traditional rice cakes.

Line Friends - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (라인프렌즈 인사점)

1.9Km    2024-04-16

49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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KongKongY Gallery [Tax Refund Shop] (콩콩이 그림가게)

1.9Km    2024-04-19

Store #325, 3F, 49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Bachi Ring (UMC Jewelry) [Tax Refund Shop] (바치링(UMC쥬얼리))

1.9Km    2024-04-19

#414, 49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

1.9Km    2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
 SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

Seolleneun Majung (설레는마중)

Seolleneun Majung (설레는마중)

1.9Km    2021-03-30

49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6954-2915

It is a store that sells both traditional Korean desserts and coffee. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is rice cake.

Color pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄(COLORPOOL MUSEUM))

Color pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄(COLORPOOL MUSEUM))

1.9Km    2024-11-06

6F, 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

It is an experiential museum where you can feel the variety of colors with all your senses. If you want to have a picture with a pretty background like a fairy tale, there is no better place than this museum. The pool filled with adorable pink balls is the most popular section that brings happy smiles to everyone, adults and children alike. You can also find various souvenirs related to bathing, such as exfoliating towels and natural soap.

Harmony Mart - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하모니마트 인사)

Harmony Mart - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하모니마트 인사)

1.9Km    2024-04-17

1F (Gwanhun-dong), 38, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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