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

Insa-dong (인사동)

7.4Km    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.

Asian Table (아시안테이블)

7.4Km    2021-03-18

11, Seonggyungwan-ro, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7608-1763

This is a Asian restaurant located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A pub where you can try a variety of Southeast Asian beers. The best menu at this restaurant is pad Thai.

The Unexpected Man(홀연했던 사나이)

7.4Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 259 (명륜2가)

Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

7.5Km    2025-01-09

41-11, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-7525

Located near Deoksugung Palace, Jungmyeongjeon Hall is a red-brick modern Western-style building. It was built in 1899 as the imperial library of the Korean Empire. After Deoksugung Palace caught on fire in 1904, the place became the temporary residence of Emperor Gojong. It also witnessed the tragic part of history in which the infamous Eulsa Treaty (Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty), an illegal treaty forced by Japan, was signed in 1905. Its exhibition hall serves as a place for historical education.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

7.5Km    2025-01-17

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Yangpyeong Haejangguk (양평해장국)

7.5Km    2021-03-30

48, Sungkyunkwan-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-6960

It is a favorite place frequently visited by the residents of Hyehwa-dong. This restaurant's signature menu is hangover soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Nature Collection - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (네이처컬렉션 광화문)

7.5Km    2024-04-18

1F, 105, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Korean Museum of Straw and Life (짚풀생활사박물관)

7.5Km    2022-09-15

45, Sungkyunkwan-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-8787

Korean Museum of Straw and Life is a private museum dedicated to the collection, research, and display of materials and historical accounts of diverse straws and their uses in Korea. As Koreans' lifestyle in the past heavily depended on agriculture and cultivation of crops, straws and grasses were easily found and had many uses. The museum aims to educate the general public of how different straw were produced and used by Korean ancestors as well as their significance in connection with today's lifestyle.

Olens - Kyung Hee Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 경희대)

7.5Km    2024-04-18

150, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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Pungnap-dong Toseong Fortress (서울 풍납동 토성)

7.5Km    2025-01-10

Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2147-2800

Onjo, the progenitor of Kingdom Baekje, first settled in Wiryeseong Hanam. But exact location is still unknown. One thing for sure, however, is that Pungnaptoseong Fortress, Mongchontoseong Fortress, Bangidong Ancient Tombs of Baekje, Seokchondong Stone Mound Tomb of Early Baekje are the remains of Baekje. Pungnaptoseong Fortress faces Hangang River to its west and connects to Mongchontoseong Fortress to the south. To the northwest faces Achasanseong Fortress over Hangang River and far to the southeast is Namhansanseong Fortress.

Pungnaptoseong Fortress, located at the south end of Cheonhodaegyo Bridge over Hangang River, is one of the remains of Early Baekje. Originally, the fortress was 4km in circumference, but due to massive overflowing of Hangang River during flood season in 1925, most of the fortress was lost and only 2.7km of it remains. To the east of the fortress are 4 vestiges of the fortress gates. The remains from the prehistoric era through the Samguk (Three States) era have been unearthed, indicating that this place was a residential area well before the Baekje Era. Through vigorous excavation, some people suggest that there used to be a palace located here during the Baekje Era.