Insa-dong (인사동)
913.7M 2024-05-17
62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Daelim Museum (대림미술관)
913.2M 2022-07-29
21, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
The Daelim Museum, built by the Daelim Group, was first established in Daejeon in 1996 and later moved to Jongno, Seoul in 2002. The art gallery studies, analyzes, and presents modern art through the lens of photography and holds exhibitions centered around photo media.
The museum is located in the residential area of Tongui-dong, near the time-honored Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum, which was designed by French architect, Vincent Cornu, and built by the Daelim Corporation, opened its door to the public in late May 2002.
On the first floor, there is a garden, parking lot, reception desk, storage area, and conference room. On the second and third floor are offices and exhibition hall approximately 595 m² in size, consisting of small and large rooms, a long gallery, and a special high-ceilinged exhibition space. On the fourth floor, there is a seminar room that can seat up to 120 guests and a balcony with a beautiful view. From the balcony of the seminar room, Visitors can also enjoy a wide open view of Inwangsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain. The stained glass panels (designed to reflect the beauty of traditional Korean wrapping cloth) and the scenic lounges on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building add to the overall charm.
Above all else, the museum was designed with consideration of the photos, which are very sensitive to humidity, light, and temperature.
Bank of Korea Money Museum (화폐박물관)
917.1M 2024-03-18
39 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
This Renaissance-style three-story stone building is the museum of the Bank of Korea. The older Bank of Korea was established as the central bank of the Korean Empire in 1909 and has been designated as a National Historical Site. During the Japanese colonial period, the bank was renamed the Bank of Joseon, and the building was used as the main and head office of the Bank of Korea until 2001. The building has been used as the nation’s Money Museum since June 2001 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Bank of Korea. The museum has 13 exhibition rooms on two floors, with one basement floor and two above-ground floors. It holds special exhibitions of various currency and art collections to provide domestic and foreign visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the history and culture of currency. Visitors can learn about the Bank of Korea and the central banking system, as well as how to identify counterfeit notes and how money is produced and circulated. It is also a good place for children to learn about currencies from around the world. Advance reservations are required, and parking is not available. The museum can easily be reached via subway by getting off at Hoehyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) and exiting through Exit 7.
Toin (토인)
917.1M 2025-11-05
48 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Toy store where you can buy Dalgona sets
It is a retro-style store that sells nostalgic toys and snacks. The small space is filled with colorfully colored wrapping paper and toys that are difficult to understand at first glance. As soon as you enter this place, children and adults will feel excited and their eyes will sparkle. Among the various products, the most popular item is by far the Dalgona set. It is good to make new memories by choosing snacks and toys that suit your taste
Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center (명동관광정보센터)
927.5M 2023-01-03
66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center provides information on traveling, shopping, attractions, and more in Seoul. Service is provided in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. The center also offers experience programs like using Hangeul stamps.
Myeong-dong (명동)
929.8M 2024-05-17
66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. The two main streets meet in the center of the block with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) and the other from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. Many brand name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores have branches here, including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices.
Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in dongaseu (pork cutlet) and kalguksu (noodle soup). Other businesses in the area include hair salons, banks and theaters.
HIDE AND SEEK - Ssamzigil Branch (하이드앤시크 쌈지길점)
936.3M 2025-11-06
44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
This is where TXT members enjoyed escape games on their own series, “TO DO X TXT.” Chosen as the tagger by random draw, Huening Kai showed impressive game skills, using his instincts to “eliminate” the other members.
Geoan (거안)
936.3M 2025-10-23
44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Geoan, a store in Insa-dong, specializes in wooden furniture and accessories. Visitors can purchase products on display in the store or customize their pieces according to their preferences. In addition to furniture production, the shop also exhibits and sells various artworks such as celadon, lacquer mother-of-pearl, and sculptures by artists, making it a classy art space that harmonizes tradition and modernity.
Ssamzigil (쌈지길)
938.8M 2025-10-23
44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Ssamzigil is an Insa-dong landmark and a shopping mall specializing in crafts. It is a place where the traditions of Korea come together with its present. Follow the paths that lead seamlessly from the lower floors to the upper floors and browse the small craft shops that inhabit the floors. You can find both works of traditional craft and contemporary craft here. Some craft shops also offer craft experiences, and one can also find restaurants and galleries within the complex.
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