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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

122.1M    873652     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.

Seolleneun Majung (설레는마중)

Seolleneun Majung (설레는마중)

122.1M    66     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.

Gukje Embroidery - Insa-dong Branch (국제자수원 3호점 (인사동))

Gukje Embroidery - Insa-dong Branch (국제자수원 3호점 (인사동))

130.6M    20495     2020-05-07

41, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-0830

Opened in 1979, Kukjae Embroidery specializes in embroidered crafts using traditional Korean patterns. Every product is delicately and elegantly crafted by master artisans. Kukjae Embroidery is known as a frequent destination of foreign dignitaries. It offers a seminar where international tourists can learn how to make embroidered crafts.

Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop (KCDF 갤러리숍 공예정원)

131.5M    18992     2021-07-08

8, Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9041

The Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop displays and sells high-quality Korean handicrafts, stamped with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts. The shop possesses handicrafts by renowed master craftsmen and artists. Crafts have both practical and decorative uses.

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

138.3M    67     2021-04-09

12 Insadong 11-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-733-5761

It is a house where you can eat hot and spicy Daegutang (Codfish Soup). This restaurant's signature menu is codfish stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Sadongmyeonok (사동면옥)

Sadongmyeonok (사동면옥)

141.9M    17737     2021-12-17

9, Insadong, 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7393

A store with over 35 years’ experience that sells Hwanghaedo-style dumplings. The best menu at this restaurant is dumpling hot pot. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Olive Young - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 안국)

Olive Young - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 안국)

142.3M    0     2024-04-17

1F, 45, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Busan Sikdang (부산식당)

Busan Sikdang (부산식당)

144.8M    2179     2021-03-24

12, Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5761

Busan Sikdang has been operated in one location since 1976. They offer clean and plain soup and properly-cooked rice prepared upon the customers' arrival.

Choedaegamne (최대감네)

172.8M    4298     2024-03-18

12-3 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9355

Choedaegamne is a traditional Korean restaurant located in a hanok in Insa-dong, with a garden and a pond, and has been in operation for over 100 years. One of their popular dishes is the sangchu shabu jeongsik (shabu with rice in a cabbage set menu), where vegetables and meat are cooked in a broth and then enjoyed with noodles, served with a small rice ball on lettuce. They also offer a so galbijjim jeongsik (steamed beef ribs set menu) and bulgogi jeongsik (bulgogi set menu), served with lotus leaf rice and soybean paste jjigae. After the meal, guests can enjoy tea in the garden.

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

175.5M    17278     2024-03-18

(4-6th floor, Maru Art Center), 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6002-6456

Museum Kimchikan is a museum dedicated to kimchi in Insa-dong’s Maru Art Center. The exhibition details the culture, history, trajectory, and efficacy of kimchi and teaches the visitors how to make kimchi through videos. Visitors can also sample different types of kimchi. The museum offers both individual and group experience programs, which require reservation via email.