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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

10.8Km    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.

Olive Young - Aeogae Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 애오개역)

Olive Young - Aeogae Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 애오개역)

10.8Km    2024-04-16

#107, and #108, 201, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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KT Square (KT스퀘어)

KT Square (KT스퀘어)

10.8Km    2021-07-08

178, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1577-5599

KT Square is a multi-complex that offers various cultural performances as well as hands-on experiences of the latest in IT technology. Gallery 130 showcases the history of KT Corp.

Onion Anguk Branch (어니언 안국)

Onion Anguk Branch (어니언 안국)

10.8Km    2024-02-20

5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Onion is a café situated in a hanok dating back to the 1920s. Renovated with careful preservation of the daecheongmaru and madang, the café offers a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture. The signature menu item is the vanilla bean latte, and popular desserts include pandoro and salty butter bread. Its proximity to nearby attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Seoul's major palaces.

Yu Yuan (유 유안)

10.8Km    2017-02-24

97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

With a name derived from Shanghai's beautiful garden, Yu Yuan displays the glamorous exuberance and abundance of Shanghai in the 1920s. Offered menus are mostly based on Guangdong cuisine along with other Chinese regional specialties such as Bejing Duck.

Baek Ni Hyang (백리향)

10.8Km    2024-02-28

57F, 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Baek Ni Hyang is a Chinese restaurant located in Yeouido 63 Square. Combining traditional cooking methods from the Guangdong and Sichuan regions of China with influences from Beijing and Sichuan styles, the restaurant offers Chinese cuisine using seasonal ingredients. The signature dishes include buldojang (Buddha's temptation soup) and dongpayuk (red braised pork belly). The proximity to the Hangang Park and Yeouido Park makes it a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

10.8Km    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Four Seasons Charles H. (포시즌스호텔서울 찰스.H)

Four Seasons Charles H. (포시즌스호텔서울 찰스.H)

10.8Km    2024-03-15

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This bar is named after the legendary American writer Charles H. Baker. It is inspired by speakeasy bars, which were bars hidden from sight during the Prohibition period, so its door blends into the surrounding walls. So, when one steps into the space, it is like stepping into a secret hangout. A cover charge of 10,000 won gives patrons a welcome drink, finger foods, and snacks. The menu is inspired by cocktails that Charles H. Baker had across the world, such as New York City, Mexico, Shanghai, Cuba, and Tahiti. It won 7th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and 42nd place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The ambience is relaxed, and attentive services ensure that you can have a comfortable time here.

Olive Young - Jungnang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 중랑점)

10.8Km    2024-06-28

6, Mangu-ro 32-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Mapo Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 마포역)

Olive Young - Mapo Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 마포역)

10.8Km    2024-04-18

1F, #115, 53, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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