Insa-dong (인사동)

11.1Km 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.

Insa-Dong National Souvenir Center (한국관광명품점(인사동))

11.1Km 2020-11-07

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-6529

Operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and Korea Tourism Association, the National Souvenir Center has strict standards for the brands sold, only allowing those which have won various prizes and passed thorough screening. Shoppers can be assured of high quality and high class products.

Dongbangmyeongju Chungmuro Main Store (동방명주 충무로점)

11.1Km 2024-02-28

186 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Dongbangmyeongju is a Chinese cuisine restaurant located near Namsangol Hanok Village. The flagship dish is jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles), and they offer a variety of other menu items such as tangsuyuk (deep-fried pork with sweet and sour sauce) and sacheontangmyeon (Chinese Sichuan noodle soup). The surrounding area boasts various attractions and culinary delights, including Myeongdong and Namsan Tower, providing a panoramic view of Seoul.

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (서울 남산국악당)

11.1Km 2021-08-02

28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2261-0500

Seoul Namsan Gukakdang was established by Seoul Metropolitan Government as a representative traditional art-centered performance hall in 2007. It is comprised of one ground and two basement levels. The performance hall is located on the basement floor with 300 seats, equipped with facilities that deliver pansori sounds and gayageum music to every seat. Visitors can make a reservation at the Namsangol Hanok Village website.

CheongKwanJang - Euljiro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 을지로)

11.1Km 2024-04-18

1F, 103, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Sosohan Punggyeong (소소한 풍경)

11.1Km 2024-02-20

75 Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sosohan Punggyeong is the first restaurant that received the restaurant guide, Blue Ribbon Survey, in Korea. It is located in a renovated house with a courtyard. They offer a course menu featuring appetizers to desserts. One of the signature dishes is the gaji jjim (spicy eggplant soup), a dish made with eggplant and meat. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as many guests prefer to book ahead.

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

11.1Km 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.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

11.1Km 2024-04-23

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Pyeongnaeok (평래옥)

11.1Km 2021-03-22

21-1, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-5892

This store, which has been around since 1950, always has a long line of customers. A Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles specialty restaurant located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles.

Yangbandeck (양반댁)

11.1Km 2024-03-18

19-18 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5507, +82-2-730-1112

Yangbandeck is a traditional Korean house in Insa-dong, serving ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and bori gulbi (barley-aged dried yellow croaker). Theganjang gejang is made from crabs filled with roe, matured in soy sauce. The taste of barley-aged dried yellow croaker, made from dried yellow croaker matured in sea breeze and served on top of rice, is exceptional. Each meal comes with a hot pot rice, and side dishes such as soybean paste jjigae, pancakes, kimchi, and japchae are served as standard.

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