Insa-dong (인사동)

6.1Km 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.

Uniqlo - Eunpyeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (유니클로 은평)

6.1Km 2024-04-16

32, Seooreung-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

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Kumkang Land Rover - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (CL종로지점(금강 랜드로바))

6.1Km 2024-06-27

81, Jongro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

6.1Km 2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

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

6.2Km 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.

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

6.2Km 2025-06-19

(4-6th floor, Maru Art Center), 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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.

Boobing (부빙)

6.2Km 2024-01-12

136 Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Boobing is short for "Buam-dong bingsu" (shaved ice). As such, it is a shaved ice restaurant that always has a long waiting line on weekdays or weekends. The main menu item is pat bingsu (shaved ice with red beans), made with red beans that are provided by a bean produce. They also serve their own original bingsu desserts that use ingredients like melon, mint chocolate, and gold pineapple. Their signature menu is Chodang corn bingsu, made with finely ground corn with milk ice on top. The cafe has a one bingsu order per person policy.

Bando Camera - Myeong-dong Chungmu [Tax Refund Shop] (반도카메라 명동충무)

6.2Km 2024-04-17

16, Samil-daero 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jogeum (조금)

6.2Km 2021-03-29

62-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-8400

It is a Japanese-style hot pot rice store. The best menu at this restaurant is Hot Stone Pot Rice. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

6.2Km 2024-04-23

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

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