Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

2.6Km 2023-12-26

Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Metropolitan City

Insadong Cultural Street is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all around the world, thanks to its numerous art galleries, restaurants serving Korean table d’hote, traditional teahouses, and street vendors lining the streets. Its most recognizable feature is the use of Hangeul (Korean script) in storefronts, which allows the visitors to really see just what makes this place so special. Unlike the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, Insadong Cultural Street has larger streets with wider stores, so it is much easier to traverse. On evenings and weekends, one can find buskers performing on the side of the road.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

2.6Km 2025-10-23

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

2.6Km 2025-07-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

2.6Km 2024-04-23

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

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Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

2.6Km 2025-06-30

Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si

There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry stores in this district, spread throughout Jongno 3(sam)-ga and 4(sa)-ga. The glittering showcases here are especially popular amongst young people and foreign tourists looking to find fine jewelry at affordable prices. Stores in the jewelry district have a selection of designs that are extraordinarily diverse and prices that are 20 to 40% lower than at other jewelry outlets in Korea.

Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

2.6Km 2024-01-05

56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Balwoo Gongyang, located in front of the main gate of Jogyesa Temple, is a temple food restaurant operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. It was selected as a 1-star restaurant by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 and it is so popular that reservations must be made a month in advance. “Balwoo” refers to meals for monks and it means that the act of eating is also a process to realizing the truth. The restaurant offers five types of course menus inspired by Buddhist teachings that are served in the order of Suljuksim, Juksang, Sangmi (嘗味), Dammi (噉味), Seungso (僧笑), Youmi (愈味), and Ipgasim. The menu is made with seasonal ingredients to bring out the best flavor of each season. The course meal starts with appetizing kimchi stew according to the traditional Korean meal culture. Then it is followed by porridge, seasonal salad, rice and stew, side dishes, tea, and dessert, satisfying both the taste buds and health. Those who wish to experience an authentic temple meal are recommended to try the Beop Course.

Templestay Information Center (템플스테이 홍보관)

2.6Km 2022-10-17

56, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2031-2000

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and temple meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as tea time with a Buddhist monk, traditional culture activities and more.

HOTEL QB (호텔큐비(호텔QB))

2.6Km 2024-12-23

322-10 , Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-1294

Hotel QB in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Dongdaemun subway station and close to the airport bus stop. Rooms range from single rooms for individual travelers to a quad room, and there is a studio and fitting room where selfies and photos can be taken. The hotel cafe has a microwave, water purifier and refrigerator, and customized travel consulting and free luggage storage are provided in the lobby. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, Dongmyo Flea Market and a variety of fashion wholesalers are all nearby.

Semi Jewelry [Tax Refund Shop] (새미쥬얼리)

2.6Km 2024-04-22

121-1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Insa Chilgi - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (인사칠기 인사)

2.6Km 2024-04-22

5, Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리) - Area information - Korea travel information