Insadong

Insadong, a neighborhood in central Seoul, is known for its Korean art galleries, antique shops, and tea houses. As you walk down Insadong-gil, the main street, you'll see historic buildings housing craft stores and eateries. On weekends, the car-free streets come alive with performers and food vendors. You might taste a hotteok pancake, browse handmade ceramics, or visit the nearby Jogyesa Temple.

Exploring Insadong-gil

Insadong-gil stretches for about 700 meters through the heart of the neighborhood. As you walk, you'll pass dozens of shops selling Korean goods like hanji paper, calligraphy brushes, and ceramics. Many buildings date back to the early 20th century, preserving their original architecture. On weekends, the street becomes pedestrian-only, filling with street performers, fortune tellers, and food carts. This is when the area is at its most active.

Tea Houses

In Insadong's winding alleys, you'll find several long-standing tea houses. Shin Old Tea House has been serving tea for over 100 years. Inside, you'll sit on floor cushions and choose from dozens of herbal and flower teas. At the Beautiful Tea Museum, you can taste teas and learn about Korean tea culture through exhibits. These tea houses invite you to take your time, sip your tea, and observe the decor.

Art Galleries and Antiques

For decades, Insadong has been Seoul's art district, with over 100 galleries in the area. You'll see a range of art from centuries-old paintings to contemporary installations. The Gana Art Center, one of the largest galleries, showcases both Korean and international contemporary artists. In the many small antique shops, you can examine Joseon-era furniture, ceramics, and artifacts, learning about different periods of Korean history.

Crafts and Souvenirs

In Insadong, you can watch artisans at work and buy directly from their workshops. Look for hanji paper goods, hand-painted masks, embroidered pouches, and carved wooden objects. The Ssamziegil complex houses over 70 shops selling handmade items and artwork. For calligraphy supplies, visit Tongmungwan, Seoul's oldest bookstore.

Street Food and Local Restaurants

Along Insadong-gil, food carts sell Korean street foods like hotteok (sweet filled pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries). For a sit-down meal, try Gaeseong Mandu Koong for North Korean-style dumplings or Sanchon for vegetarian temple cuisine. These small eateries let you taste different Korean flavors in a casual setting.

Nearby Temples and Palaces

Within walking distance of Insadong are several historic sites. Jogyesa Temple, the headquarters of Korean Buddhism, is just a few minutes away. Its buildings are painted in bright colors and house giant Buddha statues. About a 15-minute walk north is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces. Its grounds cover a large area with many ornate buildings. These sites offer more opportunities to learn about Korean history and culture.

Visiting Insadong

To reach Insadong, take subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and use Exit 6. Walk straight for about 100 meters and you'll see Insadong-gil on your left. The area is busiest on weekends when the main street is closed to cars. For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday morning when the shops are just opening. Most galleries and shops are open from around 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.