Insa-dong Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Insadong which includes shopping and a city as well as a small group of people
Right at the centre of Seoul, this district is a mix of culture and shopping complemented by traditional Korean art, crafts and antiques.

With its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, the central neighbourhood of Insadong offers a captivating blend of art, culture and traditional Korean teahouses.

Throughout the 500-year-long Joseon Dynasty, Insadong was where Korea’s artists came to study. The creative atmosphere remains today, and the main street Insadong-gil is now lined with independent shops selling unique handmade goods and is home to the oldest bookshop in Seoul. This very main street started life as a stream that divided two towns, whose respective names ended in “In” and “Sa”. When the two towns joined, “dong” (meaning neighbourhood) was added to the mix, and Insadong was born.

This is the spot to find many of Korea’s traditional arts and crafts, including the classic hanbok clothing and beautiful handmade writing paper, called hanji. One of the best things about the area is that there is something to suit all budgets. From cheap souvenirs to beautiful ceramic items with enormous price tags, Insadong is a great place to find that perfect gift or memento of your trip.

In keeping with its rich artistic heritage, Insadong is overflowing with art galleries. Head to the contemporary Hakgojae Gallery for work by Korean artists past and present, while the Gana Art Gallery boasts one of the largest floor spaces in the country. In all, there are around 100 art galleries in the Insadong area, so it’s worth planning which galleries you would like to visit beforehand.

The neighbourhood is known for its many traditional Korean teahouses. Your best bet is to explore on foot and simply lose yourself among the narrow streets that lead off from the main thoroughfare Insadong-gil. The teahouses serve up countless different blends of the leaf, along with some inventive dishes like green tea tiramisu.

Insadong is also a wonderful place to experience traditional Korean architecture, with some buildings and churches dating as far back as the 14th Century.

Most shops and galleries are open every day from mid-morning to early evening. A great time to visit Insadong is during the weekend when vehicles are restricted from Insadong-gil and stalls are set up along the street. You can reach Insadong by subway – get off at Anguk station.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Insa-dong Hotel Deals

AMID HOTEL SEOUL
AMID HOTEL SEOUL
4 out of 5
38, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NZ$188 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
NZ$188
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
"No early morning coffee available. No A/C available so needed to leave windows open which worked but was noisy. Breakfast in the basement with no views and no fresh egg station."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

AMID HOTEL SEOUL
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul
5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NZ$445 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
NZ$445
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Our stay at the Grand Hyatt Seoul was amazing! The entire staff was incredibly hospitable, friendly, helpful, and kind. The hotel was spotless and the rooms were equipped with high-end amenities. Our stay felt truly luxurious."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Grand Hyatt Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NZ$253 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
NZ$253
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,906 reviews)
"Ena Hotel is conveniently located for shopping, dining snd public transportation. The hotel staff are very professional, courteous and very helpful. Hotel is very clean and room I stayed was spacious. I arrived at around 7:30pm with my Aunt, however, there was no one yo assist us yo carry put 5 luggage ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Lotte Hotel World
Lotte Hotel World
5 out of 5
240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NZ$384 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
NZ$384
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Clean, Excellent Staff & Service. Shopping."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Lotte Hotel World
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NZ$267 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
NZ$267
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,673 reviews)
"there was some weird sounds like from outside or inside i dont know…its like machine turn on in the middle of the night..woke me up…checked nth then back to sleep."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul
5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NZ$602 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
NZ$602
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,367 reviews)
"There were no chairs/sofas in the reception area for guests to rest"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Insa-dong

Insadong showing art and interior views

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

While you're in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, take in top sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(45 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
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Euljiro-dong

While you're in Euljiro-dong, take in top sights like Bangsan Market or Chungmu-ro, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

Euljiro-dong
Myeongdong featuring shopping, street scenes and a city

Myeong-dong

Enjoy the popular shops in Myeong-dong. Myeongdong Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station to see more of Seoul.

Myeong-dong
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(171 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
Deoksugung Palace showing a garden as well as a small group of people

Sogong-dong

Sogong-dong is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art, and you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong

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