Jogyesa Temple near Insadong main street in Seoul. Photo by Vanessa Sinopoli
We all know that one of the most important things to do when visiting a country is to get to know and immerse yourself in its culture. This is especially true when you are visiting a country as rich in culture and tradition as South Korea, a country full of hidden and not-so-hidden treasures worth visiting.
In this article, I will tell you about one of the most traditional and lively neighborhoods in Seoul, from a small background story about Insadong and how it was built to the most popular and trending spots.
Location and History of Insadong
Insadong (인사동) is located in the Jongno district and is made up of many small streets that lead to different areas of the city. This beautiful neighborhood is also home to a vast number of art galleries and tea houses and is known in history as the largest antique and art market in Korea.
Insadong began 500 years ago as a residential area for officials. After the end of the Korean War, it became the center of cafés and artistic culture.
Furthermore, it became very popular among foreigners during the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Continuing to attract tourists from all over the world, this neighborhood offers traditional-style accommodation, cafés and restaurants.
The following are a few things to see and do in Insadong.
Artisan Shops
First of all, it is an excellent place to fully experience Korean tradition. Visit the artisan shops that sell traditional products such as ceramic objects, tea, traditional Hanji paper and calligraphy brushes.
I highly recommend this area for buying souvenirs, as you can find cheap or slightly more expensive items depending on your budget.
You can also take long walks through the neighborhood streets and find a suitable place to eat or drink traditional coffee or tea.
Ssamziegil
Ssamziegil (쌈지길) is a shopping center located in the heart of Insadong. It is home to many small artisan shops, cafes, and art galleries.
The interesting thing about this place is that, in addition to being outdoors, you can go up a spiral and encounter a vast amount of traditional food and handmade objects. At the top of the shopping center, you also have a nice view of the neighborhood and its surroundings.
Fun fact: At the top of Ssamziegil, there is this restaurant where they serve pasta in a miniature replica of a toilet. Quite funny if you ask me and a great way to have a laugh with your friends.
Address: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Annyeong Insadong
Photo by Vanessa Sinopoli
About 1 minute walking from Ssamziegil, there is another shopping mall, Annyeong Insadong (안녕인사동). This place also offers many activities and cafes to visit.
I recommend stopping by Seollaeneun Majung (설레는마중) café, which offers delicious traditional Korean desserts, such as Hangeul Bread (한글빵)—the red bean ones are amazing. Give it a try.
If you are a fan of Line characters, as I am, there is also a Line Friends store.
Address: 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
What to See Near Insadong
Since we are in the center of Seoul, there are a thousand other things to see and do, but I personally recommend two places in particular.
First, check out the Jogyesa temple (조계사), the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is just a 4-minute walk from the two shopping centers mentioned above.
Address: 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The second place I recommend is the “Seoul Museum of Craft Art” (서울공예박물관), which exhibits a series of traditional and modern Korean crafts. This is also a 4-minute walk from the main street of Insadong.
Address: 4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get to Insadong
The direct subway lines to get to Insadong are:
- Line 1 (blue) with a stop at Jonggak Station (종각역), or you can also get off at Jongno 3ga (종로3가역).
- Line 3 (orange) is also an option, and get off at Anguk Station (안국역) -exit 6-
If You Go
Insadong is the perfect place to go if you are new to Seoul and want to have the full Korean experience. As a student living in South Korea, I always recommend starting from this neighborhood.
It is also easy to find cheap places to eat, like street food, which is always the best when traveling abroad.
In addition, it is the perfect place to meet new people and maybe practice your Korean language skills through small talk with the locals.
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Author Bio: Vanessa Sinopoli studied 3D decoration in Switzerland for 4 years before
deciding to move to South Korea for 2 years to learn the language. During her stay in Korea, she developed a passion for writing articles about her travel experiences in the country, and combined them with a passion for photography. She has a fondness for South Korea and a strong desire to move there in the future, so she visits often to keep updated.
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