Ssamziegil, also known as Ssamziegil, is a colorful shopping and culture complex in Insa-dong that features cafes, galleries, and workshops. The complex’s design uniquely blends contemporary elements with traditional Korean charm.
The complex opened in 2004 and is now a destination and an important centerpiece of Insa-dong. Ssamzigil may be modern, but its construction blends with the surrounding traditional neighborhood.
When entering Ssamzigil, you will first encounter a large open courtyard surrounded by four floors of shops. There is also a basement with Gallery Bob, a workshop, and restaurants. The area may not look large, but it takes up 3,967 square meters (42,700 square feet).
You can follow the 500-meter (1,640-foot) footpath from here as it wraps around the courtyard and ascends to the roof.
Along this footpath, which resembles a small Insa-dong alleyway, are 70 small shops about 10 square meters (107 square feet) in size.
Twelve of the workshops on the first floor are original. They existed here before Ssamzigil was constructed and have since been modernized.
The second floor features traditional handicraft shops that range from items created by college students to master craftsmen shops.
On the third floor, you can find traditional Korean handicrafts, clothing, and fashion accessories. Such items sold on this floor include scarves, neckties, glasses, and fans with unique artistic touches.
The fourth floor features a Sky Garden, Gallery Sum, crafts exhibition hall, Galpi book cafe, and other resting places. The views of the courtyard and Insa-dong are fantastic, so don’t forget your camera.
If you take the staircase, notice the interesting rose stem that climbs from the basement to the roof of the building. There are also a lot of sloppy hand-drawn writings and graffiti on the wall that add to the uniqueness of Ssamzigil.
Ssamzigil Information
Hours
Admission
Free
Address
44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.57426,126.985033
How to Get Here
Ssamzigil is located in Insadong.
Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 6).
Continue 130m past two signals and turn left into the alley. There is a GS25 convenience store on this corner. Continue for 100m to reach Ssamziegil.
Ssamzigil Video
Map
Official Website
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Last Updated on Jun 7, 2025