Insa-dong is a popular neighborhood in the heart of Seoul that is often visited by locals and tourists wanting to experience traditional culture of Korea. Streets and narrow back alleys are lined with art galleries, wooden tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling arts and crafts. The main street, Insadong-gil, runs for 700 meters from Tapgol Park in the south to Anguk-dong Rotary.
Many of the buildings in the area were once owned by merchants, bureaucrats, and government officials during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).
Dohwawon, the National Department of Painting, was once located in Insadong. For centuries, this department created royal paintings and woodwork that were found in many of the royal palaces. Artists and painters have made their way here for centuries, making Insa-dong art mecca.
After the Korean War, many art galleries moved in. Today, there are around 100 unique art galleries in the area which focus on traditional Korean art including paintings, sculptures, pottery, porcelain, and more.
Insa-dong is one of the best places in Seoul to find tea, calligraphy materials, folk crafts, antique furniture, hanbok (traditional clothing) and hanji (traditional paper). Many Korean ceramics, some dating back thousands of years, are bought and sold here everyday. Their prices range from a few won to million of won.
Many of the streets and alleys are blocked off to vehicles on Saturdays (14:00-22:00) and Sundays (10:00-22:00). This is the best and most popular time to visit.
Insa-dong is quite busy during this time, especially when the weather is nice. Walking down the streets of Insa-dong with thousands of other people, shopping in the many small stores and colorful shops, and trying out street foods is a great experience for anyone traveling to Seoul.
One recommend street food to try is hotteok. Hotteok is a sweet snack filled with nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This tasty snack is great to have on a cold day. The vendor is easy to spot on Insadong-gil at Insadong 4-gil. There is usually a line of hungry people waiting patiently in line. The hotteok cost 1,000 won.
You will also see many people eating and walking with an interestingly shaped corn cookie snack that is filled with vanilla ice cream.
Insa-dong Information Center
The Insa-dong Information Center is located 100 meters west of Ssamziegil Market on the way to Jogyesa Temple. It is open everyday from 9:30 to 18:300 and offers information and interpretation services to tourists, free internet access, and the change to see and even wear hanbok (traditional clothing). Recordings about Korean culture in multiple languages are available to those who make reservations at least one week in advance.
Hours : 9:30-18:30 (Closed on Seollal and Chuseok)
Directions : From Ssamziegil Market, follow Insadong 11-gil for 100 meters.
There are also two small tourist information centers. The first is located north of Insadong, outside exit 6 of Anguk Station. It is open daily from 12:00 to 22:00. The second is located south of Insa-dong in front of Nam Insa Madang. It is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Insa-dong Information
Hours
Admission
Free
Address
Insa-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.574353,126.984355
How to Get Here
Option 1
Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 6)
Continue straight for 100 meters and turn left.
Option 2
Take Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 3)
Continue straight for 300 meters and turn left.
Continue straight for 100 meters and turn left.
Insa-dong Video
Map
Additional Resources
Klook
Klook offers discounted tickets and reservations for attractions and services in Seoul—from theme parks and museums to tours and transportation.
Viator by TripAdvisor
Book tours, activities, and unique experiences in Seoul—from sightseeing to cultural events and outdoor adventures—offered by local providers.
Rakuten
Save with cashback on hotels and travel services. Sign up and you could earn $30 cashback on your first purchase over $30.
Book Recommendations
Prefer a physical guide? Fodor’s Seoul offers detailed recommendations, maps, and travel tips for the city.
Nearby Sights
Ssamzigil
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…
Ujeongchongguk (Central Post Office)
Ujeongchongguk (Central Post Office) was established as the first post office of Korea on April 22, 1884 during the reign of King Gojong. Postal service began on November 18, 1884. It was the first modern postal service. Service was suspended…
Cheondogyo Central Temple
When Cheondogyo Central Temple was built between 1918 and 1921 it was used as a temple of Cheondoism, a 20th century Korean religious movement. Cheondogyo literally means "religion of the Heavenly Way." The roots of Cheondoism are based on the…
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a symbol of Korean Buddhism. It is located in the heart of the city near Insa-dong. Since 1936, it has been the head temple of the first…
Unhyeongung Palace
Unhyeongung Palace, also known as Unhyeongung Royal Residence, is a small palace located in the center of Seoul. Gojong, 26th king and emperor of Korea, was born at Unhyeongung Palace on September 8, 1852. He lived here until age 12…
Seungdong Presbyterian Church
Seungdong Presbyterian Church, located near Insa-dong, was established in 1893 by Samuel Foreman Moore (1860-1906). Over the years, the church has been relocated and renamed many times. Before being renamed Seungdong, it has been known by as Gondanggol, Jungang, and…
Last Updated on May 22, 2025