Insa-dong

Seoul
Insadong featuring a city and shopping as well as a small group of people
This central Seoul district offers shopping and culture with traditional Korean art, antiques, and crafts.

Insadong is a relativelypeaceful area of Seoul where there are many teahouses and art galleries. 

The main street,Insadong-gil, was once a stream that divided two towns. These ended in “In” and“Sa”, and were added to the word dong (neighborhood) when they finally joined.During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), artists flocked to Insadong to study.The artistic community has remained and today the main thoroughfare offers 2295 feet (700 meters) of shops selling crafts and pottery. 

Insadong is also the bestplace in Seoul to get your hands on the traditional attire called hanbok andhandmade hanji writing paper. Items on sale around Insadong vary greatly invalue. You can pick up anything from cheap souvenirs to antique ceramicscosting thousands of dollars. Visit the oldest book store in Seoul.

There are approximately100 art galleries in and around Insadong. Hakgojae Gallery is a modern spaceexhibiting both traditional and contemporary art. The Gana Art Gallery has theone of the largest floor spaces in South Korea. Both attract local andinternational art aficionados.

Most of Insadong’steahouses are found simply by exploring the winding alleyways that branch offInsadong-gil. Here, you’ll be offered all number of tea blends, as well asspecialty dishes such as green tea flavored tiramisu. 

Spend some time admiringthe area’s architecture. You’ll find old buildings with structures dating backto the 14th century, as well as temples, churches and contemporary glassgalleries.

Insadong is accessible bysubway. Get off at Anguk. Shops and galleries are open daily. Opening timesvary, but are generally from mid-morning to evening. On weekends, vehicles arebanned from driving down Insadong-gil, when stalls offering everything fromcandy to fortune telling are set up. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday to soak upthe lively atmosphere and browse street stalls.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


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 ¥14,900 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥14,900
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (160 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 Mar 17, 2024

AMID HOTEL SEOUL
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul
5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ¥33,381 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
¥33,381
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
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! (1,010 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 Mar 25, 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 ¥20,938 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥20,938
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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 Mar 23, 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 ¥28,781 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
¥28,781
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
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! (921 reviews)
"Clean, Excellent Staff & Service. Shopping."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 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 ¥21,914 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥21,914
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
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! (1,676 reviews)
"Great value. Specially very well trained staffs with a smile"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 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 ¥44,882 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
¥44,882
per night
Apr 26 - Apr 27
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! (1,364 reviews)
"Great hotel stay, added good memories to our vacation in Seoul."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 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 neighborhoods around Insa-dong

Insadong which includes interior views and art

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

If you're spending time in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, check out sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple and hop on the metro to see more the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(380 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
These mung bean pancakes

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 the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

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

Myeong-dong

5/5(2 area reviews)

Travelers love Myeong-dong for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Myeongdong Cathedral.

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

Jung-gu

4.5/5(1,180 area reviews)

Travelers love Jung-gu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market.

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

Sogong-dong

Visitors to Sogong-dong love its popular shops, and you can check out Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong


Insa-dong