Insadong Seoul Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat, and Buy in the Traditional Korean Arts District
Last Updated on June 9, 2026
Insadong is one of Seoul’s most famous cultural neighborhoods, known for its traditional Korean arts, crafts, tea houses, and street food. Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore Korea’s heritage in a walkable tourist-friendly area.
Whenever I have a visitor we invariably end up in Insadong at some point and it’s definitely the district to buy all of those Korean souvenirs, if that’s what you need to take home. Some popular souvenirs include the traditional masks that you can see worn in Andong, Korea as well as beautiful Korean mother of pearl products, utensils and beautiful decor items.
The area may seem easy to navigate at first glance, but there are actually a ton of hidden alleys with cafes and tea houses and more to be found… if you know where to look.
Here is a guide for what to do in Insadong, what to see and the tea houses in Insadong you just have to find!
- Insadong Quick Guide
- How To Get To Insadong
- What To Know About Insadong
- Where To Stay In Insadong
- Things To Do In Insadong
- What To Buy in Insadong
- Cafes & Tea Houses In Insadong
- Where To Eat In Insadong
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Insadong Quick Guide
| Best for | Korean souvenirs, traditional tea houses, art galleries, cultural experiences |
| Getting there | Anguk Station Exit 6 (Line 3) — 200m walk to main street |
| Car-free hours | Saturday 2:00pm ~ 10:00pm, Sunday 10:00am ~ 10:00pm |
| How long to spend | 2–4 hours; half day if adding Jogyesa Temple and Bukchon |
| Don’t miss | Ssamziegil, Jogyesa Temple, Beautiful Tea Museum, Gaeseong Mandu Koong |
| Best nearby | Bukchon Hanok Village (10 min walk), Gyeongbokgung Palace (15 min walk) |
| Budget tip | Oldest restaurant in Korea (Imun Seolnongtang) charges under W15,000 for a bowl |
How To Get To Insadong
The main street of Insadong is just 700 meters long and alleys weave this way and that all running into this main thoroughfare at some point. These directions will get you to that main street, or Insadong Culture Street, and from there… wander wander wander.
By Subway: Head to Anguk Subway Station, exit 6. Walk straight less than 200 meters to find the Insadong main street on the left just after the Information Center. The main Insadong Street is not for cars usually and has shops on either side and black pavers. Follow this street all the way to the end where you can find Tapgol Park.
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PRO TIPS: If you’ll be traveling via the Seoul City Hop On/Hop Off Bus, know that it also stops here. You can buy the ticket for this bus here. And to get more information about the bus, here is a guide to the Hop On/ Hop Off Bus In Seoul. It’s a great way to get to the right spots and not be confused with the regular buses that make way more stops and don’t have as many language options.
Also look into getting the Discover Seoul Pass which is made specifically for tourists to help them see the top spots. You can also get at on of discounts at the souvenir shops in Insadong with the pass. Find out how to maximize the Discover Seoul Pass in this guide.
What To Know About Insadong
- Quick History: During the Joseon Dynasty, the buildings in this area were owned by merchants, bureaucrats, and government officials. The National Department of Painting was located here which explains why today, visitors can find so many traditional arts galleries and vendors.
- What To Buy: Insadong is THE best place to find calligraphy materials, folk crafts and souvenirs, and Hanji (traditional paper). If you’re looking for things to do with kids for holidays like Chuseok, you can get supplies in this area too. There are also ceramics and pottery and some of it dates back hundreds of years. Visitors will easily spot the vendors with carts on the main road selling antiques. These are real, so if you’re interested, buy!
- No Cars: The main streets and alleys in the area are blocked to vehicles on Saturdays from 2:00pm to 10:00pm and Sundays from 10:00am to 10:00pm. During the week, there really isn’t a ton of traffic or people that WANT to drive through this bustling neighborhood, though some cars will try to get through.
- Language Tip: While many shopkeepers speak basic English, it helps to know a few Korean words or have Papago (Korean translation app) ready.
- Currency Tip: Most stores accept credit cards, but smaller vendors may prefer cash (Korean won, KRW). You can find ATMs and currency exchange booths along the main Insadong street.
Where To Stay In Insadong
Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong
This hotel was just opened in October of 2019 and is directly across the street from Jogyesa Temple and in a new mall in the Insadong district. The location couldn’t be better if you were looking for something in Insadong with easy access to public transportation and new new new. There is a 24 hour front desk, fitness center, and all of the amenities you want in a great stay.
You can book a stay here easily on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Hotel Aventree Jongno
At the end of Insadong culture street is the Hotel Aventree. This sophisticated hotel is easy to access with multiple subway stations nearby and the spacious rooms are perfect for travelers who want to get out and about but also relax in style. Staff is super friendly and hospitable and the breakfast buffet is on point. This is definitely a hotel to check out while you’re in the area.
You can book a stay here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Things To Do In Insadong
Today there are more than 100 unique art galleries in the Insadong area as well as vendors with traditional Korean art paintings, paint brushes, and sculptures. Some are easy to find and others tucked away here and there. There are fun spots for kids and adults alike and experiences to be had.
Here are some of the best things to do in Insadong.
See a performance at Jinyeon (진연)
See an intimate performance that features traditional Korean instruments like the beautiful gayageum. The performance starts off with traditional Korean music and then the duo in beautiful Hanboks begins to play modern musical renditions that you are sure to recognize. It’s a great opportunity to be up close at a performance in Korea.
- Address: 10 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동5길 10)
- Performance times: Every day at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
- Book in advance: Booking in advance is required as there is limited seating. Book on Klook.
Make your own Korean Name Stamp
Have you heard of Korean name stamp? This unique item has been used since ancient times as a signature and Koreans still use them today. In Insadong, there are numerous shops where you can have your own Korean name stamp, or dojang made. Stop in, choose the design that you like, and then let them know what you want them to engrave for you.
The other option, is to carve your own. Sit with local craftsmen and create your own dojang. These make great souvenirs to take home from Korea.
- Handmade Stamp Engraving on Klook: Work with traditional tools to carve your own dojang in Insadong.
- Yhlayuen Jeongak Academy on kkday: Another great place to learn how to carve your own name stamp in Insadong.
Take Pictures at Color Pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄)
Not really a museum, but super colorful, Color Pool Museum just opened when the new building Annyeong Insa opened in Insadong. It’s a fun photo-op spot with various rooms filled with play balls, bouncy spots, and other fun colorful things to jump on, slide on, and play with. It’s not necessarily a kid spot, but my kid loved it. If you like color and fun, don’t miss Color Pool!
- Address: 6th floor, Annyeong Insadong Building, 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 49 안녕인사동 6층)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Admission: Adults: W15,000; Children: W12,000
- Book Online: Get your tickets in advance through Creatrip and get a discount.
Learn about Kimchi at Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄김치간)
Want to learn about Korea’s most well known food item that graces every table come every meal time in the country? Visit Museum Kimchikan. This museum was actually selected by CNN as one of the World’s Top 11 Food Museums. Learn about the health benefits of kimchi and then play some games. You can also make some of your own and eat it too!
Do you know how many varieties of kimchi there are? While I live in Seoul, I personally love Jeollanam-do kimchi but we get Busan style kimchi shipped to us every other month from my Korean mother-in-law. Want to know what the differences are? Head to the museum.
- Address: 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 35-4)
- Admission: Adults: W5,000; Children: W3,000. Buy tickets on Klook to get a discount.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
See the Beautiful Jogyesa Buddhist Temple (조계사)
Most Buddhist temples in Korea are located outside of the cities up in mountains so it’s no wonder that Jogyesa Temple, being centrally located and easy to get to is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Korea. The temple also hosts gorgeous lantern installations around Buddha’s Birthday, a lotus flower garden in the summer and continues to change what hangs above the courtyard throughout the year.
There’s always a bit of time to stop in to see what’s going on and appreciate the beauty of Korean Buddhism. It’s just one of the gorgeous temples in Korea but it is one of the most famous and most popular for tourists in Seoul. If you want something a little off the beaten path though, look into Suguksa Temple. Trust me.
- Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55)
Dynamic Maze (다이나믹 메이즈)
The Dynamic Maze is a great spot to check out if you are visiting Insadong with kids and they need a little break to run around. Ideal for kids aged 5 to 10, there is climbing, crawling, a mirror zone, various missions to complete, and more. Be prepared, because you go through it with the kids (there are some cheats for parents though).
- Address: 12 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 12)
- Hours: 9:00am ~ 8:00pm
- Admission: W12,000
- Book Online: Buy your tickets from Klook or from Creatrip and get a discount.
See an Exhibition at Ara Art Center (아라아트센터)
It may not be a traditional spot in this traditional area, but it’s fun and family friendly. We checked out this awesome Queen exhibition and it was so worth the hunt to find the door! If you like more contemporary exhibitions, then this is the spot for you in this traditional area with all manner of traditional artworks too.
- Address: 26 Insadong 9-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동9길 26)
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Admission: Depends on the exhibition.
- Website: http://www.araart.co.kr/
Tapgol Park (탑골공원)
Tapgol Park is a small park at the southern end of Insadong street and features a beautiful 10 story stone pagoda that is housed in a large glass encasement. The pagoda is National Treasure No. 2 and was completed in 1476. King Sejo had the pagoda built “after he experienced the wonder of the sarira incarnation,” reads the sign.
There are also stone tablets with artwork depicting the March 1st Movement, a fight for Korean independence from Japan. This park is actually most famous as the the site where the first declaration of independence was read. It’s an extremely historic site that also happens to be a great place to take a seat on a bench or some steps for a rest.
- Address: 38-1 Jongno 2-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 종로2가 38-1)
- Hours: 6:00am ~ 8:00pm
- Admission: FREE
What To Buy in Insadong
When it comes to shopping for souvenirs in Seoul, Insadong is the best place to do it. There is everything from antiques and traditional place settings and Hanji to more modern designs. Here are the things to look for if you’re shopping for souvenirs in Insadong.
Artist-driven Crafts at Songil Gallery Shop (손길)
If you’re looking for unique, artist-driven crafts that are high-quality, beautiful, and unique, stop into one of my favorite shops, the Songil Gallery Shop. Their prints are modern with a traditional homage. Their norigae and Haechi or vibrant colors. Their whole collection is well-curated and so interesting to peruse.
- Address: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Every day: 10:30am ~ 8:30pm
Traditional Masks and Ceramics
The vendors with carts on the main street and little shops that spill out into the street are selling antiques and traditional items that are real, not reproductions. If you see something you want, buy it then rather than assuming you’ll find it again later. There are beautiful traditional Korean masks and ceramics everywhere you look and they are worth a stop to gander.
Yanggaeng from Geumokdang (금옥당)
Yanggaeng is a jelly like dessert that is traditionally made from red beans. An especially good place to find the jelly treat in beautiful packaging is Geumokdang (금옥당). Geumokdang has 16 flavors of yanggaeng including red bean, chestnut, green tea, walnut, raspberry, milk tea, jujube, sweet pumpkin, black sesame, cranberry, and pistacchio, among others. They make for beautiful gifts as the packaging features traditional Korean paintings of flowers, birds, and insects.
- Address: 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 49)
- Hours: Every day: 10:30am ~ 8:20pm
Traditional with a Twist Goods at the Korean Craft and Design Foundation Gallery (KCDF갤러리)
This cultural center sells arts and crafts by well-known as well as up-and-coming Korean artists and designers. They also host exhibitions so stop in head upstairs to see what’s going on, and then visit the shop for some truly beautiful Korean items, both traditional and modern, to take home.
- Address: 8 Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동11길 8)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm
Korean Name Stamp: The Dojang (도장)
Insadong is the best place in Seoul to have a dojang made with your name carved in Korean characters. Several shops on the main street and in the alleys specialize in this. You choose the material (wood, stone, jade) and the characters, and most shops can complete it while you wait.
Shop or Craft at Ssamziegil (쌈지길)
Ssamziegil is the most architecturally distinctive spot in Insadong and one of the most photographed shopping complexes in Seoul. The design is the experience, instead of stairs or elevators, a continuous spiral ramp winds upward from the ground floor to the rooftop across four levels. Around 70 small independent boutiques, craft studios, and food vendors line the ramp on every floor.
What makes Ssamziegil worth visiting rather than just walking past is the quality of the vendors inside. This is not a generic souvenir mall. The shops tend toward handmade items, independent Korean designers, traditional craft interpretations in modern form. Spend time on every floor. The vendors change regularly and there’s usually something unexpected tucked into a corner somewhere.
- Address: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 44)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
Hanji (한지)
Handmade from mulberry bark and produced in a centuries-old tradition, hanji is used for everything from notebooks and wrapping paper to lampshades and fans. The texture is distinctive and the durability is remarkable. Properly made hanji is said to last a thousand years. Look for shops where the paper is clearly handmade rather than machine-printed. Insadong is one of the best places to find them.
Norigae (노리개)
The traditional Korean ornamental pendant worn with Hanbok is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant souvenirs you can take home. I have now have a mini norigae collection because I find them so interesting and beautiful.
Insadong has numerous shops selling everything from simple fabric norigae to elaborate pieces featuring jade and embroidered silk. The Leesle modern hanbok shop in Insadong also offers norigae-making experiences where you create your own. Read more in the complete norigae guide.
- Address: 4 Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동14길 4)
- Hours: Every day: 10:30am ~ 7:30pm
- Norigae Reservations: Stop in to look at their Hanboks, but if you want to make a norigae or daengi on the premises, make sure to make a reservation through Creatrip to save your time.
Cafes & Tea Houses In Insadong
Korea is well known for some amazing teas and far more than the most popular, green tea. There are flower teas, herbal teas, root teas, grain teas, and just so many more. To help you understand what they are and what to order when you visit a traditional cafe, check out this guide to Korean teas.
Jidaebang (지대방)
Jidaebang has ben in the Insadong area for more than 40 years making it one of the oldest traditional tea houses in the district. They have more than 60 types of traditional teas on their menu and use only hand-harvested or naturally grown teas. Visit in the morning and you can often find it quiet and the perfect place to read while enjoying a tea and traditional Korean snacks.
- Address: 2nd floor, 33 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 33 2F)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30am ~ 10:30pm; Sunday: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm
Beautiful Tea Museum
Visit this renovated tea house with a name that will welcome anyone on the road passing by. The Beautiful Tea Museum, which is more of a cafe and less of a museum as the name would suggest, has a tea shop when you first enter and then tables that welcome guests to stop and try teas from the numerous collection.
There are traditional standards but the teas to try here are from the pu-er teas, or the oxides black teas. These teas are anywhere from 20 to 30 years old. I tried the 1992 Pu-er Zhuan Cca tea which costs just W12,000. If you’re a tea connoisseur, this is a must visit.
- Address: Jongno-gu Insadong 9-gil 193-1 (서울 종로구 인사동9길 193-1)
- Hours: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm
Jeontong Dawon (전통다원)
The best feature about Jeontong Dawon is the courtyard area which means it’s more ideal from spring into autumn. This Hanok tea house is set off the main road keeping it quieter than others. There is seating inside, outside, in wooden pavilions, on wooden benches… just all over. It’s a beautiful space to find in Insadong.
- Address: 11-4 Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동10길 11-4)
- Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm
The 47th Street Tea House (47번가찻집)
This beautifully renovated Hanok house features a lovely tea house with floor seating similar to what you’d find in a more traditional setting. There are also more modern tables and chairs should you want though. The tea is handmade and everything else on the menu is made in house too. This is a secret gem of a cafe in the neighborhood.
- Address: 47-9 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 47-9)
Where To Eat In Insadong
From budget-friendly to Michelin Guide eats, there are restaurants that cater to everyone and it’s not just tourists eating in this area, you’ll see locals lined up out the doors of these spots too.
Imun Seolnongtang (이문설농탕)
Opened in 1904, it’s considered the oldest restaurant in Korea. The restaurant is old and lived in but serves up some of the best ox bone soup in the city. Ox bones are boiled for 17 hours until the broth is rich milky. Listed in the Michelin Guide, it’s a must eat if you’re in the Insadong area.
While a lot of Korean dishes are spicy or strong, this soup has a more mild taste that most tourists can definitely fill up on. The soup is hearty and filling and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The restaurant is off the beaten path and around a few corners, but the unassuming building has been and will continue to serve some of the best soup in the area.
- Address: 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul(서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 38-13)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00am ~ 9:00pm; Sunday: 8:00am ~ 8:00pm
Bukchon Son Mandu (북촌손만두)
This is a quick budget-friendly stop with good eats. You know it’s good because it’s not just tourists in the joint. Stop in and it’s mostly Koreans grabbing a good and filling meal. You’ll spot this spot by the billowing steam out the front as the dumplings are made fresh and on the spot.
This restaurant has been owned by the same family for three generations and has been in business since 1953. You’ll get delicious, handmade dumplings here.
- Address: 42-5 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 42-5)
- Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm
Gaeseong Mandu Koong (개성만두궁)
Run by a refugee from North Korea, this restaurant serves up delicious soups, stews, and lots of dumplings. This spot originally opened in 1970 by a Gaeseong native is now being run by the third generation of the family.
Also mentioned in the Michelin Guide, Gaeseong Mandu Koong can get so busy that it runs out of food by the afternoon, so get there early if you want to ensure yourself a bowl of goodness. The dumplings here are large and prepared daily, filled with cabbage and bean sprouts.
- Address: 11-3 Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동10길 11-3)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:30am ~ 9:30pm; Sunday: 11:30am ~ 8:00pm
Sanchon (산촌 본점)
This hidden temple food restaurant requires visitors to follow a bit of a maze through alleys looking for signs with arrows but the seekers that do find it are rewarded with a healthy vegan Korean meal served in 16 courses.
Sanchon, which means “Mountain Village” uses fresh vegetables and wild plants from the fields and deep mountains of Korea to create a variety of dishes that are inspired by Buddhist temple food. Head to the restaurant for dinner and you’ll also get to see a Korean dance performance which is done every night at 8:00pm.
- Address: 30-13 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동길 30-13)
- Hours: 11:30am ~ 10:00pm
- To Make Reservations, Visit Their Site: http://www.sanchon.com/
Balwoo Gongyang
Located on the fifth floor of the Temple Stay Information Center building just across the street from the beautiful Jogyesa temple is this 1 Michelin star Buddhist temple cuisine restaurant. If you want something just a bit more gastronomically inspiring, find Balwoo Gongyang. Opened in 2009, this restaurant serves vegan dishes with a real flare.
- Address: 56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 우정국로 56)
- Hours: Lunch: 11:30am ~ 2:00pm; Dinner: 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm
- Reservations: http://eng.balwoo.or.kr/
Oh Sae Gyae Hyang (오세계향)
This was one of the first restaurants I visited years ago when I had a friend who asked if I could find a restaurant that didn’t serve meat and it’s still a winner. This restaurant is now a rather famous vegetarian friendly spot in the area and serves traditional meals with all of the veggie delights.
There are a variety of dishes to choose from like the standard bibimbaps that every tourist must try to some soups made of greens I’m sure they haven’t. All of the dishes I’ve tried have been authentically Korean and even better that they’re vegan and vegetarian friendly.
- Address: 14-5 Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 인사동12길 14-5)
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:30am ~ 9:00pm (break time from 3:30pm ~ 5:00); Weekends: 11:30am ~ 9:00pm (break time from 4:00pm ~ 5:00pm)
Insadong rewards the visitor who slows down. The main street takes less than ten minutes to walk end to end, but that’s not how you experience it. You experience it by ducking into Ssamziegil and losing track of time on the spiral ramp, by following the smell of taffy being pulled, by finding your way to a tea house that looks like it hasn’t changed in fifty years and sitting with a cup of something you’ve never tried before.
I’ve been coming here with visitors for years and it still surprises me, a hidden alley I hadn’t noticed, a new gallery where an old shop used to be, the oldest restaurant in Korea still full at lunchtime. Some neighbourhoods in Seoul change so fast you can’t keep up. Insadong changes slowly, and that’s exactly the point.
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4 Comments
elizabeth hutchison
This is kind of an off site question ,I’m 65 now , but last year, I went to Seoul for a language immersion class in Heongdael, iving in a res hall guest house, but after, I moved into Insadong my last 3 d to get views and loved the area. I didnt have a lot of $ so my school found me a ‘Love Hotel” Hertz. I was alittle freaked out at first…but It was actually wonderful. Are there a lot of Nicer ones around seoul like that one? I know what they are, but this one was clean, nice, and had everything… what are your thoughts on these ? just wondering…you may want to dierct mail me if you done want to post on line .. lol. thank you , I love your site! Elizabeth from California
Hallie Bradley
A lot of love motels these days, in Seoul at least, seem a bit more boutique style so they’re definitely fine to stay in. I remember when they used to be a little seedy, but they’ve really upgraded them over the years. If it had everything though, I wonder if they actually helped you find a gosiwon. If it had a kitchen and laundry you could use, it was probably a gosiwon, and there are some great brands of those like The Stay that are very nice for people on a budget and staying more long term.
Tamar Lipszyc
Thank you for all the details!
Hyejin
Wow!! There are so many things to do in Insadong and I love it! WIll add these to my bucket list.