Insa-dong (인사동) - Area information - Korea travel information

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

7.4Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

7.4Km    2024-02-20

26 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ewha Centennial Hall is a multimedia education center located next to Ewha Girls' High School. Spanning underground and five above-ground floors, it features a gallery, a cafe, music rooms, individual practice rooms, and audio-visual rooms. The Hwaham Hall on the first and second floors is utilized for performances such as musicals and concerts, as well as educational events.

I'mdr. LLC. (아임닥터 유한책임회사)

7.4Km    2025-10-23

3F, 6-3 Bugahyeon-ro 2-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

I'mdr. LLC., leads the global medical tourism market with Korea's cutting-edge medical technology and world-class medical services.
With I'mdr, a health and beauty trip to Korea will be safer and more comfortable. It provides both aesthetic medical services and treatment for severely ill patients. Enjoy innovative, patient-centered medical tourism experience through I'mdr.'s customized medical concierge services.

Nemamdaero Hongdae Branch(내맘대로폰케이스 홍대점)

Nemamdaero Hongdae Branch(내맘대로폰케이스 홍대점)

7.4Km    2025-11-05

21 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

JENNIE and JISOO’s phone case
This is where JENNIE and JISOO made mobile phone cases on V LIVE. It has a huge number of parts, and you can choose the color and shape of the bond. The advantage is that you can use all parts as much as you want without restrictions. You can follow JENNIE and JISOO’s design, or you can make your own case. Decorating top loaders for photo cards and making slime are also popular. It is the perfect for travel souvenirs or gifts.

Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

7.4Km    2025-01-09

41-11, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-7525

Located near Deoksugung Palace, Jungmyeongjeon Hall is a red-brick modern Western-style building. It was built in 1899 as the imperial library of the Korean Empire. After Deoksugung Palace caught on fire in 1904, the place became the temporary residence of Emperor Gojong. It also witnessed the tragic part of history in which the infamous Eulsa Treaty (Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty), an illegal treaty forced by Japan, was signed in 1905. Its exhibition hall serves as a place for historical education.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

7.4Km    2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Olive Young - Hongdae Jungang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 홍대중앙)

7.4Km    2024-04-18

1F, 2F Haechan Bldg., 68, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

7.4Km    2021-02-26

89, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-760-4722

Insa Art Space was established in 2000 to support artists who are experiencing financial difficulties. In 2005, Art Space started to develop artistic projects and in 2006, the gallery began to provide project consultations, and publishing and marketing, to develop into a stronger self-sufficient gallery. Currently, the gallery provides special exhibitions for artists and independent curators.

High - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이엔드코리아 안국)

7.4Km    2024-04-17

1F, 62-5, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

7.4Km    2025-11-06

68, Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

The Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course is a nostalgic path connecting famous old houses in Seongbuk-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village, divided by the old city walls. Along the way, you'll find historic sites like Gilsangsa Temple, Jeongbeopsa Temple, Han Yong-un’s Simujang House, and novelist Lee Tae-jun's House. The trail also features charming cultural spots, such as the traditional tea house Sooyeon Sanbang and the Seongbuk Museum of Art.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Parasite"
The scene in the alley where Ki-woo visited Mr. Park's house in a wealthy neighborhood for expensive tutoring was filmed in a residential area in Seongbuk-dong. Seongbuk-dong, an old wealthy village, has luxury mansions lined up in. There are many pretty cafés and galleries here and there, so it's good to take a leisurely look around. Mr. Park's house was a filming set, which was demolished after filming.