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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

18.1Km    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.

Soonheenae Bindaetteok (순희네빈대떡)

Soonheenae Bindaetteok (순희네빈대떡)

18.1Km    2024-03-20

5 Jong-ro 32-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2264-5057

Soonheenae Bindaetteok is a stall located in Gwangjang Market known for its mung bean pancakes and meatballs. Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) is a dish made by grinding mung beans and mixing them with kimchi, bracken, and ground pork, then flattening and frying the mixture. Here, they grind mung beans on a millstone and fry the bindaetteok on the spot, resulting in a crispy and savory taste. The secret soy sauce dip complements the bindaetteok perfectly. Situated within the traditional market, the atmosphere is lively.

Nuri (누리)

Nuri (누리)

18.1Km    2019-11-26

23, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-736-7848

Located in the neighborhood of Insa-dong, traditional Korean lunch box and tea restaurant Nuri brings out the true beauty of hanok while implementing western dining culture with tables and chairs.

Nuri uses the finest grains directly from agricultural regions throughout the country, offering nutritious rice along with mildly seasoned side dish menus, taking advantage of the ingredients' natural flavors. Nuri uses its effective take-out and delivery system to cater to businesses and events.

Manboseong (만보성)

Manboseong (만보성)

18.1Km    2021-03-26

53, Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-8488

It is a place where you can eat a variety of Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sweet and sour pork.

A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃,밥에피다)

A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃,밥에피다)

18.1Km    2023-10-10

3-6 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A Flower Blossom on the Rice serves beautiful, healthy meals using ingredients grown in accordance with eco-friendly practices. Diners can expect to enjoy dishes made with organic rice grown in Bongha Village, pesticide-free vegetables, wheat, traditional pastes, and undyed meats. Popular menus include the vegetable course, suitable for vegans, the tteok bulgogi made with Korean beef, braised rockfish harvested around Heuksando Island, and the five-colored bojagi bibimbap.

Jogeum (조금)

Jogeum (조금)

18.1Km    2021-03-29

62-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-8400

It is a Japanese-style hot pot rice store. The best menu at this restaurant is Hot Stone Pot Rice. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Kkotbabe Pida (꽃밥에피다)

Kkotbabe Pida (꽃밥에피다)

18.1Km    2021-03-26

3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-0276

It is a 2021 Michelin Guide restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is bibimbap. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Of one book and stay [Korea Quality] / 일독일박 [한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]

Of one book and stay [Korea Quality] / 일독일박 [한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]

18.1Km    2021-03-29

11-1, Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This hanok (traditional Korean house) is located in Seochon Village near Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a modern C-shaped hanok centered around the inner courtyard, which is the first thing that the guests see after entering through the gate. While it is not expansive, white pebbles and a foot bath make this hanok a unique one. One can enjoy a foot bath while sitting on the porch.
The bedroom, which is located beyond the living room, is furnished with a queen-sized bed. Opening the screen doors brings one to the view of the kitchen area beyond the inner courtyard. A large table, plush sofa, and a small bookcase make the space ideal for books and discussions. Climbing the wooden ladder to the side of the kitchen brings one to the attic, which also doubles as a Korean-style room with a skylight. The kitchen is furnished with a refrigerator, microwave oven, gas stove, electric kettle, toaster, pots, utensils, wine glasses, and bottled water. There is a restroom with a bathtub. The standard occupancy of the house is 4 people.

CheongKwanJang - Jongno 4(sa)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종로4가)

CheongKwanJang - Jongno 4(sa)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종로4가)

18.1Km    2024-04-22

Gwangnim Bldg., 195, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자 (DDP))

18.1Km    2024-10-24

281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2153-0000

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has a meaning of Dream, Design, and Play. It holds various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other domestic and international events. The building complex is divided into sections, which are named Allimteo, Beaumteo, Sallimteo, DDP Design Museum, Design Market & Eoullim Plaza, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the building's exterior attracts the attention of many photographers with its delicate curves and bold shapes.