Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

494.90417614788254m    96467     2021-06-10

Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si
+82-2-1330

There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry stores in this district, spread throughout Jongno 3(sam)-ga and 4(sa)-ga. The glittering showcases here are especially popular amongst couples and foreign tourists looking to find fine jewelry at affordable prices. Stores in the jewelry district have a selection of designs that are extraordinarily diverse and prices that are 30 to 40% lower than at other jewelry outlets in Korea.

- A fabulous selection at wholesale prices
The Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District is located in Jongno, with shops flooding the alleyways all along the main street and stretching for a length of one kilometer. The area holds a total of over 1,000 jewelry stores, some 300 design and manufacturing stores, and 20 licensed evaluators.

The Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District originated in Yeji-dong of Jongno 4(sa)-ga, then expanded to include Bongik-dong near the Danseongsa Theater at Jongno 3(sam)-ga.
As the district grew, retail jewelry stores both large and small populated both sides of the main street from Jonggak to Jongno 5(oh)-ga.
Most of the stores in Yeji-dong deal in watches and gemstones, giving the area the name Watch Alley. The back alleys of Bongik-dong and Yeji-dong are mostly filled with wholesalers whose clients consist of brokers and jewelers from around the country. Retail sales are possible at these shops, but some of them might hesitate to deal in small quantities.
The larger stores along Jong-ro literally glitter with dozens of flashy showcases presenting a great selection of jewelry and other precious metals. Prices are already discounted to begin with, but you may be able to bargain even further.

Stores in this district are affiliated with setting factories, so if you have a special design in mind, you can probably get it custom ordered. Thus, if you go in with a brand name jewelry brochure, they will most likely be able to make a similar looking item or even customize it to your preferences.
In addition to its grand variety of diamonds, rubies, domestic amethysts, and almost any precious stone you can imagine, gold is also available in 14k, 18k and 24k yellow or white, as well as in platinum. Watches are often discounted at 50-60% off the retail price, and of course this is the very best place to buy fancy wedding jewelry at amazingly low prices.
We suggest, however, that you take your time and look around, because prices, not to mention their inventory, will vary significantly from shop to shop.
As soon as a new brochure is published by an international brand such as Cartier, TIFFANY or BVLGARI, near-identical designs appear in these stores almost immediately.
Furthermore, this area has recently become the home of accessories for famous Korean entertainers. Companies in the district will consult with coordinators, then design and manufacture items, and lend them to stars for them to wear. When entertainers wear this jewelry on television, the coverage serves to promote these designs. Examples of designs that have attracted a lot of attention previously, include Lee Seung-yeon’s earrings, Jeon Ji-hyeon’s necklace, Moon Hee-jun’s necklace, Lee Yeong-ae’s earrings, and much more.

Nowadays, many foreign tourists, especially Japanese tourists, make the trip to the Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District, as prices here are much cheaper than in their home countries.
The Jewelry District is conveniently located at the center of Seoul’s major palaces and near the downtown areas. Of these, the closest tourist areas include Myeong-dong, downtown Jong-ro, Dongdaemun Market, and Namdaeumun Market.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

497.8210884726648m    13022     2022-08-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Ijo (이조)

Ijo (이조)

498.43419223698487m    45     2021-03-26

8, Insadong 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-7610

Galbijjim (braised short ribs) is a traditional Korean menu of ribs seasoned with soy sauce. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is braised short ribs.

Areumdaun Cha Bangmulgwan (Beautiful Tea Museum) (아름다운차박물관)

Areumdaun Cha Bangmulgwan (Beautiful Tea Museum) (아름다운차박물관)

506.7036800971756m    4570     2019-08-02

19-11, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-6678

In addition to gourmet restaurants, traditional tea houses are a popular destination in Insa-dong. Among them, we recommend Areumdaun Cha Bangmulgwan, where you can taste more than 100 types of tea, including Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese. The shop also serves as a museum and gallery. Enjoy a leisurely cup of tea as you appreciate the art that is on display.

Matborae Jeukseok Tteokbokki (맛보래즉석떡볶이)

Matborae Jeukseok Tteokbokki (맛보래즉석떡볶이)

507.61813102973576m    110     2021-03-19

9, Insadong, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-4831

A spicy rice cakes specialty restaurant located in Insa-dong, Seoul. The most famous menu is stir-fried rice cake with cheese. Jjajang tteokbokki is also delicious.

Daeseong Hanjeongsik (대성한정식)

Daeseong Hanjeongsik (대성한정식)

511.1167960552586m    173     2021-03-30

10, Insadong 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-4407

It is a hidden famous restaurant in Insa-dong. The best menu at this restaurant is soy sauce marinated crab set menu. This Korean table d'hote restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

WANBAEK BUDAE JJIGAE(완백부대찌개)

WANBAEK BUDAE JJIGAE(완백부대찌개)

511.08965029135624m    39     2020-11-25

44 Insadong-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-722-5397

It is a restaurant introduced in the cartoon “Sikgaek.” The best menu at this restaurant is sausage stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Ssamzigil (쌈지길)

Ssamzigil (쌈지길)

511.7054370708513m    70515     2024-03-04

44, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-736-0088

Ssamzigil is an Insa-dong landmark and a shopping mall specializing in crafts. It is a place where the traditions of Korea come together with its present. Follow the paths that lead seamlessly from the lower floors to the upper floors and browse the small craft shops that inhabit the floors. You can find both works of traditional craft and contemporary craft here. Some craft shops also offer craft experiences, and one can also find restaurants and galleries within the complex.

Yangbandeck (양반댁)

513.9938428851058m    11623     2024-03-18

19-18 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5507, +82-2-730-1112

Yangbandeck is a traditional Korean house in Insa-dong, serving ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and bori gulbi (barley-aged dried yellow croaker). Theganjang gejang is made from crabs filled with roe, matured in soy sauce. The taste of barley-aged dried yellow croaker, made from dried yellow croaker matured in sea breeze and served on top of rice, is exceptional. Each meal comes with a hot pot rice, and side dishes such as soybean paste jjigae, pancakes, kimchi, and japchae are served as standard.

Araya [Tax Refund Shop] (아라야)

514.0656358612844m    0     2024-04-23

44, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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