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

Insa-dong (인사동)

1.9Km    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.

Shoe Marker Plus - Myeongdong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (슈마커플러스 명동점)

1.9Km    2024-07-01

26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (영풍문고 종로점)

1.9Km    2024-04-18

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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NANTA(난타)

1.9Km    2025-09-12

26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Myeongdong Nanta Theatre (명동난타극장)

1.9Km    2021-07-23

26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-8288

Nanta, Korea's representative non-verbal performance, opened their fourth exclusive theater in Myeong-dong, the center of shopping. The 386-seat theater is located within the UNESCO Building. It is the largst of the Nanta theaters, and was the first to present foreign actors within the performances. There are 3 shows every day, all year round.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

1.9Km    2025-04-09

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2011-1744~7

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lanterns at Yeon Deung Hoe Festival brighten the heart and the world!

Olive Young - Hwanghak Sageori Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 황학사거리)

1.9Km    2024-04-17

410, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

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Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

1.9Km    2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Ziozia Ssts - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (지오지아 SSTS 명동점)

1.9Km    2024-04-22

6, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Arumdaun Nara Dermatology Clinic - Myeongdong (아름다운나라피부과의원 명동점)

1.9Km    2025-11-21

4th Floor, 6 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Founded in 2000. Our clinic is led by a board-certified dermatologist. One of only 2% of doctors in Korea who are certified dermatology specialists who personally provides all consultations and treatments.