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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

2.0Km    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.

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

2.0Km    2024-04-18

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch (영풍문고-종로점)

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch (영풍문고-종로점)

2.0Km    2020-02-21

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2776

Along with books, Youngpoong Bookstore sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.

The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.

On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.

Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌)

Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌)

2.0Km    2021-11-30

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-904-1159

Seoul Christmas Festival takes place at Cheonggye Plaza, the start of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Visitors can enjoy fancy illuminations, a Christmas tree and photo zones. Various events and programs are also prepared for a heartwarming end-of-the-year experience for everybody.

The Hanok (더 한옥)

The Hanok (더 한옥)

2.0Km    2021-03-24

75, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-7470

You can enjoy coffee in a hanok (Korean house). This restaurant's signature menu is coffee. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Hanu Samgyeop (한우삼겹)

Hanu Samgyeop (한우삼겹)

2.0Km    2021-03-24

31, Myeongdong, 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-0028

You can enjoy freshly aged meat. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

BBQ CHICKEN Myeong-dong Star(BBQ치킨 명동스타)

BBQ CHICKEN Myeong-dong Star(BBQ치킨 명동스타)

2.0Km    2024-03-07

2F, 2 Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-507-1363-8810

BBQ CHICKEN Myeong-dong Star's signature dish is the Golden Olive Fried Chicken, which is fried in savory olive oil. The crispy batter and tender, savory meat are excellent. Patrons have other option to yangnyeom chicken (seasoned fried chicken), basak garlic chicken, or half and half. Ordering chicken legs and wings by cut is also a favorite. The best combination is with a cold beer. 

Olive Young - Myeongdongdaero Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동대로)

Olive Young - Myeongdongdaero Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동대로)

2.0Km    2024-04-18

1F, 120, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Cheongwonsanbang Studio (청원산방)

Cheongwonsanbang Studio (청원산방)

2.0Km    2019-10-02

27, Bukchon-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-715-3342

Located in Samcheong-dong and established in 1981, Cheongwonsanbang Studio is an art studio by Sim Yong-sik (Intangible Cultural Property designated by City of Seoul). He works on various traditional windows and doors with his students, promoting them in Korea and other countries. Doors and windows with beautiful patterns are all over the place in this studio: doors that can hang against a wall, windows decorated with cherry blossoms, comb-patterned windows and so many more. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful crafts in various exhibition events.

Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong (이비스 앰배서더 명동)

2.0Km    2021-05-18

78, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6361-8888

Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong is located in the center of downtown Seoul in Myeong-dong, the heart of the city’s business and shopping district. Its location and reasonable rates make it a good choice for business travelers, and its proximity to the shopping district also attracts tourists. The hotel has a lobby on the building's highest floor, offering a panoramic view of the bustling city. All rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, personal safe, free Internet service, a spacious work desk, and a 24-hour reception service.