Insa-dong

Seoul

Insadong featuring shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong showing shopping and a city as well as a small group of people
Insadong featuring heritage elements as well as a family
Insadong featuring interior views and art
Insadong showing outdoor art

This central Seoul district offers shopping and culture with traditional Korean art, antiques, and crafts.

Insadong is a relativelypeaceful area of Seoul where there are many teahouses and art galleries.

The main street,Insadong-gil, was once a stream that divided two towns. These ended in “In” and“Sa”, and were added to the word dong (neighbourhood) when they finally joined.During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), artists flocked to Insadong to study.The artistic community has remained and today the main thoroughfare offers 2295 feet (700 metres) of shops selling crafts and pottery.

Insadong is also the bestplace in Seoul to get your hands on the traditional attire called hanbok andhandmade hanji writing paper. Items on sale around Insadong vary greatly invalue. You can pick up anything from cheap souvenirs to antique ceramicscosting thousands of dollars. Visit the oldest book store in Seoul.

There are approximately100 art galleries in and around Insadong. Hakgojae Gallery is a modern spaceexhibiting both traditional and contemporary art. The Gana Art Gallery has theone of the largest floor spaces in South Korea. Both attract local andinternational art aficionados.

Most of Insadong’steahouses are found simply by exploring the winding alleyways that branch offInsadong-gil. Here, you’ll be offered all number of tea blends, as well asspecialty dishes such as green tea flavored tiramisu.

Spend some time admiringthe area’s architecture. You’ll find old buildings with structures dating backto the 14th century, as well as temples, churches and contemporary glassgalleries.

Insadong is accessible bysubway. Get off at Anguk. Shops and galleries are open daily. Opening timesvary, but are generally from mid-morning to evening. On weekends, vehicles arebanned from driving down Insadong-gil, when stalls offering everything fromcandy to fortune telling are set up. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday to soak upthe lively atmosphere and browse street stalls.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Insa-dong

AMID HOTEL SEOUL

AMID HOTEL SEOUL

4 out of 5
38, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Fully refundable
The price is €115 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€115
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (818 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was abundant, delicious, and offered a range of healthy choices!"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

AMID HOTEL SEOUL
N285 Hotel Insadong

N285 Hotel Insadong

2 out of 5
423 Samil-daero, Seoul, Seoul
The price is €87 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€87
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (407 reviews)
"I had a nice stay 😊👍"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

N285 Hotel Insadong
Hotel Sunbee Insadong

Hotel Sunbee Insadong

3 out of 5
26, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"I like this hotel. The staff was very friendly and can speak English. They gave us many helpful suggestions about where we can go to eat, how to get to the bus and metro station and how to call taxi to the airport. The room was big and clean. The area is very convenient. In the middle of ..."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong

Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong

3 out of 5
20-9, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jongno
The price is €92 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€92
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"This place was simply amazing. So comfortable, clean, and filled with amenities. We felt very taken care of. We enjoyed the yummy free ramen, strawberry ice cream, onsen, welcome drink, and lovely staff. It was also right in Incheon and so easy to get anywhere else in Seoul and beyond. Thank you ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is €122 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€122
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,654 reviews)
"The hotel's location is perfect, with easy access to all the main attractions, and the staff is incredibly friendly. A major plus is their luggage storage policy, which allowed guests to leave their bags for days before their return. This hotel is highly recommended."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is €145 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€145
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,849 reviews)
"was a decent hotel. rooms were modest size but clean. walking distance from train station was ok if you have the time. conveniently close to the market."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Insa-dong

Insadong featuring interior views and art

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

While you're in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, take in top sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
Default Image

Euljiro-dong

While you're in Euljiro-dong, take in top sights like Chungmu-ro or Cheonggyecheon, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

Euljiro-dong
Myeongdong which includes a city, night scenes and shopping

Myeong-dong

Enjoy the popular shops in Myeong-dong. Myeongdong Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station to see more of Seoul.

Myeong-dong
Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(263 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
Deoksugung Palace featuring a garden as well as a small group of people

Sogong-dong

Sogong-dong is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art, and you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong

Insa-dong

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