Insadong

Overview

Insadong is Seoul's traditional arts and culture street, a bustling pedestrian avenue of galleries, tea houses, ceramic shops, and calligraphy studios preserving Korean artistic traditions.

Highlights

• Ssamziegil: A quirky multi-level outdoor shopping complex spiraling upward with artisan shops and cafés.
• Art Galleries: Over 100 galleries along the main street and side alleys.
• Traditional Tea Houses: Intimate tea rooms serving Korean herbal and flower teas.

History

Insadong has been Korea's art market since the Japanese occupation, when impoverished aristocrats sold family treasures here. Today it remains the center of Korea's traditional art trade.

Visitor Tips

• Unique Souvenirs: Quality hanji (handmade paper), celadon ceramics, and calligraphy brushes.
• Sunday Pedestrian: The main street is fully pedestrianized on Sundays.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.