Step into the artistic soul of Seoul — Insadong is where old meets new, and tradition comes to life through crafts, tea, and colorful street culture.
🛍️ What is Insadong?
Insadong (인사동) is one of the most charming cultural streets in Seoul, beloved for its antique shops, art galleries, hanok-style tea houses, and calligraphy stores. It's the perfect place to experience traditional Korean vibes while enjoying modern shopping, street snacks, and hands-on experiences.
📍 Insadong Basic Information
- Address: Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Opening Hours: Most shops open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 6 (walk 2 mins)
🍵 Top Things to Do in Insadong
- Explore Ssamziegil: A multi-level craft and design complex
- Visit Tea Houses: Try traditional Korean teas in hanok settings
- Try Street Snacks: Hotteok, dragon beard candy, traditional tteok (rice cake)
- Shop Local Crafts: Handmade paper, ceramics, calligraphy brushes
- Watch Cultural Performances: Live pansori, street art, and weekend events
- Visit the Alive Museum or Hanbok Culture Experience Center nearby
📸 Best Photo Spots in Insadong
Insadong is more than a shopping street — it’s full of charm, colors, and traditional vibes that make it a fantastic spot for unique travel photos. From quaint alleyways to rooftop murals, here are some must-snap locations:
- 🎨 1. Ssamziegil Rooftop
A spiral shopping complex filled with quirky local art and a rooftop full of colorful message walls.
📸 Photo tip: Snap a photo with the heart-covered wall or from above looking down into the spiral courtyard.
- 📍 2. Insadong-gil Street Sign
The iconic entrance sign is a must for any first-time visitor.
📸 Photo tip: Pose with your shopping bags or hanbok in front of the sign for a classic “I was here” moment.
- 🍵 3. Traditional Tea House Gardens
Hidden behind wooden doors, these peaceful tea houses are like stepping into another world.
📸 Photo tip: Sit by the window with a cup of tea or capture the hanok roofline with soft lighting in the garden.
- 🖌️ 4. Calligraphy & Craft Stores
Old-school charm meets artistry — perfect backdrops with hanging brushes, paper, and wooden signs.
📸 Photo tip: Take a candid shot browsing or admiring the storefronts. Morning light works best!
🏮 Where to Experience Korean Culture in Insadong
Want to do more than shop and take photos? Here are some hands-on cultural experience centers right in or near Insadong — all friendly for non-Korean speakers!
- 🖌️ 1. Tteuran Korean Tea Culture Center (뜰안)
What to do: Learn Korean tea etiquette & join a traditional tea ceremony
Includes: Guided explanation (in English), tea tasting
Location: 2nd floor, inside a hanok-style tea house near Insadong-gil
Website: 🔗 Tteuran
📍 Tip: Great for relaxing while learning about Korean tea culture.
- 🧧 2. Hanji Craft Studio – Hanji Chueok (Recollections)
What to do: Make traditional Korean paper crafts such as lanterns, bookmarks, or picture frames using hanji (Korean mulberry paper)
Location: 6 Insadong‑7‑gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul (near Ssamziegil)
Language: Some English-speaking staff, simple instructions available in English
Website: 🔗Hanji Craft Studio
📍 Tip: You can take home your handmade creation — perfect for gifts or travel keepsakes! Reservations recommended.
- ✒️ 3. Dong-Lim Knot Workshop (동림매듭공방)
What to do: Learn how to make Korean traditional knots (maedeup)
Duration: 30 mins – 1 hour (bracelet or keychain making)
Address: 11-7, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu
Website: 🔗 Dong-Lim Knot Workshop
Instagram: @donglimknot_jinyoungpark
📍 Tip: Book ahead via DM or visit early — it’s small but authentic!
- 🍵 4. Beautiful Tea Museum (아름다운 차 박물관)
What to do: Taste over 100 varieties of tea—including Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese—while surrounded by traditional tea utensils and art in a museum-style setting.
Location: Insadong-gil (address: 19‑11 Insadong-gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul)
Hours: Around 09:00–20:00 daily
Website: 🔗Beautiful Tea Museum
📍 Tip: Join a workshop on brewing techniques and pottery to deepen your tea knowledge in a calm, cultural atmosphere.
💃 Hanbok Rental Shops Nearby
Want to wear hanbok while exploring Insadong? Here are two nearby, tourist-friendly spots:
🍽️ Must-Eat Local Dishes Near Insadong (Jongno Delicacies)
Beyond tea and crafts, Insadong is also a gateway to some of the most beloved traditional dishes in Korea. From sizzling pancakes to soul-warming soups, here are a few iconic eats nearby:
- 🥢 1. Gwangjang Market’s Bindaetteok (빈대떡)
What to try: Crispy mung bean pancakes served with dipping soy sauce and makgeolli (rice wine)
Why go: A quick 10-min taxi or 20-min walk from Insadong, this buzzing market is the best place to taste local street food like bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, and japchae
Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
📍 Tip: Head to Soonheene Bindaetteok (순희네 빈대떡) — one of the most famous stalls there!
🔗 Soonheene at Gwangjang Market on Google Maps
- 🍜 2. Imun Seolleongtang (이문설농탕)
What to try: Milky beef bone soup with rice and chopped green onions
Why go: The oldest restaurant in Seoul (since 1907!), serving authentic seolleongtang for over 100 years
Location: 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (about 5 mins walk from Insadong)
📍 Tip: Locals season their soup at the table — just salt, pepper, and green onions!
🔗 Imun Seolleongtang on Google Maps
- ❄️ 3. Woo Lae Oak (우래옥) – Pyongyang Naengmyeon (Optional Add-on)
What to try: Chilled buckwheat noodles in a savory cold broth
Why go: A legendary restaurant that serves one of the most famous Pyongyang-style naengmyeon dishes in Seoul
Location: 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu (taxi ride away)
📍 Tip: Order a side of grilled bulgogi to pair with the noodles for a perfect balance
🔗 Woo Lae Oak on Google Maps
💡 Foodie Tip
If you're in Insadong on a chilly day, seolleongtang is the ultimate comfort food. On warm days, try the cold noodles or bindaetteok with makgeolli for a classic Seoul experience.
Wanna know the must-try foods in Seoul’s different neighborhoods? Hit the link below! Seoul Food Guide by District posting
🎬 K-Drama Tourism
Insadong’s traditional streets and hanok vibes have made it a hit with K-drama producers.
- Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (도깨비)
- My Love from the Star (별에서 온 그대)
- Hotel Del Luna (호텔 델루나)
- Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착)
- Secret Garden (시크릿 가든)
all filmed around its quaint alleys, tea houses, and art shops.
📍 Tip: Take a slow walk down alleys and vintage storefronts; you might walk right into a scene you’ve watched before!
💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Best time to visit: Early morning for calm, or late afternoon for golden light
- Wear comfy shoes — cobblestone alleys can be tricky
- Many shops accept cards, but street vendors may prefer cash
- Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds
- Don't miss the small alleys behind the main street — hidden gems everywhere!
✨ Final Thoughts
Insadong is a must where you go to slow down and feel Korea’s traditional soul — from sipping tea in a wooden house to buying a handmade brush or writing your name in korean. Whether you're a culture lover, solo traveler, or souvenir hunter, it’ll charm you — every step with.
🔗 Useful Links
- Explore K-drama spots, cafes, traditional markets, and more!