Insa-dong

Seoul

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

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

Insadong is a relatively peaceful 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 (neighborhood) 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 700 metres (2295 feet) of shops selling crafts and pottery. 

Insadong is also the best place in Seoul to get your hands on the traditional attire called hanbok and handmade hanji writing paper. Items on sale around Insadong vary greatly in value. You can pick up anything from cheap souvenirs to antique ceramics costing thousands of dollars. Visit the oldest book store in Seoul.

There are approximately 100 art galleries in and around Insadong. Hakgojae Gallery is a modern space exhibiting both traditional and contemporary art. The Gana Art Gallery has the one of the largest floor spaces in South Korea. Both attract local and international art aficionados.

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

Spend some time admiring the area’s architecture. You’ll find old buildings with structures dating back to the 14th century, as well as temples, churches and contemporary glass galleries.

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


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Insa-dong

Hotel Sunbee Insadong

Hotel Sunbee Insadong

3 out of 5
26, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P6,935 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P6,935
P7,628 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent location. Very friendly staff. Close to transit, food options and shopping"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is P7,953 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,953
P8,749 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (2,595 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P8,938 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P8,938
P9,832 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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! (2,830 reviews)
"Good one"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P14,766 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P14,766
P17,867 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Very elegant hotels. Staff went above and beyond"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Grand Hyatt Seoul
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

4 out of 5
870, GYEONGIN-RO YEONGDEUNGPO-GU, Seoul
The price is P4,262 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P4,262
P4,688 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Good service by the staff to assign room away from construction noise. Good location for food and transport to malls and airport."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P5,023 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P5,023
P5,526 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,647 reviews)
"We stayed in one of the theme room with the Line friends. So cute! The room was spacious. The hotel is close to Myeongdong."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
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

Seoul which includes interior views and art

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

If you're spending time in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, check out sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple and hop on the metro to see more the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market showing signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(13 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
Myeongdong which includes shopping, a city and street scenes

Myeong-dong

Travelers love Myeong-dong for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Myeongdong Cathedral.

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

Jung-gu

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

Travelers love Jung-gu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market.

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

Sogong-dong

Visitors to Sogong-dong love its popular shops, and you can check out Namdaemun Market and Sungnyemun Gate. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park showing a city as well as a small group of people

Gwanghui-dong

While you're in Gwanghui-dong, take in top sights like Migliore Mall and jump on the metro at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station to see more of the city.

Gwanghui-dong


Insa-dong