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

Orakai Insadong Suites
Orakai Insadong Suites
4 out of 5
18 Insadong 4-Gil Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P10,804 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P10,804
P11,884 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,354 reviews)
"The rooms had plenty of space and felt like I was at home. Gym is also a great plus. Location and vibe around the hotel was amazing. Transportation services are right around the corner. Many restaurants and most importantly, felt very safe."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Orakai Insadong Suites
Hotel Sunbee Insadong
Hotel Sunbee Insadong
3 out of 5
26, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P9,181 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P9,181
P10,099 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"You couldn't get a better location than this property. easy walking distance to almost everything we wanted to see.The staff were so nice and helpful. The room was comfortable and clean. I would recommend this hotel to anyone"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is P16,530 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P16,530
P18,183 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Amazing Hotel/Excellent Service in Seoul
"By far and away the best service I have ever received at a hotel, and I have traveled extensively. We had two different people greet us before even making it near the entrance, then a single person made sure we were guided and immediately attended to. We were graciously given a free upgrade and when ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Shilla 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 P4,843 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P4,843
P5,327 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
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! (1,557 reviews)
"Hotel muy confortable, limpio, bien ubicado, buena atención"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
3 out of 5
323 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
The price is P4,488 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P4,488
P4,936 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,644 reviews)
"Located in the heart of K-Culture. Lots of dining options available at the walking range."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
4 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is P6,171 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
P6,171
P6,788 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
"The area around the hotel looked like it was under construction or being demolished. View from the balcony was not nice. Dubrovnik and musty smell in the air outside."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON 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

Insadong 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 featuring 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 showing shopping, street scenes and a city

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 featuring 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 Seoul Museum of Art. 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 featuring 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