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 P8,571 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P8,571
P9,428 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,361 reviews)
"Great location and the rooms were very large and accommodating. We were lucky to get upgraded to a suite. The washing machine is a 2 in 1 so we were able to wash and dry our clothes which was an added plus. So close to everything and the staff were all very friendly. The only issue is that the hotel ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 P8,386 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P8,386
P9,225 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Rooms were spacious, wifi was good and location was sosco."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
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 P4,818 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P4,818
P5,300 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! (1,572 reviews)
"The front desk staff was very helpful The bed was too low, the regular bed could be better then futon,"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul
5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P16,562 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P16,562
P20,041 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (1,000 reviews)
Awesome
"One the most beautiful hotel that I have ever stayed at. Hotel sits on a Hilltop. Awesome view of entire Seoul City."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Grand Hyatt Seoul
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
3 out of 5
323 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
The price is P4,472 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P4,472
P4,919 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,649 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,797 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
P5,797
P6,377 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
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! (390 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay here. The hotel is very new, quiet, and the staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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