Insadong
Insadong
4
About
Though touristy, this vibrant neighborhood is one of the cultural and artistic hubs of Seoul. Great tea houses, restaurants, street food, galleries and souvenir shops make it a must-see area.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Insadong
The area
Neighbourhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
- Anguk • 4 min walk
- Jonggak • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,048 within 5 kms
Attractions
823 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- fire-tower3,185 contributionsThis is a street full with art galleries, cafes and shopping centresThis is a street full with art galleries, cafes and shopping centres that is interesting to some folks. There is also a vintage shop at one end of the street which sells really nice second hand clothes but prices are on the higher side. To be honest, other than the cafes, Insadong is not for everyone.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 January 2024
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,624 contributionsExcellent Place for Eating and Shopping Here!Located very near my hotel, I frequented this attraction for dining and eating. Simply watching the crowd as I had my coffee break in the area was interesting. There are small alleys where the restaurants, shops, etc are located. At the main streets, I noted art galleries, spa, hanok shops, 711 stores, etc. Glad that it is near my hotel, no need for bus or metro rides to reach it.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 May 2024
- sophie jKingston, Jamaica67 contributionsInsadong, street food, cafe, palace and temples.Insadong is the place to stay close to temples, markets, endless cafe, street food, palace. Good & safe for walking and seeing the best of Korea. The Moxy Hotel where I stayed is central and close to everywhere.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 4 May 2024
- brian sDublin, Ireland205 contributionsLovely part of Seoul city centreThis is a lovely area of the city and much nicer than the chaos of Myeondong. Lovely restaurants and bars and shops selling all kinds of interesting things without the hard sell. Charming place and not to be missedVisited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
6,449 reviews
Excellent
2,600
Very good
2,844
Average
878
Poor
96
Terrible
31
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Carol
Anniston, AL201 contributions
Aug 2019
One of my favorite areas to shop! There's a shopping street lined with shops selling all kinds of traditional Korean crafts, gifts, and souvenir type items, and the prices were much lower than what you'd find in other areas. I particularly loved the little handcrafted purses. I bought several for my lady friends and they were the perfect size to fill with face masks and other goodies.
There is a fun and lovely three story shopping center called 'SS' with bright yellow walls that features a ton of super fun art installations and a lot of really cool shops. I visited this location several times because it was so cool and I loved the shops. At the top of it is the infamous 'poop; themed cafe where you can get a variety of toilet inspired desserts. It wasn't for me but I enjoyed giving it a peek. This area is definitely a must-visit if you like art and/or like to shop.
There is a fun and lovely three story shopping center called 'SS' with bright yellow walls that features a ton of super fun art installations and a lot of really cool shops. I visited this location several times because it was so cool and I loved the shops. At the top of it is the infamous 'poop; themed cafe where you can get a variety of toilet inspired desserts. It wasn't for me but I enjoyed giving it a peek. This area is definitely a must-visit if you like art and/or like to shop.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agni_alam
sibolga15 contributions
Oct 2019
A very famous street in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeoukgung make Insadong very popular with tourists. Insadong is also a favorite meeting point. Many art attractions and souvenir shops along Insadong. No need to fear hunger because there are many restaurants along Insadong. There is also a halal restaurant in Insadong that sells Middle Eastern food.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is the commercial tourist district of Seoul in the shadows of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This district is full with shops and restaurants for visitors. Some are the most trendy trinkets but some are all treasures of Korean culture. All of it can be found in this street and district. Plus, this is Korea so there are all kinds of Comic statues for you to pose with. The Koreans thought I did a perfect job of mimicking there running man statue down to my blue coat. However, we were also introduced to the candy making art of dragon beard. It is delicious and they make it right in front of you on the street if you are in Seoul, take the time to visit.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fire-tower
3,185 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This is a street full with art galleries, cafes and shopping centres that is interesting to some folks. There is also a vintage shop at one end of the street which sells really nice second hand clothes but prices are on the higher side. To be honest, other than the cafes, Insadong is not for everyone.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Husain M Husain
Manama, Bahrain433 contributions
Nov 2019
Insadong is calm beautiful place where you can enjoy the traditional Korean architecture buildings of and cultural atmosphere.
Many shops sell handcrafts and souvenirs, I bought many things from here.
This street is known for selling the traditional Korean Tea as well.
I really enjoyed my time there, it's a great escape from the busy city life.
Many shops sell handcrafts and souvenirs, I bought many things from here.
This street is known for selling the traditional Korean Tea as well.
I really enjoyed my time there, it's a great escape from the busy city life.
Written 30 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apple D
Luzon, Philippines100 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I so want to love this place. It has artist galleries aplenty and many other art related curios but there’s just alot of people going around it’s kind of crazy. And when things are marketed towards tourists, it kind of sets me off. Nothing wrong with it, it just doesn’t feel authentic anymore. It wasn’t what it used to be.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Summerasalifestyle
Malibu, CA3,585 contributions
Aug 2023
Old school shopping area with cafes, ice cream, coffee stores, art galleries and shops. It is full on touristy with palace and nearby museums. New buildings and old.
Some upscale, some not.
Better to go far inside and get away from crowds of tourists (like me).
stopped in at a cafe that seemed to be locals. I was only tourist. Order and pay off a machine with photos and menu in Korean or English depending on the button ya push…pork cutlet with pepper and a fanta is about 15,000.
Some upscale, some not.
Better to go far inside and get away from crowds of tourists (like me).
stopped in at a cafe that seemed to be locals. I was only tourist. Order and pay off a machine with photos and menu in Korean or English depending on the button ya push…pork cutlet with pepper and a fanta is about 15,000.
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derick Guillarte
Makati, Philippines66 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Insa-dong is located in Jongno-gu district. There's a lot of cafes, restaurants, galleries, teahouses and shops along the alleys on each side. You can buy traditional souveneirs here if you want to give something for your loved ones or to remember your trip about Korea.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yong Jin K
Sao Paulo, SP20 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Neighborhood where you can see or buy antiques and souvenirs. Here is the place to buy the keyboards and fridge magnets! There is a museum showing the excavations in the region and the way of life in the late 19th century, early 20th century. There are art galleries and many restaurants, cafes, tea houses. Go visit if you have time left. Between visiting the palace next door (Gyeongbokkum) and the neighborhood, give priority to the palace.
Automatically translated
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CAT-TEO-DVD
Grottaferrata, Italy7,446 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Insadong is a rather quiet area of Seoul, where art galleries alternate with quaint tea houses.
the main road, Insadong-gil, once divided two cities, "In" and "Sa".
to these two names were added to the word "dong" (neighborhood) when the whole area was unified
creating the current name of the neighborhood.
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Insadong was stormed by artists
which still constitute the main community of the neighborhood.
The area also includes Seoul's oldest library.
insadong is easily accessible by subway, getting off at Anguk stop.
the main road, Insadong-gil, once divided two cities, "In" and "Sa".
to these two names were added to the word "dong" (neighborhood) when the whole area was unified
creating the current name of the neighborhood.
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Insadong was stormed by artists
which still constitute the main community of the neighborhood.
The area also includes Seoul's oldest library.
insadong is easily accessible by subway, getting off at Anguk stop.
Automatically translated
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the Center Mark Hotel snd insadong was the back of the hotel. Hotel was fine, no breakfast snd rooms were small but good
Written 31 March 2023
Where can I find the shop that sells mother of pearl items
Written 8 May 2021
Hi , I will be visiting Korea for 12 days in September. Insadong or Myeongdong will be an ideal place to put up with? By the way I will be putting up at Air BnB.
Thank you
Written 16 April 2019
I have always stayed in Myeongdong as my base whenever I visit Seoul. It is centrally located and you can easily get to most hangout places like Insadong, Hongdae, Itaewon and tourist attractions easily via the subway. Most local tours will have pick up locations in Myeongdong, so I just find it convenient as a base. Insadong and Myeongdong close by. Myeongdong visitors tend to be shoppers as it is close to duty free shopping malls and the Dongdaemun fashion malls. Insadong is the artistic area, with many art galleries and trditional teahouses. Some friends prefers to stay in Hongdae (near Hongik University so lots of options for younger crowd). For Airbnb, ask for GPS coordinate and/or address in Korean. I read that years ago, the streets were renamed and that may have resulted in discrepancies in google maps for some addresses in English. Research how to use 1330 Korea Travel Hotline. A friend found it very useful for travelling in ares where locals don't speak English as they provide multilingual assistance 24/7. Hope this helps.
Written 18 April 2019
What time does the market in insadong close? Is it open 24 hours?
Written 26 February 2019
No it is not opened round the clock but regular shopping hours.
Written 1 March 2019
Would insadong be open during Chuseok holiday? Or should I give it a miss?
Written 25 February 2019
It is a open place (street), and a lot of tourists visit this place. Must of the shops must be open
Written 26 February 2019
Katerina S
Thessaloniki, Greece
Υπάρχει κάποιο σημείο αναφοράς για να δώσουμε ραντεβού με την ομάδα μου;στην συνοικία Insadog.
Written 8 December 2018
Hi . Five of us ,all females already have
Booked our flights travel to SK for Oct 30-Nov 4. Planning to stay in Insadong , prederably near a subway . Questions or comments welcomed
1. Any recom for hotel ? 3-4 star
2. Our flight will get in in Inchon at 10:30 pm and maybe will have an hr of immigration and customs clearance and be out by 11:30 pm .. Are there transpo available by this late of a time from inchon to Insadong? What is the best route ?
Thanks for your help
Soki
Written 28 July 2018
Hi Scypath, the subways will be closed that late. You could possibly catch the airport train to Seoul station and then taxi but honestly it is really difficult to find a taxi driver out there who speaks English...i had one make me get out of his car and take my luggage out of the trunk even with the a paper that had the hotel name printed in Korean! It took me 4 taxis before one would take me. If I were you I would take a taxi from the airport. At least you can split it 5 ways, and they have large black tourist taxis which the drivers speak English.
I stayed in Myeong-dong so can't help with hotel, but Insadong is super cute. Parts of that neighbourhood can be far from a subway though, so as you said, be sure to get one close to a subway station, that's imperative!!
Written 28 July 2018
hi, I would like find a place where to buy Korean ceramic at normal price, no touristic place.
There is ceramic area in that market? Any suggestions? Thanks
Written 22 June 2018
I know it is the area for shopping at affordable prices, unfortunately I do not have a specific store to buy ceramics
Written 24 June 2018
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