Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

20.0Km 2023-12-26

Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Metropolitan City

Insadong Cultural Street is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all around the world, thanks to its numerous art galleries, restaurants serving Korean table d’hote, traditional teahouses, and street vendors lining the streets. Its most recognizable feature is the use of Hangeul (Korean script) in storefronts, which allows the visitors to really see just what makes this place so special. Unlike the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, Insadong Cultural Street has larger streets with wider stores, so it is much easier to traverse. On evenings and weekends, one can find buskers performing on the side of the road.

Manggyeongam Hermitage (망경암)

20.0Km 2021-04-24

72, Taepyeong-ro 55beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-753-3090

Manggyeongam’s name derives from the hermitage's view of Seoul, and is located in Bokjeong-dong of Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do. Manggyeongam Hermitage is said to be the place where kings of the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods prayed for peace for their subjects. In addition, Prince Pyeongwon, the 7th son of King Sejong, and Grand Prince Jean built an altar at Mangyeongam Hermitage and Chilseongdae Peak and pledged filial piety.

The hermitage is more widely known for its connection to the Chilseong faith, in which believers worship Chilseong (the Seven Stars). It is easily recognized by the written records inscribed into the rock wall. Located at the hermitage is the Rock-carved Seated Buddha, an original work of the hermitage that is also designated Gyeonggi-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 102. The Buddha is embossed inside a deep hole in the rock. In the words inscribed near the statue, there is also a legend that says Lee Gu-seung carved Gwaneum Statue near Rock-carved Seated Buddha and built the hermitage in 1897.

Next to the hermitage is a pond called “Bokumul,” which means “blessed sugared water.” The neighborhood of Bojeong-dong takes its name from this pond. At the hermitage, Daeungjeon Hall (the main hall), Samseonggak Shrine (shrine for three spirits), and Mireukjeon Hall were all established fairly recently. The hermitage site also includes a huge Mireuk Daebul statue (Great State of Maitreya Buddha) and a five-story stone pagoda.

Happy Jewerly [Tax Refund Shop] (해피쥬얼리)

20.0Km 2024-06-27

1F, #21, 26, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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The Souvenir Fair (2025 대한민국 관광기념품 박람회)

20.0Km 2025-10-27

281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8315-5434

The Souvenir Fair brings together various companies and local governments to showcase a variety of souvenirs, both traditional and trendy. Visitors can freely explore the exhibition space, enjoy souvenir shopping, and take part in various programs. Highlights of the fair include an exhibition of competition-winning works, a zone featuring outstanding local souvenirs, and a special exhibition of overseas souvenirs.

Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall (홍제폭포)

20.0Km 2024-11-07

Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall is located along Hongjecheon Stream in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The waterfall was built in 2011 and is 25 meters tall and 60 meters wide. Despite being a man-made waterfall, the design and construction were so well-done that many find it hard to believe it wasn't a naturally formed waterfall. The area around the waterfall features various places for citizens and visitors to relax, while there are many cafes and cultural spaces in the area to make a visit more enjoyable.

Dasi Bookshop (다시서점)

20.0Km 2025-08-14

77-24 Gonghang-daero 8-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

Dasi Bookshop sells both second-hand and new books, and offers a space for readers to connect with books through a carefully curated selection, including limited edition books and books from independent publishers that are difficult to come by. In addition, it hosts book talks, book reading sessions, and author events, creating a cultural space for the community to connect. Visitors can also purchase merchandise and specially designed products, along with books, available both online and in the physical store.

Korea Manhwa Museum (한국만화박물관)

20.0Km 2025-10-24

1 Gilju-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

This museum collects and stores Korean cartoons and related materials, which are the basis for the creation of K-Webtoons. It covers everything from old cartoons to characters and webtoons that are gaining global popularity recently. It is composed of the Korean Manhwa History Museum, the Manhwa Experience Exhibition Hall, the Manhwa Library, and the Manhwa Video Screening Hall. There is also a corner where you can try coloring your own webtoon.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

20.0Km 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Seoul International Writers' Festival (서울국제작가축제)

20.0Km 2025-07-30

26 Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8826-5207

Seoul International Writers' Festival was founded in 2006 with aims to lay a foundation for connecting Korean literature and international literature. This year's theme is "() Meets the Eye," inviting attendees to explore the beauty of literature that is much more than meets the eye.

Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리) - Area information - Korea travel information