Insa-dong (인사동)

1.3Km 2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Korea House (한국의집)

1.3Km 2024-10-28

10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Korea House was opened in 1981. It is a traditional Korean building that introduces the culture and lifestyle of Koreans, where you can experience traditional architecture and a classical atmosphere. The building was built in the style of the Joseon Dynasty's Jagyeong-jeon building at the Gyeongbok Palace. It is the only building built in the traditional architectural style. You will feel its antiquity as you enter the building.

It is divided into the Haerin-gwan (a space for people to get acquainted with each other), the Traditional Theater, and three annex buildings (Munhyang-ru, Nokeum-jeong and Cheongwu-jeong). At Haerin-gwan, you can enjoy traditional music at Garak-dang and try traditional food at Sohwa-dang. In the square of Garak-dang you can view a traditional wedding (on the weekends) or people playing folk games. Also, at the Traditional Theater, about 156 seats are available, and in the afternoons Human Cultural Assets or members of the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts and the National Corps members present traditional music and dances. Sinayui, Salpuri, Pansori, the Drum Dance and the Bongsan Mask Dance are the most popular programs for foreigners. The programs are all explained in English and Japanese.

In the Cultural Gift Shop you can view various crafts made by traditional craftsmen. It is always open and the crafts are for sale as well. There are pottery, ceramics, golden crafts, knots and embroidery etc; approximately 500 pieces of artwork made by craftsmen from 20 different fields. Next to the House of Korea is the Namsan-gol Hanok Village where visitors can explore traditional houses.

Korea House (한국의집)

1.3Km 2024-03-05

10 Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-9101

Located in the center of Seoul, Korea House is a must-visit tourism spot as a high-end cultural complex offering Hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote), traditional refreshments, traditional performance arts, and traditional weddings, allowing visitors to feel the beauty of Korean culture and the taste of Korea. Guests can also enjoy the elegant beauty of hanok.

Korea House Café & Art Shop (한국의집 사랑 카페앤아트샵)

1.3Km 2021-06-30

10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2270-1190

Korea House Café & Art Shop strives to promote traditional crafts and culture through handmade traditional Korean products. They also play an important role in the production of traditional crafts globally.
The shopwares are created using traditional patterns, designs, and sculptural aesthetics in accordance with craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. Visitors can also learn more about the culture of Korean crafts at the shop. They also offer counseling for traditional wedding ceremonies.

A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃,밥에피다)

1.3Km 2023-10-10

3-6 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A Flower Blossom on the Rice serves beautiful, healthy meals using ingredients grown in accordance with eco-friendly practices. Diners can expect to enjoy dishes made with organic rice grown in Bongha Village, pesticide-free vegetables, wheat, traditional pastes, and undyed meats. Popular menus include the vegetable course, suitable for vegans, the tteok bulgogi made with Korean beef, braised rockfish harvested around Heuksando Island, and the five-colored bojagi bibimbap.

Kkotbabe Pida (꽃밥에피다)

1.3Km 2021-03-26

3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-0276

It is a 2021 Michelin Guide restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is bibimbap. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Jogeum (조금)

1.3Km 2021-03-29

62-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-8400

It is a Japanese-style hot pot rice store. The best menu at this restaurant is Hot Stone Pot Rice. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Traditional Performance at The Korea House (한국의집 전통예술공연 KOREA 심청)

1.3Km 2024-08-16

10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-2266-9101~3

The Korea House has been a venue for traditional performing arts for more than 20 years, presenting various musical performances, court dances, and folk dances such as Pungmulnori (farmers’ percussion performance), Talchum (mask dance), Pansori (a traditional narrative vocal performance), and Sinawi (an ensemble of eight traditional musical instruments).

At Korea House, visitors can discover the diverseness and richness of Korean music and art performance. Popular and nationally recognized intangible cultural asset holders such as An Sook Seon, Park Byeong Cheon, and Lee Chun Hui perform on the stage under director Jeong Jae Man.

Busan Agujjim Gulbossam (부산아구찜굴보쌈)

1.3Km 2024-10-15

서울특별시 종로구 돈화문로 35
+82-2-764-2373

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is spicy braised monkfish. Stewed monkfish is a spicy seafood dish made of fish and vegetables.

Jeongwon Sutbulgalbi (정원숯불갈비)

1.3Km 2021-03-22

8, Donhwamun-ro, 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-1305

A place where you can experience the Korean BBQ culture. This restaurant's signature menu is marinated grilled beef ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Insa-dong (인사동) - Area information - Korea travel information