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

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

2.8Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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.

Anthropolis 1 : Prolog/Dionysos(안트로폴리스 1 : 프롤로그/디오니소스)

2.8Km    2025-12-04

서울특별시 중구 명동길 35 (명동1가)

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

2.8Km    2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Myeongdong Theater (명동예술극장)

Myeongdong Theater (명동예술극장)

2.8Km    2021-06-09

35, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Myeongdong Theater is an exclusive theatrical performance center, located in what was originally the National Theater of Korea. From 1934 to 1973, the National Theater of Korea pioneered Korean arts and culture, serving as a movie theater, performance hall and art theater. Though it closed its doors in 1975, it was reopened on June 5, 2009 after 3 years of renovation under the name of Myeongdong Theater. The exterior of the theater was left untouched, while the interior was completely updated for a modern design. The theater has a mid-sized performance hall with state-of-the-art stage equipment and a seating capacity of 588 seats. The close proximity of the seats and the stage offers great views as well as allows the audience to share the passion of the performers on stage. The theater presents a range of performances such as theatrical plays, experimental plays, non-verbal performances, and musicals. In addition, the place is a popular venue for diverse events like acting contests, theater festivals and performance festivals.

WIZ & MI Clinic (위즈앤미의원)

2.8Km    2025-10-23

#401-#403, 21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

WIZ & MI Clinic presents unique beauty based on tailored, customer-oriented treatments and highly skilled know-how. Systemized and specialized treatments, along with standardization, enable the clinic to offer reasonable prices. Additionally, the clinic offers customized procedures for highly satisfactory outcomes and stability without side effects.
The medical staff at WIZ & MI Clinic have proven competencies, abundant clinical experiences, and expertise. With cutting-edge equipment, the clinic's competent staff members share their know-how through live demonstrations each year. WIZ & MIi Clinic pursues 'magic total beauty' that improves and balances physical beauty with a healthy mind. For this, the clinic conducts research and strives for healthy beauty for all its customers.
It is committed to providing honest care and helping patients re-discover their magical beauty and happiness.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

2.8Km    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

2.8Km    2021-12-21

10, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Opened in April 2004, Dong-Lim Knot Museum exhibits a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories. Housed in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, the gallery has a variety of exhibits, including old and new artwork, and creations that reflect modern trends.

Woo Joo Yon Clinic (우주연한의원)

2.8Km    2025-10-23

(2nd Floor, Hanok), 41 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Woojooyon Clinic takes an integrative approach considering the patient's overall health. Rather than merely treating the affected area, we listen to the patient's story, understand their daily life, and focus on identifying and correcting the root causes of imbalances in the body. Our goal is to pursue true healing and happiness by treating with a delicate touch that connects with the patient's soul. We aim to restore the body to its original state, ensuring a holistic examination of both body and mind, as well as habits and personality. Woojooyon Clinic is committed to helping patients regain a healthy life by applying the wisdom of traditional Korean medicine. We value our relationships with patients and strive to always do our best.

Hanji House (한지가헌)

Hanji House (한지가헌)

2.8Km    2025-07-25

31-9 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hanji House was founded to pass on the cultural heritage of hanji, traditional Korean paper, as well as to promote its excellence and uses in everyday life. The center is operated by Korea Craft & Design Foundation, and offers a variety of programs that consist of exhibitions, hands-on activities, classes, and marketing hanji products. On the first floor is Hanji Showroom, where various exhibitions take place to showcase hanji of the past and the present. The basement floor comprises Hanji Open Archive, Hanji Print Studio, and Hanji Workroom, where most of the hands-on activities and classes are held. Hanji House also offers a docent program for exploring the whole area.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

2.8Km    2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
 SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.