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

Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

5.8Km    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.

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

5.8Km    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.

Toin (토인)

5.8Km    2025-11-05

48 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-736-5142

Toy store where you can buy Dalgona sets
It is a retro-style store that sells nostalgic toys and snacks. The small space is filled with colorfully colored wrapping paper and toys that are difficult to understand at first glance. As soon as you enter this place, children and adults will feel excited and their eyes will sparkle. Among the various products, the most popular item is by far the Dalgona set. It is good to make new memories by choosing snacks and toys that suit your taste

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

5.8Km    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.

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

5.9Km    2025-06-19

(4-6th floor, Maru Art Center), 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Museum Kimchikan is a museum dedicated to kimchi in Insa-dong’s Maru Art Center. The exhibition details the culture, history, trajectory, and efficacy of kimchi and teaches the visitors how to make kimchi through videos. Visitors can also sample different types of kimchi. The museum offers both individual and group experience programs.

Insa-dong (인사동)

5.9Km    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.

Total Museum (토탈미술관)

5.9Km    2022-07-22

8, Pyeongchang 32-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-379-7037

The Total Museum is a branch of Jangheung Art Park (formerly “Total Outdoor Museum”) that opened near Bukhansan Mountain in April 1992. It houses facilities such as an art academy, library, art shop, and outdoor performance stage. In addition to exhibitions, the museum holds a variety of art and culture programs like musical concerts, events, lectures, and seminars. In particular, the members-only educational programs and gallery concerts provide a chance to enjoy high-quality cultural events.

April 19th National Cemetery (국립4.19민주묘지)

5.9Km    2023-01-02

17, 4.19-ro 8-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-996-0419

Located at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, the April 19th National Cemetery was established in memory of the 224 people who lost their lives during the 4.19 Revolution in 1960. The cemetery features a memorial hall and a traditional wooden structure that houses the grave of the historic figure Yu Yeongbong.

At the cemetery is a pond surrounded by sculptures such as "Symbolic Door," "Roots of Democracy," and "Sparks of Justice" and a memorial tower bearing an inscription for the brave patriots who lost their lives during the revolution. Groves of pine, juniper, yew, and maple trees and the well-kept hiking path add a natural charm to the overwhelming ambiance of peace and serenity. Many people visit to see the spring blossoms in May, and throughout the year to take in the glorious scene of the sunset over Bukhansan Mountain.

Jamunbak Cultural Festival (자문밖문화축제)

5.9Km    2025-10-23

5 Pyeongchang 31-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6365-1388

The Jamunbak Festival is a celebration of the artistic life of Seoulites. At the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, the festival features exhibitions, performances, forums, workshops, and field trips that bring together artists of different generations and citizens of Seoul—who have long led Korea’s artistic culture—to reflect on and propose new directions for their own artistic lives. The festival aims to create a platform where emerging artists experimenting with new aesthetics, mid-career artists who form the backbone of Korean art, collectors, critics, students, and the general public can all engage in dialogue together.

Step It Up(스텝잇업)

5.9Km    2025-12-04

서울특별시 중구 마른내로 47 (초동)