Insa-dong Travel Guide

Seoul

Insadong showing shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong featuring a city and shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong featuring heritage elements as well as a family
Insadong showing art and interior views
Insadong showing outdoor art

This central Seoul district offers shopping and culture with traditional Korean art, antiques, and crafts.

Insadong is a relativelypeaceful area of Seoul where there are many teahouses and art galleries. 

The main street,Insadong-gil, was once a stream that divided two towns. These ended in “In” and“Sa”, and were added to the word dong (neighbourhood) when they finally joined.During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), artists flocked to Insadong to study.The artistic community has remained and today the main thoroughfare offers 2295 feet (700 metres) of shops selling crafts and pottery. 

Insadong is also the bestplace in Seoul to get your hands on the traditional attire called hanbok andhandmade hanji writing paper. Items on sale around Insadong vary greatly invalue. You can pick up anything from cheap souvenirs to antique ceramicscosting thousands of dollars. Visit the oldest book store in Seoul.

There are approximately100 art galleries in and around Insadong. Hakgojae Gallery is a modern spaceexhibiting both traditional and contemporary art. The Gana Art Gallery has theone of the largest floor spaces in South Korea. Both attract local andinternational art aficionados.

Most of Insadong’steahouses are found simply by exploring the winding alleyways that branch offInsadong-gil. Here, you’ll be offered all number of tea blends, as well asspecialty dishes such as green tea flavored tiramisu. 

Spend some time admiringthe area’s architecture. You’ll find old buildings with structures dating backto the 14th century, as well as temples, churches and contemporary glassgalleries.

Insadong is accessible bysubway. Get off at Anguk. Shops and galleries are open daily. Opening timesvary, but are generally from mid-morning to evening. On weekends, vehicles arebanned from driving down Insadong-gil, when stalls offering everything fromcandy to fortune telling are set up. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday to soak upthe lively atmosphere and browse street stalls.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Insa-dong

Hotel Sunbee Insadong

Hotel Sunbee Insadong

3 out of 5
26, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is Rp2.180.455 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
Rp2.180.455
Rp2.398.501 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent location. Very friendly staff. Close to transit, food options and shopping"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.128.940 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp2.128.940
Rp2.341.834 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,597 reviews)
Great hotel
"Perfect location, accessible to myeongdong night market and other attractions. Clean hotel, Very comfortable bed. Friendly and very accommodating staff. Excellent customer service. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is Rp2.748.454 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
Rp2.748.454
Rp3.023.299 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,841 reviews)
"Lots of nearby restaurants, extremely convenient location. Staff was extremely helpful, 10/10 recommend."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

4 out of 5
870, GYEONGIN-RO YEONGDEUNGPO-GU, Seoul
The price is Rp1.258.014 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
Rp1.258.014
Rp1.383.816 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good service by the staff to assign room away from construction noise. Good location for food and transport to malls and airport."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is Rp1.505.311 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
Rp1.505.311
Rp1.655.842 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,659 reviews)
"Property centrally located and accessible by metro. It was quiet and pleasant but breakfast options are limited."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is Rp5.237.192 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
Rp5.237.192
Rp5.760.911 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"This is a beautiful property with exceptionally friendly staff and excellent food. The location is perfect, very convenient and easy to get around. We truly enjoyed our stay and would love to come back again!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

The Shilla Seoul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Insa-dong

Insadong showing art and interior views

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

While you're in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, take in top sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu
Default Image

Euljiro-dong

While you're in Euljiro-dong, take in top sights like Chungmu-ro or Cheonggyecheon, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

Euljiro-dong
Myeongdong featuring shopping, street scenes and a city

Myeong-dong

Enjoy the popular shops in Myeong-dong. Myeongdong Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Myeong-dong Station or Euljiro 1-ga Station to see more of Seoul.

Myeong-dong
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(263 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
Deoksugung Palace showing a garden as well as a small group of people

Sogong-dong

Sogong-dong is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art, and you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong

Insa-dong Travel Guide