Now, lots of tour attractions exist in Seoul but among them, Insa-dong is the most popular spot for both Koreans and foreign visitors because old but precious and traditional good are on display following Insa-dong street and every alleys. Visitors can feel Korean local and traditional charms here in Insa-dong better than other tour attractions. Interesting thing is visitors can find only Korean language signs in Insa-dong street. Even STARBUCKS is written in Korean(It’s the first case in the world written by non-English). Insa-dong stretch from Jongno-2(e)ga to Anguk-dong crossroads. There are dozens of traditional galleries, antique shops, tea-houses, and Korean traditional restaurants. Every Saturday(14:00~22:00) and Sunday(10:00~22:00) are not allowed to enter vehicles inside Insa-dong streets. So visitors can enjoy walking without horn sounds and any car interruptions.

Nearest subway station from Insa-dong street is Anguk station(Line#3, Exit No.6) or Jonggak station(Line#1 Exit No.3). There are 2 ‘Tourist Information Center’ in Insa-dong street.(One is located in front of the Exit No.6 of Anguk Station. The other is located in Nam-Insamadang which is end of the Insa-dong street) Visitors can get Insa-dong maps and useful information from Tourist Information Center. Don’t miss here!:)

Ssamzie-gil, the culture complex, opened in late 2004. The new building has four above ground floors and two basement level floors, where numerous shops exhibit and sell art products. Both building and unique art shops are pleasure to see and attract tourists. Walking around Insa-dong and Ssamzie-gil take about an hour.

Almost 41% of Korea’s antique shops are located in Insa-dong street. These shops display and sell quality antiques such as old paintings, ceramics, woodenware, metalware, old furniture and many other items. Among them, ceramics are found abundantly. Numerous antique shops are renowned for specific merchandise.
Art galleries began to settle in Insa-dong from the 1970’s and presently account for more than 70 shops. Galleries in Insa-dong display and sell modern art pieces as well as antiques. The price of artworks costs range from a few U.S. dollars to ten thousand U.S. dollars. Exhibitions are held frequently in these galleries and give good chances for Korean artists to gather. Insa Art Center and Gyeongjin Art Gallery are famous in Insa-dong.

There are lots of souvenir shops selling traditional-style daily items such as silk pouches, oriental fans or mobile phone strings in Insa-dong street.

○ Talbang(Traditional Mask Shop)

– Address : 71 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul(Near Ssamzie-gil building)

– Tel : 02-734-0289

– ‘Tal’ means mask and ‘Bang’ means shop. This attractive shop opened in 1982. There are lots of shops selling ‘Traditional Masks’ in Insa-dong street but here in ‘Talbang’, all the masks is made by Korean traditional mask carving master. Mr. Jeong who is a artisan of this shop is the No.1 person among Korean traditional mask makers. Since ancient times in Korea, Korean liked to play mask dance performance to criticize noble man’s faults so they put noble man’s mask such as Buddhist Monks when they play mask show.

Most restaurants and tea-house in Insa-dong are on alleys near Sudo Pharmacy. Traditional restaurants in Insa-dong serve Korean dishes such as Bibimbap, Hanjeongsik(Korean traditional table setting), Buddhist food, and Bulgogi and you can have a cup of Korea traditional healthy tea in a cozy tea-house.

○ 달새는 달만 생각한다 ; Moon bird does think of only moon(Traditional Tea-house)

– Address : 60 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul(Near Ssamzie-gil building)

– Tel : 02-720-6229

– Menu : There are many Korean traditional beverages. Cost is average KRW7,000. When you order tea, traditional cookies and rice cakes are served for free.