Insa-dong

Seoul

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

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

Insadong is a relatively peaceful 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 700 metres (2295 feet) of shops selling crafts and pottery. 

Insadong is also the best place in Seoul to get your hands on the traditional attire called hanbok and handmade hanji writing paper. Items on sale around Insadong vary greatly in value. You can pick up anything from cheap souvenirs to antique ceramics costing thousands of dollars. Visit the oldest book store in Seoul.

There are approximately 100 art galleries in and around Insadong. Hakgojae Gallery is a modern space exhibiting both traditional and contemporary art. The Gana Art Gallery has the one of the largest floor spaces in South Korea. Both attract local and international art aficionados.

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

Spend some time admiring the area’s architecture. You’ll find old buildings with structures dating back to the 14th century, as well as temples, churches and contemporary glass galleries.

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


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Insa-dong

Orakai Insadong Suites
Orakai Insadong Suites
4 out of 5
18 Insadong 4-Gil Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is S$204 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$204
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,363 reviews)
"The room was perfect for our big family of 6. Which included 3 teenagers. We loved it all. Only thing I wish we had was a bigger trash can in the room. Also, the breakfast was not great. We only tried it one time and was very disappointed. Other than that we loved it and can’t wait to return."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Orakai Insadong Suites
Hotel Sunbee Insadong
Hotel Sunbee Insadong
3 out of 5
26, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Rooms were spacious, wifi was good and location was sosco."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong
Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong
3 out of 5
20-9, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jongno
The price is S$117 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
S$117
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (72 reviews)
Good location with complimentary supper
"Good location and love the onsen experience at Dormy Inn Express Insadong. Free hot and cold drinks from 2pm onwards. Complimentary Ramen from 9pm to 10.30pm and also free laundry services, Will definitely book this hotel again."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is S$171 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
S$171
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,567 reviews)
"The location was super convenient, close to Myeongdong shopping street and the subway, so it was easy to get around."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
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 S$88 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
S$88
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,576 reviews)
"Good stay and clean"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul
5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is S$449 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$449
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Awesome
"One the most beautiful hotel that I have ever stayed at. Hotel sits on a Hilltop. Awesome view of entire Seoul City."

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

Grand Hyatt 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
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
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park which includes a city as well as a small group of people

Gwanghui-dong

While you're in Gwanghui-dong, take in top sights like Migliore Mall and jump on the metro at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station to see more of the city.

Gwanghui-dong


Insa-dong