Insadong, Seoul: Address, Insadong Reviews: 4/5
Insadong
4
About
Though touristy, this vibrant neighborhood is one of the cultural and artistic hubs of Seoul. Great tea houses, restaurants, street food, galleries and souvenir shops make it a must-see area.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
- Anguk • 4 min walk
- Jonggak • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,987 within 5 kms
853
175
61 m$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • Asian • Korean
Gwanghwamun Ichungjib
94
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • Asian • Korean
O'sulloc Tea House Insadong Store
387
44 m$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Insadong Garlic Bossam
61
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Brew 3.14
195
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pizza • Pub
Sulbing Insadong
170
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe
Bukchon Sonmandu Insa
109
24 m$ • Asian • Korean
Gaeseong Mandu Koong
108
62 m$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Osegyehyang
113
60 m$$ - $$$ • Korean • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Tteuran
51
0.4 km$$ - $$$
Attractions
567 within 10 kms
Toykino Toy Museum
1
19 mSpeciality Museums • Children's Museums
Knife Gallery
6
47 mArt Galleries
Gallery Sabina
2
54 mArt Galleries
Museum Kimchikan
75
78 mSpeciality Museums
Jogyesa Temple
1,012
0.2 kmReligious Sites • Monuments & Statues
Annyoung Insadong
5
0.1 kmShopping Malls
Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art
8
77 mSpeciality Museums
Mokin Museum
5
0.1 kmSpeciality Museums
Templestay Information Center
2
0.2 kmVisitor Centres
Insadong Tourist Information Center
3
0.2 kmVisitor Centres
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Popular mentions
4.0
6,409 reviews
Excellent
2,581
Very good
2,828
Average
877
Poor
94
Terrible
29
Traveller of the world
1,240 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This is just stunning! Like stepping back into old Korea. Get lost in the alleyways. Browse, eat, shop and have a coffee. The art, the atmosphere and picturesque streets were magical. I was having a bad day but this made me happy!
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cpwee
573 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Touristy street with some interesting handicrafts and souvenirs. There is a relatively new shopping block nestled within the street - it has a huge Kakao & Friends store at its entrance. The 4-storey building with graffiti is also interesting.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ejkb
Grand Rapids, MI455 contributions
Nov 2021
We visit this each time we visit Seoul as there are some nice shops here. The only one I avoid is the official tourist place (can't think of the name) because you are hounded the minute you enter the door. Too bad as it is fun to look around here. Other shops are not like that. My husband especially likes the art supply shops.
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brian M
Reading, United States12 contributions
Oct 2021
You can find a great deal to do in the bustling neighborhood. There are museums, palaces, temples, and shopping all within easy walking distance. We stayed in two different parts of Insadong and it was a perfect spot for our time in Seoul.
Written 10 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MNataro
Pyeongtaek, South Korea395 contributions
Nov 2020
Lots of terrific shops and restaurants, it's a fun artsy district that we had a great couple of hours in. Try the "dragon's beard" sweets made right there on the street!
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andy. T
Birmingham, UK103 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Insadong has loads of shops and galleries, loads of coffee houses and restaurants. The palaces are a shortish walk away as is the Hanok area which is also worth the trip.
Written 21 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Guven D
100 contributions
Sep 2019
Very good place for shopping and for lunch. You can buy Korean traditional products there and you can have traditional Korean lunch or dinner there.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carol
Anniston, AL206 contributions
Aug 2019
One of my favorite areas to shop! There's a shopping street lined with shops selling all kinds of traditional Korean crafts, gifts, and souvenir type items, and the prices were much lower than what you'd find in other areas. I particularly loved the little handcrafted purses. I bought several for my lady friends and they were the perfect size to fill with face masks and other goodies.
There is a fun and lovely three story shopping center called 'SS' with bright yellow walls that features a ton of super fun art installations and a lot of really cool shops. I visited this location several times because it was so cool and I loved the shops. At the top of it is the infamous 'poop; themed cafe where you can get a variety of toilet inspired desserts. It wasn't for me but I enjoyed giving it a peek. This area is definitely a must-visit if you like art and/or like to shop.
There is a fun and lovely three story shopping center called 'SS' with bright yellow walls that features a ton of super fun art installations and a lot of really cool shops. I visited this location several times because it was so cool and I loved the shops. At the top of it is the infamous 'poop; themed cafe where you can get a variety of toilet inspired desserts. It wasn't for me but I enjoyed giving it a peek. This area is definitely a must-visit if you like art and/or like to shop.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EnThaSe
15 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
This area is sooo beautiful full of traditional korean houses(Hanoks) that turned into amazing restaurants and stores. A high end area. We spent most of our days there. It has everything you need or want. ❤️❤️
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul T
Grand Rapids, MI632 contributions
Sep 2019
Great place to hang out for a couple hours and just take in new encounters with delight. Every step is a new adventure here with people, culture, history, art, and the tacky.
Written 6 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JIMIL349
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
Where can I find the shop that sells mother of pearl items
Hi , I will be visiting Korea for 12 days in September. Insadong or Myeongdong will be an ideal place to put up with? By the way I will be putting up at Air BnB.
Thank you
Janice S
The Hague, The Netherlands45 contributions
I have always stayed in Myeongdong as my base whenever I visit Seoul. It is centrally located and you can easily get to most hangout places like Insadong, Hongdae, Itaewon and tourist attractions easily via the subway. Most local tours will have pick up locations in Myeongdong, so I just find it convenient as a base. Insadong and Myeongdong close by. Myeongdong visitors tend to be shoppers as it is close to duty free shopping malls and the Dongdaemun fashion malls. Insadong is the artistic area, with many art galleries and trditional teahouses. Some friends prefers to stay in Hongdae (near Hongik University so lots of options for younger crowd). For Airbnb, ask for GPS coordinate and/or address in Korean. I read that years ago, the streets were renamed and that may have resulted in discrepancies in google maps for some addresses in English. Research how to use 1330 Korea Travel Hotline. A friend found it very useful for travelling in ares where locals don't speak English as they provide multilingual assistance 24/7. Hope this helps.
What time does the market in insadong close? Is it open 24 hours?
fire-tower
1,714 contributions
No it is not opened round the clock but regular shopping hours.
servicetax
Singapore, Singapore10 contributions
Would insadong be open during Chuseok holiday? Or should I give it a miss?
Ricardo G
Incheon, South Korea78 contributions
It is a open place (street), and a lot of tourists visit this place. Must of the shops must be open
Katerina S
Thessaloniki, Greece1 contribution
Υπάρχει κάποιο σημείο αναφοράς για να δώσουμε ραντεβού με την ομάδα μου;στην συνοικία Insadog.
SCYPATH
Manila, Philippines13 contributions
Hi . Five of us ,all females already have
Booked our flights travel to SK for Oct 30-Nov 4. Planning to stay in Insadong , prederably near a subway . Questions or comments welcomed
1. Any recom for hotel ? 3-4 star
2. Our flight will get in in Inchon at 10:30 pm and maybe will have an hr of immigration and customs clearance and be out by 11:30 pm .. Are there transpo available by this late of a time from inchon to Insadong? What is the best route ?
Thanks for your help
Soki
sfltraveler
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates128 contributions
Hi Scypath, the subways will be closed that late. You could possibly catch the airport train to Seoul station and then taxi but honestly it is really difficult to find a taxi driver out there who speaks English...i had one make me get out of his car and take my luggage out of the trunk even with the a paper that had the hotel name printed in Korean! It took me 4 taxis before one would take me. If I were you I would take a taxi from the airport. At least you can split it 5 ways, and they have large black tourist taxis which the drivers speak English.
I stayed in Myeong-dong so can't help with hotel, but Insadong is super cute. Parts of that neighbourhood can be far from a subway though, so as you said, be sure to get one close to a subway station, that's imperative!!
celine c
Paris, France62 contributions
hi, I would like find a place where to buy Korean ceramic at normal price, no touristic place.
There is ceramic area in that market? Any suggestions? Thanks
Andres Abadie
Mexico City, Mexico574 contributions
I know it is the area for shopping at affordable prices, unfortunately I do not have a specific store to buy ceramics
Jerico Cua
Negros Island, Philippines2 contributions
Insadong is walking distance from Myeongdong?
StepheyTSC
Singapore, Singapore471 contributions
Definitely walkable. I did that a week ago to get back to Myeongdong from Insadong. Only took about 15-20mins. Just use google maps to help you. You may use Cheonggyecheon stream to help you along the way.
Doreen T
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia13 contributions
It insandong walking distance from gyeongbokgung palace? How far from gyeongbokgung palace?
mypeachhouse
manila24 contributions
yes it is walkable, but will depend on how fast you walk and how willing to walk haha. 15 mins average.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insadong
- We recommend booking Insadong tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 91 Insadong tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Insadong:
- Seoul Art Tour with a Local Expert: 100% Personalized & Private (From S$128.19)
- Walking down soul trail at the Heart of Seoul (From S$41.69)
- Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch (From S$283.63)
- Seoul City Sightseeing Tour Including Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village (From S$152.86)
- Drinking and Eating through the Alleys of Seoul (From S$115.34)
- Hotels near Insadong:
- (0.03 km) Yehadoye Guest House
- (0.03 km) Yeha Guest House
- (0.15 km) Sunbee Hotel
- (0.06 km) Namhyundang Guest House
- (0.08 km) Insadong Hostel
- Restaurants near Insadong:
- (0.02 km) Poop Cafe
- (0.02 km) Bukchon Sonmandu Insa
- (0.03 km) Insadong Geu Jib
- (0.03 km) Traditional Tea House Insa-dong
- (0.04 km) Doodaemun Jib
- Attractions near Insadong:
- (0.02 km) Toykino Toy Museum
- (0.02 km) Ssamzigil
- (0.05 km) Knife Gallery
- (0.05 km) Gallery Sabina
- (0.11 km) COLOR POOL MUSEUM