See, Eat, and Shop here in Insadong Seoul
Located in the heart of the most happening capital of Korea is a very famous neighborhood called Insadong. A trip to Seoul is incomplete without a visit to this cultural neighborhood. Your time spent here will be interesting as it takes you down a cultural memory lane. From sipping a hot cup of tea in a traditional tea house to exploring the antiques in the street, you will be able to taste the past and the present beauties of Seoul. Plus, the main street has alleys on both sides so wherever you go there is so much to see. Here are some insights into this buzzing street of Seoul.
Before we go further, if you have to carry your luggage during your sightseeing, check our other post, “Luggage Storage Services in Seoul.”
Getting to Insadong Seoul
Getting to this neighborhood is quite easy. You can either take a taxi, the subway to Anguk station(line 3) exit 6, or a bus. If you have your own car, take the direct route to this place in the heart of Seoul. It is easy to find and you will not be disappointed. The best time to visit this heritage site is on a Saturday from 2 pm to 10 pm and also on a Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm because vehicles are prohibited during those times.
The Buzzing Insadong Street
Venturing off into the twisty alleys are a tourists treat, as each alley is full of shops, foods, and antiques. The alleys capture the modern and old Korea. Wherever you go there is something new waiting for you.
Here are a few recommendations to get the most out of this cultural corner.
The Hub of Tea Houses in Insadong Seoul
Insadong Seoul is a hub of tea houses. From an old wooden tea house to modern tea museums, you can enjoy all kinds of cha (means Tea in Korean) amidst the hustling bustling of Insadong. Also, you can easily find a Hanok Cafe which is famous for being the typical old wooden Korean tea house where you can sip cha and enjoy snacks at the same time. The famous tea museum in Insadong named Beautiful Tea Museum can provide tea from 130 different countries. Besides, you can try some traditional Korean desserts here! Koreans are fond of their tea and it is readily available in this street at almost every corner.
Indulge in the Insadong Market shopping
The marketplace in Insadong is filled with so many shops. There is so much to see and buy that one cannot do it all in a day. When in Insadong Seoul, make sure to check out different shops to buy gifts back home.
Souvenirs
Plenty of souvenirs are available in Insadong. Many street vendors sell books, Korean clothing, pottery and goods at a pretty reasonable price. You will find variety of fun and small stores at every corner of the alley; all totally under your budget.
Hanbok
Moreover, Insadong Seoul is famous for photo studios for Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Get a Hanbok photo taken from one of these studios as a souvenir. These studios will help you not only dress up for the shoot but also get your makeup and hair done.
Ssamzigil Shopping Spree
Insadong has so much to offer in one place that one can never get tired. If you are looking for a mall to shop from then head towards Ssamzigil shopping complex. It is a four-story building with around 70 stores that sell handicrafts, accessories, souvenirs, etc. It can get humid when shopping outside so we recommend this place as it has indoor and outdoor stores. Many tourists are always looking for malls and this is the place to be.
Feed the soul at Insadong restaurants
Shopping and food go hand in hand. The more you shop, the hungrier you get. Insadong Seoul has many street vendors as well as restaurants to cater to these needs. Try these restaurants and tantalize your taste buds.
Samtong Chichen
This famous BBQ restaurant offers something for everyone. It is famous for its BBQ specialties. Come to this street with an empty stomach to enjoy the food. It is in a typical Korean setting and therefore the sign is also in Korean. The food is amazing and a must try.
Address: 72, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82 2-723-7282
Jirisan Restaurant
If you are looking for vegetarian and tofu options try Jirisan restaurant. Order Hanjeongsik, which is a full-course Korean meal with multiple dishes to help you experience true spirit of Insadong Seoul.
Address: 30, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03146, South Korea
Insadong Pot Sujebi
Sujebi is a hand-pulled dough soup with seafood and vegetable. Sujebi is served in the Korea traditional ceramic pot with lots of seafood and side dishes. Also, you can try different kinds of Korean foods like seafood pancakes and a variety of fish here. Give it a try if you are a seafood lover.
Address: 14-1, Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82 2-735-5481
Insadong Pot Sujebi 
Hanjeongsik
Get Mesmerized by Art Galleries
Art is a pure form of love and Koreans do not mind showing off their artworks. Insadong Seoul is famous for its art galleries. When roaming around in alleys make sure to check out the art galleries. Some might charge a fee but most galleries are free. One of the most famous art galleries is Gana Art Space for new artists to showcase their artwork.
Insadong Seoul has so much to offer for entertainment. You will be amazed to explore Korean culture including Korean tea, street food, and small events. Spend your time here with friends and family exploring the beautiful alleys and getting lost in this traditional shopping hub.
Written by DY & Jay
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