Insa-dong

Seoul

Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong featuring a city and shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong showing heritage elements as well as a family
Insadong which includes 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 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 (neighborhood) 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 meters) 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


Insa-dong Hotel Deals

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, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Excellent location. Very friendly staff. Close to transit, food options and shopping"

Reviewed on 2025/7/28

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$3,868 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$3,868
NT$4,255 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,615 reviews)
"Overall it was great! I was a bit disappointed when we first arrived because the place was small and little walking space and the carpet inside the room is old. But the staff were just amazing and gave us great service. The sheets and bedding were so luxurious feeling which made up for some of the ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

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 NT$4,588 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$4,588
NT$5,047 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,827 reviews)
Cost efficient stay
"Clean, equipped enough, a convenient location, great accessibility - a cost efficient stay"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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 NT$2,188 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,188
NT$2,407 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 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 2025/7/22

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$8,767 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
NT$8,767
NT$9,644 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 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 2025/8/1

The Shilla Seoul
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

4 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$2,901 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$2,901
NT$3,191 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (537 reviews)
"Muy limpio, definitivamente lo recomiendo"

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
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 neighborhoods around Insa-dong

Insadong which includes interior views and art

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

If you're spending time in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, check out sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple and hop on the metro to see more the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(380 area reviews)

Historic center of Seoul, Jongno District boasts palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, museums such as Art Center Nabi, and the vibrant Gwangjang Market. Explore Insa-dong, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Jogyesa temple for a rich cultural experience.

Jongno-gu
These mung bean pancakes

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 the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

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

Myeong-dong

5/5(2 area reviews)

Major shopping and tourism hub, Myeongdong boasts mid-to-high priced retail stores, international brands, and Korean cosmetics. Explore pedestrian-friendly streets, visit Myeongdong Cathedral, and easily access Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 4.

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

Jung-gu

4.5/5(1,180 area reviews)

Travelers love Jung-gu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market.

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

Sogong-dong

Visitors to Sogong-dong love its popular shops, and you can check out Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong

Insa-dong