Insa-dong

Seoul

Insadong showing shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong showing a city and shopping as well as a small group of people
Insadong showing heritage elements as well as a family
Seoul 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 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

AMID HOTEL SEOUL

AMID HOTEL SEOUL

4 out of 5
38, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM562 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
RM562
RM618 total
19 Nov - 20 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (882 reviews)
"Clean very friendly cleaning and front staff, happy with our stay"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

AMID HOTEL SEOUL
Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong

Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong

3 out of 5
20-9, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jongno
Fully refundable
The price is RM432 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
RM432
RM475 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"It is OK for one person, but rooms were very small. Japanese breakfast, could use some variety. A very safe location. Great area - many shops, food, etc."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Dormyinn EXPRESS SEOUL Insadong
Hotel Sunbee Insadong

Hotel Sunbee Insadong

3 out of 5
26, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM656 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM656
RM722 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great property in a good location. The room was very quiet and the bed was very comfortable. Moreover, Kevin at the front desk was incredibly helpful and was able to help us a few of the nuances of transit in Korea. Though I mentioned Kevin by name, all of the staff at the front desk were very helpful ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hotel Sunbee Insadong
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM826 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
RM826
RM999 total
7 Nov - 8 Nov
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Los servicios del hotel muy caros"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Grand Hyatt Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM688 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
RM688
RM757 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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! (3,019 reviews)
"Staff were lovely, provided great recommendations for dinner. Hotel was spotless and breakfast was lovely (cooked to order). Pool was bigger than expected and the beds were incredibly comfortable. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is RM1,486 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
RM1,486
RM1,634 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
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! (1,009 reviews)
"We loved our stay. If there were any complaints, it was that we could not stay longer."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Shilla 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

Seoul which includes interior views and art

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 Gwangjang Market, 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 featuring 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
Default Image

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

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

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 showing 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 which includes a park 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


Insa-dong