Insa-dong (인사동) is a must for Seoul tourist. To experience the traditional culture of Korea while staying in Seoul, visit Insa-dong. Insa-dong Street is one of the most memorable landmarks to represent you Korean traditional crafts and culture. With art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art shops, traditional tea cafes and restaurants, it should be everything for visitors wanting to experience real Korean traditions. Especially, stores in Insa-dong are good for a wide kind of antiques-old paintings, antique furniture, ceramics, paper crafts, hanbok (한복/ traditional clothing), hanji (한지, traditional paper), and folk crafts can all be found in abundance.

Insa-dong Street stretches over 700 metres between the Anguk-dong Rotary (안국동 로터리) and Tapgol Park (탑골 공원). It is a quite long street. The art galleries (Insa Art Gallery, Dong Duk Art Gallery, Gana Art Space, Insa Art Centre…) in this area also make Insa-dong ideal place as a Korean cultural attraction. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II visited the area and expressed deep admiration for the hanbok(한복/ Korea’s traditional dress) and for Korean pottery in particular. On weekends, the street is vehicle-free and flea markets are set up. Travelers from abroad also join the flea market with various goods from all over the world. So you could enjoy multicultural goods and events there.

Insa-dong creates unique atmosphere which is mixed up Korean traditions and young energy. Do not miss souvenir shops in Insa-dong. You could purchase Korean traditional souvenirs for your family and friends at a reasonable price. You can have help from the Insa-dong Information Centre (Tel: 82-2-737-7890) located 100m from Ssamjigil (쌈지길) toward Jogyesa Temple (조계사). The centre provides tourism information, interpretation services and free internet access.

By Sarah Yong (Korean teacher)