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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Insadong
The area
Neighborhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
- Anguk • 4 min walk
- Jonggak • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,002 within 3 miles
853
176
201 ft$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • Asian • Korean
Gwanghwamun Ichungjib
94
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • Asian • Korean
Insadong Garlic Bossam
61
369 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Brew 3.14
195
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pizza • Pub
Sulbing Insadong
170
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe
Bukchon Sonmandu Insa
109
80 ft$ • Asian • Korean
Gaeseong Mandu Koong
108
202 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Osegyehyang
113
197 ft$$ - $$$ • Korean • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Tteuran
51
0.3 mi$$ - $$$
Jeontong Dawon
93
239 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe
Attractions
568 within 6 miles
Toykino Toy Museum
1
62 ftSpeciality Museums • Children's Museums
Knife Gallery
6
153 ftArt Galleries
Gallery Sabina
2
176 ftArt Galleries
Museum Kimchikan
75
257 ftSpeciality Museums
Jogyesa Temple
1,012
0.1 miReligious Sites • Monuments & Statues
Annyoung Insadong
5
424 ftShopping Malls
Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art
8
254 ftSpeciality Museums
Mokin Museum
5
399 ftSpeciality Museums
Templestay Information Center
2
504 ftVisitor Centers
Insadong Tourist Information Center
3
494 ftVisitor Centers
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
6,410 reviews
Excellent
2,582
Very good
2,828
Average
877
Poor
94
Terrible
29
Carol
Anniston, AL206 contributions
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 July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
agni_alam
sibolga15 contributions
A very famous street in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeoukgung make Insadong very popular with tourists. Insadong is also a favorite meeting point. Many art attractions and souvenir shops along Insadong. No need to fear hunger because there are many restaurants along Insadong. There is also a halal restaurant in Insadong that sells Middle Eastern food.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL16,244 contributions
Couples
This is the commercial tourist district of Seoul in the shadows of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This district is full with shops and restaurants for visitors. Some are the most trendy trinkets but some are all treasures of Korean culture. All of it can be found in this street and district. Plus, this is Korea so there are all kinds of Comic statues for you to pose with. The Koreans thought I did a perfect job of mimicking there running man statue down to my blue coat. However, we were also introduced to the candy making art of dragon beard. It is delicious and they make it right in front of you on the street if you are in Seoul, take the time to visit.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Husain M Husain
Manama, Bahrain316 contributions
Insadong is calm beautiful place where you can enjoy the traditional Korean architecture buildings of and cultural atmosphere.
Many shops sell handcrafts and souvenirs, I bought many things from here.
This street is known for selling the traditional Korean Tea as well.
I really enjoyed my time there, it's a great escape from the busy city life.
Many shops sell handcrafts and souvenirs, I bought many things from here.
This street is known for selling the traditional Korean Tea as well.
I really enjoyed my time there, it's a great escape from the busy city life.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lostinatlanta
Berkeley Heights, NJ151 contributions
Great place to go with family with kids. Lots of Artsy shops with crafts if kids want to keep busy. The prices are a bit higher than other shopping areas in Seoul but still relatively reasonable.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ejkb
Grand Rapids, MI455 contributions
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 December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Derick Guillarte
Makati, Philippines70 contributions
Solo
Insa-dong is located in Jongno-gu district. There's a lot of cafes, restaurants, galleries, teahouses and shops along the alleys on each side. You can buy traditional souveneirs here if you want to give something for your loved ones or to remember your trip about Korea.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cpwee
573 contributions
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 March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3lfy-da
54 contributions
Friends
We walk from Cheongdukgung palace to hanok vilage and come out to the street near insadong.. So many friendly shop with reasonable price.... U cant feel tired by window shopping! Before u know ... U will come to the other side of the street..!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2824
Singapore, Singapore521 contributions
Family
Went from the train station to the running man attraction and then up and down the street trying to hunt for trick eye museum.
Also went up to one restaurant on the second floor to have dagarbj with cheese and octopus. To cap it off it was snowing gently that day. Beautiful
Also went up to one restaurant on the second floor to have dagarbj with cheese and octopus. To cap it off it was snowing gently that day. Beautiful
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
1,717 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 82 Insadong tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Insadong:
- Seoul Art Tour with a Local Expert: 100% Personalized & Private (From $92.25)
- Walking down soul trail at the Heart of Seoul (From $30.00)
- Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch (From $204.11)
- Seoul City Sightseeing Tour Including Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village (From $110.00)
- Drinking and Eating through the Alleys of Seoul (From $83.00)
- Hotels near Insadong:
- (0.02 mi) Yehadoye Guest House
- (0.02 mi) Yeha Guest House
- (0.09 mi) Sunbee Hotel
- (0.04 mi) Namhyundang Guest House
- (0.05 mi) Insadong Hostel
- Restaurants near Insadong:
- (0.01 mi) Poop Cafe
- (0.02 mi) Bukchon Sonmandu Insa
- (0.02 mi) Insadong Geu Jib
- (0.02 mi) Traditional Tea House Insa-dong
- (0.02 mi) Doodaemun Jib
- Attractions near Insadong:
- (0.01 mi) Toykino Toy Museum
- (0.01 mi) Ssamzigil
- (0.03 mi) Knife Gallery
- (0.03 mi) Gallery Sabina
- (0.07 mi) COLOR POOL MUSEUM