What to Do in Insadong, Seoul: A South Korea Travel Guide

Since Seoul is the largest city in South Korea, any kind of Seoul travel guide can easily overwhelm you with the best kind of problem—having too much to choose from! Indeed, our time teaching English abroad in Korea has exposed us to the country’s wonderful sights and activities, but for specifically Seoul travel, Insadong, Korea has our hearts. But here’s the ultimate Seoul travel question: what to do in Insadong?  

Don’t worry, our Insadong guide will help you!

A hub of traditional Korean culture in Seoul, Insadong is home to numerous art galleries, handicraft shops, hanok-style tea houses, and vendors selling ceramics, masks, and street food on its twisting hidden streets, and shopping in Insadong is one of the favorite things to do in Seoul among travelers.

The Seoul neighborhood of Insadong makes a perfect blend of Korean culture old and new, and can delight visitors young and mature.

On Saturdays and Sundays, no cars are allowed, making the Insadong street a lively walking area for tourists and locals alike to come and enjoy the lively congregation. 

Before You Go

• Download the Korean Naver app and use the Seoul Metro website to plan out directions
• Read our guide on how to score the cheapest flights
• Book your flight to Korea
• Arrange your rental car or airport pickup
• Search for discounted hotel stay or vacation rental
• Protect your travel plans with trip insurance
• Check phone plan for international data or get unlimited Data SIM cards for Korea
• Review our carry-on packing list 
• Learn everything you need to know about traveling through airport security
• Pack the right travel cameras and comfortable travel clothes

Photo Credit: Damien Dempsey

Here is our Insadong guide with some fun ideas for what to do in Insadong, Korea:

Many of the pictures in this Insadong blog post were taken with a Canon G7X (check out Best Budget Travel Cameras to Improve Your Travel Photography for more information), but we have since upgraded to a Canon 80D and love it!

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1. Go Shopping in Insadong

When you’re trying to decide what to do in Insadong, Korea, you can always shop!

Shopping in Insadong is one of the top draws to this weekend walking street, and it’s no mystery why.

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs for your friends and family, quality traditional Korean crafts, or modern shopping, Insadong, Seoul has it all.

Known as a center for traditional Korean crafts and artwork, the Insadong shopping street has a plethora of stores and stalls where you can find the perfect Korean souvenirs. 

Insadong shopping finds run the gamut from the traditional masks and chopstick sets to the kitschy hats and t-shirts reading cheeky things like “외국인” (waegookin, Korean for “foreigner”).

Quality souvenirs that Insadong specializes in include personalized stamps and beautiful calligraphy scrolls.

You can also make a unique souvenir with Korean Traditional Paper ‘Hanji.’

Exploring the various vendors and seeing what you can find is one of the top things to do in Insadong, Korea.

You’ll also find some amazing traditional ceramics, stationary, pottery and plenty other handicrafts on the Insadong shopping street as well as some modern shops mixed in like Innisfree, so browse at your leisure!

Calligraphy Brushes	Korean Hangul Writing Practice for Beginners	Hand Carved Korean Hahoe Mask	South Korea Flag

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2. Stop by the Ssamziegil Shopping Complex

When walking along the Insadong shopping street you’ll soon come upon a giant 4-story Insadong shopping mall full of fashion, home good, and art shops wrapping around a large open courtyard. This Insadong market place is known as the Ssamziegil Shopping Complex.

Shopping in Insadong is a whirlwind, and a stop at the Ssamziegil Insadong market is no different.  A visit to Ssamziegil is one of the places to visit in Insadong, and here’s why: you have a concentration of Insadong shopping, art, food, and culture in a convenient, easy-to-access multi-level structure.

For cheaper souvenir options, however, I think your best bet is wandering the various vendors of the main Insadong street, as the kinds of items you’ll find at this Insadong attraction might be more elevated and thus more expensive.

Photo Credit: oshokim

With over 70 shops, and with all four of its floors accessible by a unique spiral footpath, this Ssamziegil Insadong shopping mall offers some exceptional shopping. Also look out for workshops, designer art shops, restaurants, fashion shops, exhibition spaces, and more.

Ssamziegil Insadong is one of the most popular places to go in Insadong as it’s centrally located and makes it easy to access a wide variety of cultural experiences in quick succession.

This Ssamziegil Insadong market is a cultural center that you can’t miss as you explore Insadong and its winding off-streets.

Essential Info: Ssamziegil Insadong

Phone Number: +82-2-736-0088

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Booking.com

3. Make Your Own Custom Korean Stone Stamp

If you’re looking for what to do in Insadong that’s on the creative side–try stopping by the Yhlayuen Jeongak Academy to make your own stamp! It’s a fun, creative activity that allows you to custom-make your own Korean style stone stamp, and it doubles as a unique souvenir from Korea.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving–use your custom stamp to design letters, stationary, envelopes, postcards, and more.

Photo Credit: Kari  

4. Take a Traditional Korean Calligraphy Class

As a centerpiece of traditional Korean culture, Insadong is the perfect place to take a traditional Korean calligraphy class.

If you’re looking for what to do in Insadong that’s special, educational, and hands-on, this is a super fun class to add to your Insadong, Seoul itinerary.

This 2-hour lesson will teach you all the basics to get you started on preparing ink, brush paper, and properly stroking with the brush for beautiful Korean calligraphy. No experience? No problem! This is a beginner’s class taught by a Korean calligraphy master. You get to keep your writing (plus, you have the skills to continue making your own calligraphy!).

5. Check out Street Performers

If you’re looking for what to do in Insadong, I suggest checking out the street performers!

As a center of culture in Seoul, the Insadong street is often a bustling lively center with street performers. If you happen to find one while you stroll along the Insadong street, take the time to stop and enjoy the spectacle.

Here’s what to see in Insadong: we’ve seen all kinds of performers, singers, dancers, musicians, giant bubble blowers, musical processions, and even Korean clowns.

We’ve been stopped to be interviewed by Korean high school students, we’ve been asked to participate in games—whatever you find, let loose and get into the spirit!

Enjoy the crowds—they’re part of the spirit. For the greatest chance of spotting street performers, make sure to visit Insadong, Seoul on the weekend!

Photo Credit: Adam Nicholson

6. Visit the Jogyesa Temple near Insadong

Jogyesa Temple near Insadong is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea.

A quick 5-minute walk from the main Insadong street, a visit to this temple in the city is one of the best things to do near Insadong. Jogyesa Temple is often the center of cultural events in Seoul, including a spectacular show for Buddha’s Birthday.

While the temple may lack the ambiance of other Korean temples in beautiful natural settings, it’s a unique experience to visit such a large temple in the middle of skyscrapers.

The streets around Jogyesa Temple are also home to many specialty Buddhist shops, for those who want to take some Buddhism home with them.

Wander around the Jogyesa temple grounds, light a candle, and hear the meditative chanting for one of the best things to do near Insadong, Korea.

See the Lanterns of Jogyesa in the Spring

If you’re visiting in the spring in April and May around Buddha’s Birthday, you’ll be lucky enough to see hundreds of lanterns brilliantly festooning the temple grounds, as well as some lovely flowers. If you’re looking for some place that’s vibrant and beautiful, as well as peaceful, Jogyesa is what to see in Insadong that will give you just that!

And here’s another South Korea travel tip: if you happen to be in Korea in spring, try to catch the incredible Korean cherry blossom trees.

Essential Info: Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Address:

Jogyesa Temple, 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55 (견지동)

Directions to Jogyesa Temple:

From Anguk station (line 3), take exit 6. Walk 50m straight, and cross the street in front of Dongduk Gallery. Go straight 50m more to find the temple.

Opening Hours: 5 AM – 9 PM

7. Eat Korean Street Food

No Seoul travel guide is complete without a shout out to the city’s street food! 

What’s more, Insadong, Seoul is said to have some of the tastiest street food in all of Seoul. If you’re looking for where to eat in Insadong, start with its street food!

Insadong food is everywhere, with street vendors lining the busy street on the weekend. While we love Korean street food, there are ample restaurants to eat at as well. Restaurants on the main Insadong street are more likely to have English menus, but feel free to explore some of the winding off-streets for some hidden Insadong food finds!

READ MORE| Best Korean Food Dishes to Try in South Korea

Dragon Beard Candy ready to be wrapped up

Photo Credit: Lorie Shaull

Food in Insadong is everywhere, and some of it is performative! Enter, Dragon Beard Candy.

One of the more unique treats you’ll find in Insadong, Seoul is the Dragon Beard Candy, a mind-boggling 16,000 strings of honey wrapped around delicious flavorings such as almond, peanut, or chocolate. It’s quite fun to watch the vendors making it, and fun to eat as well! If you’re looking for what to do in Insadong–stuff your face with the likes of this treat, I say!

Other food in Insadong you might find include tasty baby octopi on skewers, as well as more common Korean street food such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet, gooey pancakes), and odeng (fish cake on skewers).

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For some more posts on the food we’ve eaten in South Korea, check out:

• The Zesty Truth of Jeju Tangerine Picking: Jeju Island, South Korea 
• (Shark?!) for the Soul: Willala Fish and Chips on Jeju Island.

8. Visit a Traditional Tea House

A traditional Seoul tea house is one of the top places to go in Insadong!

While South Koreans may not drink as much tea as neighboring China and Japan (although you will find the gorgeous O’Sulloc Green Tea Plantations on Jeju!), a few traditional Korean tea houses still call Insadong home. In fact, one of our favorite recommendations of this Seoul travel guide is visiting one of the quaint old Seoul tea houses in Insadong.

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Hidden away down a narrow alley, the Shin Old Teahouse (신옛찻집) provides a welcome respite from the busy streets of Insadong, Seoul.

We’ve visited a few different teahouses in Seoul, but this quaint Shin Old Teahouse is by far our favorite.

With delicious natural teas and stunning gardens, this 100-year-old teahouse is the perfect place to escape to. When we visited, we were quite lucky to have the place to ourselves, lending to a cozy, intimate setting.

Housed within a beautiful and elegant traditional Korean hanok home, this tea house creates a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere with its dim lighting. In true Korean style, the tea house only provides floor seating, which adds to the experience of traditional Korean tea culture.  Try some traditional Korean teas, including yujacha (yuzu tea), saenggangcha (ginger tea), and insamcha (gingseng tea).

Essential Info: Shin Old Teahouse

Shin Old Teahouse Address:

Shin Old Teahouse, 164 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Phone Number: +82 2-732-5257

Shin Old Tea House Hours: 10:30 AM – 11 PM

Korean Roasted Cassia Tora Seeds Tea (Gyeolmyeongja Cha)	Assi Korean Citron Tea with Honey	The Book of Korean Tea	Korean Celadon Tea Set

9. Learn About Tea at the Beautiful Tea Museum

So you’ve gone ahead and enjoyed a cup of tea at the beautiful Shin Old Teahouse, but you want to learn more about tea…now is your time to head to the Beautiful Tea Museum.

Set in a quaint wooden hanok house, the Beautiful Tea Museum allows you to learn about a variety of different teas.

Learn about the history of tea in Korea, enjoy some tasty Korean traditional tea, and admire some gorgeous ceramics on display. If we had to choose between a visit to the Beautiful Tea Museum, or a visit to Shin Old Teahouse, we personally would choose the Shin Old Teahouse, but if you have ample time and are a lover of tea, you’d do well to visit both!

The Beautiful Tea Museum offers a much larger variety of tea: over 110 types. to be exact, so you’ll certainly be in tea heaven!

YOU’LL LOVE | Green Tea Fields on Jeju Island, Korea

Essential Info: Beautiful Tea Museum

Beautiful Tea Museum Address:

19-11 Insadong-gil, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Phone Number: +82 2-735-6678

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:45 PM

10. Go on a Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli) Tasting Tour

If tea isn’t exactly your kind of drink, don’t fret! There’s a tour just for rice wine lovers!

Makgeolli is a light, milky Korean rice wine that is slightly sweet and tangy.

This 3-hour makgeolli tasting tour in Insadong is a unique kind of pub crawl led by traditional brewing experts. You’ll be taken into hidden gems in the traditional district of Insadong to try handcrafted makgeolli and makgeolli in tin kettles. Drinking culture is huge in Korea, so…when in Seoul!

Photo Credit: Jon Åslund

11. Explore the Art Galleries

As a center of art and culture in Seoul, the Insadong street is peppered with art galleries up and down its busy walkway.

You’ll find both traditional Korean art and contemporary arts, running the gamut from paintings, sculptures, and artisanal crafts. Most of the art galleries are free, so definitely take the chance to browse a few as you explore Insadong.

The TONG-IN Gallery has some rather gorgeous sculptures, paintings, and ceramics, and is one of our favorites.

Also notable is the Gana Art Gallery for the exposure it provides to fresh up-and-coming voices in the art world (no photos allowed inside, unfortunately).

If you’re in the mood for folk arts, check out Hakgojae Gallery.

Photo Credit: Republic of Korea

12. Rent Hanbok (The Traditional Korean Dress)

Looking for what to do in Insadong that’ll ensure you have some spice and oomph in your pictures, while experiencing and learning about Korean culture? Rent hanbok!

The term hanbok refers to all traditional Korean clothing, but usually refers to traditional clothing from the Joseon period reserved for holidays and other special occasions in Korea. With graceful, simple lines and vibrant, bold colors, the character of the Korean hanbok is striking and impossible not to adore as you wander around the streets of Seoul.

Read our guide to how to rent Korean hanbok in Seoul for more info.

Hanbok: The Art of Korean Clothing	Pink Silver Hanbok Korean Dress	Pink Hanbok Korean Dress	Green & Red Hanbok Korean Dress

You’ll find plenty of hanbok around Insadong, with many shops in Insadong and nearby where you can rent or buy hanbok. Buying hanbok can be expensive, so we recommend renting, unless you plan on wearing it several times.

BOOK NOW| For a discounted price, we recommend booking your hanbok in advance here. They have locations all around Seoul, allowing you to explore Insadong and nearby palaces for some gorgeous photo ops.

Fun fact: wearing Korean hanbok to a palace in Seoul can get you free admission!

13. Visit a Nearby Palace

Insadong is located within easy walking distance of some of Seoul’s grand palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

These palaces are a must for anyone’s Seoul travel guide, as they are among the best places to see traditional Korean architecture on a grand scale.

BOOK NOW| Arrange a guided Seoul palace tour (one palace/tour) -or- Multi-destination Seoul palace tour

Gyeongbokgung

Opened in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace, is the the largest of Seoul’s palaces, and is home to the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate and the beautiful Hyangwonjeong pavilion, surrounded by a lotus-flooded pond. 

Essential Info: Gyeongbokgung

Gyongbokgung Address:

161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions to Gyeongbokgung Palace:

Gyeongbokgung station (line 3), exit 5 or Anguk station (line 3) exit 1.

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM everyday except Tuesdays

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Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung Palace, the only Seoul palace that’s a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, contains the fantastic Secret Garden.

The Secret Garden, or huwon, a 78-acre garden filled with over 26,000 trees of 100 different species, is beautiful any time of year but particularly stunning in autumn.

In fact, we chose the Secret Garden as one of the top Romantic Spots to Enjoy Autumn in Korea, and featured it in our popular post, 30 Photos That Prove the South Korea Autumn Just Won at Life!

(Note: the Secret Garden requires a reservation to enter. If you’re going at a busy time, try to reserve it in advance online).

Essential Info: Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung Address:

99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions to Changdeokgung Palace:

Anguk station (line 3), exit 3. Walk straight (east) for about 5 minutes to find the entrance.

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM every day except Mondays

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14. Check out Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley

For more things to do near Insadong, consider a stop at Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.

For a line of shops repurposing gorgeous Korean traditional houses built in the 1920s, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley or Hanok Village is a traditional architectural oasis against a backdrop of modernity.

The beauty of Ikseon-dong, as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul, is the rich architecture so many structures and shops have managed to hold on to.

Photo Credit: Alejandro

This newly popular area is full of trendy and hip shops, as young artists and business-owners have flocked to the area to create a flurry of cute cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Photo Credit: Alejandro

Essential Info: Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley

Ikseon-dong Address:

Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 수표로28길 일대)

Directions to Ikseon-dong:

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), take Exit 4.

Cross street, then walk straight for about 3 minutes (300 meters) along Donghwamun-ro 11-gil Street.

15. Take a Korean cooking class

What better way to learn about Korean food, than to learn how to cook it?!

Not far from Insadong you’ll find Ongo Food School, offering Korean cooking classes taught by professional English-speaking chefs.

This Korean cooking class includes all ingredients and equipment, as well as a market-walking tour.

Depending on the day you visit, you’ll learn how to cook yummy traditional Korean dishes, such as haemul pajeon (Seafood Pancake), sundubu jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew), Kimchi, Bulgogi, Bibimbap, dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Chicken Stew), and more! Vegetarian and halal options are available for everything except Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) and seasonal vegetable salad.

BOOK NOW| Korean cooking class near Insadong

Photo Credit: Marie

16. Visit the Alive Museum, A Trick-Eye Museum in Insadong

On the Insadong street, you’ll find the Alive Museum. This trick-eye museum in Insadong is one of the best things to do in Insadong if it starts to rain, or if you just want a break from the summer heat.

The Alive Museum is the largest 4D Art Museum in Korea, and you’ll find everything here from trick art to multi-media exhibitions. Run around and let your inner child ROAM FREE! The art in this museum is interactive and meant to be photographed with you in it, so hop in and collect some shots for the ‘gram!

Their optical illusions and exhibitions are fun for all ages, making a visit to this trick-eye museum in Insadong a perfect family-friendly activity in Seoul.

This trick-eye museum in Insadong is located in the Daeil building on Insadong.

BOOK NOW| Get discounted tickets to the Alive Museum

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Essential Info: Alive Museum

Alive Museum Address:

12 Insadong-gil, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Phone Number: +82-2-2034-0600

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (Last Entry 7 PM)

17. Complete the Dynamic Maze

Right next to the Alive Museum in the same Daeil building is the Dynamic Maze, a family-friendly Insadong attraction where you can complete exciting missions with teammates as you move through a maze.

Bring your family and work as a team–this is another fun thing to do in Seoul with kids!

If you’re walking along the Insadong street and it starts to rain–this is a perfect attraction to hop over to. Since the Insadong shopping street is an outdoor walking area, there’s little coverage from the elements, so if it’s raining or it’s just too hot, Dynamic Maze is one of the best things to do in Insadong.

The Alive Museum and Dynamic maze require separate tickets, but you can get a discounted combo ticket here.

BOOK NOW| Get discounted tickets to the Dynamic Maze

Essential Info: Dynamic Maze

Alive Museum Address:

12 Insadong-gil, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Phone Number: +82-2-2034-0600

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (Last Entry 7 PM)

18. Arrange an Insadong Couples Photo Shoot

This is what to do in Insadong to pump up that Insta!

Take a date to Insadong and have the memories captured stunning photos to keep and cherish forever. This is a 2-hour Seoul couples photoshoot with a professional photographer that will give you 20 high-quality original photos.

You can choose to have your photoshoot set against the backdrop of traditional Seoul in Insadong, or choose one of the other shooting locations throughout Seoul. For an extra amazing photo, you might want to pair this photoshoot with a Hanbok rental!

BOOK NOW| Insadong Couples Photo Shoot

19. Take a Taekkyeon class & learn the unique Korean traditional martial arts

If a couples photoshoot is too sappy for ya, a Taekkyeon class in Insadong might be more your speed.

Taekkyeon is known for fluid, dynamic foot and knee movements known as “Stepping on Triangles.”

This class at the Kyulyun Taekkyeon Association in Insadong will teach you about the history of this Korean martial art, PLUS it will teach you the moves of the Taekkyeon masters. Pretty darn cool. If I ever visited Insadong with my nephew (maybe when he’s a bit older) this is exactly where I’d take him.

BOOK NOW| Taekkyeon class in Insadong

20. Take a Break at Tapgol Park

Wanna take a break from the business of the Insadong shopping street? One of the best things to do in the Insadong area that’s off the main busy stretch is unwind at the historically significant Tapgol Park (탑골공원). You’ll find Tapgol Park at the end of Insadong-gil (Insadong Street)

Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Tapgol Park’s crowned jewel is the ten-storied stone Wongaksa Pagoda, dating back to 1467. Back in this day, this whole area was within the grounds of the significant Jogye order of Korean Buddhism.

Established in the 1800’s, Tapgol Park was also a prime location in the early 1900s during the fight for South Korea’s independence from Japanese colonization! If you’re looking for what to do in Insadong for a taste of history, here’s your place.

Wongaksa Pagoda

Photo Credit: Jack-Rich JP Salillas

How to Get to Tapgol Park:

Tapgol Park is right near the southern end of Insadong-gil, Insadong’s main walking street. It’s located at the intersection of Samil-daero and Jong-ro. It’s only a few minute walk down to the end of Insadong-gil to Tapgol Park from Insadong.

How to Get to Insadong By Subway

Directions to Insadong are rather straightforward if you’re taking the subway. Insadong, Korea is easily reachable by Seoul’s fantastic metro network.  

Here’s how to get to Insadong by subway:

The closest station to Insadong’s central area is Anguk Station (line 3). Take exit 6, go 100m straight and then turn left to reach the central Insadong pedestrian street.

How to Go to Insadong from Nearby Neighborhoods

Insadong is easily reached by several nearby Seoul points of interest. Here’s how you go to Insadong from Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How to Go From Bukchon Hanok Village to Insadong:

It’s a 15-20 minute walk to go from Bukchon Hanok Village to Insadong. Here’s how:

• Walk south towards Anguk Station on Bukchon-ro.
• Follow signs towards Anguk Station and turn right on Yulgok-ro.
• Walk past Anguk Station.
• The main walking part of the Insadong street is about a 3-5 minutes walk from Anguk Station.

How to Go to Insadong from Gyeongbokgung Palace

It’s a 10-15 minute walk to go to Insadong from Gyeongbokgung Palace. Here’s how:

• Exit out of Gyeongbokgung from the southern main Gwanghwamun Gate exit/entrance.
• Turn left on Sajik-ro and follow signs towards Anguk Station.
• Walk down Sajik-ro to shortly past where it turns into Yulgok-ro, where you will see the main walking Insadong street.

How to Get to Insadong from Myeongdong

You can walk or take the subway from Myeongdong to Insadong.

Walking Directions from Myeongdong to Insadong

(About 15 minutes)

• Depending on where you are in Myeongdong, you can walk north up Namdaemun-ro or Samil-daero for a few blocks towards Jonggak/ Jongo 3-ga stations.
• After a few blocks you’ll be in Insadong. Insadong’s main walking street is in between Namdaemun-ro and Samil-daero.

Subway Directions Myeongdong to Insadong

(About 15 minutes)

• The most direct way to get to the Insadong by subway from Myeongdong is to get on the subway at Euljiro 1-ga and head down Line 2 to Euljiro 3-ga station.
• Transfer to Line 3 and get off at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga station, depending on what side of Insadong you want to visit.

Where to Stay in Insadong

If you’re looking for where to stay in Insadong, we recommend booking early. This is true especially if you want to stay on one of the small winding streets off Insadong, as accommodation options are limited.

One hotel in Insadong, Seoul we can recommend for those travelers looking for western comforts is the ibis Insadong.

If you’d like to save a few bucks and stay at budget Insadong hotels that are more Korean style, check out Hi Guesthouse Insadong or Yeha Doye Guest House (예하도예 게스트하우스). The mattresses will be hard and the rooms small, but they’re good options if you’re looking to save some money!

Since Gyeongbokgung Palace is located fairly close to Insadong, you may choose to stay among the palaces and visit Insadong for its food options! Look here for the best prices on hotels in Insadong, Seoul!

Booking.com

A visit to Insadong makes a lively part of any Seoul travel guide with many activities in and around the area. You’ll have no trouble figuring out what to do in Insadong, Seoul! Insadong is the perfect place to experience Korea’s culture of the past and culture of now, and you’ll surely find a ton of activities to keep you busy. Need more ideas for your Korea trip? Check out this 1 week South Korea itinerary for more ideas.

What to Do in Insadong

Bad memory? Here’s a recap of our Seoul travel guide’s recommendations for what to do in Insadong, Seoul:

1. Go shopping for Korean handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs
2. Stop by the Ssamziegil Shopping Complex, the Insadong shopping mall
3. Make your own custom Korean stone stamp
4. Take a traditional Korean Calligraphy Class
5. Check out street performers
6. Visit Jogyesa temple near Insadong
7. Eat Korean street food
8. Visit a traditional tea house
9. Learn about tea at the Beautiful Tea Museum
10. Go on a Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli) Tasting Tour
11. Explore the art galleries
12. Rent hanbok (tradional Korean garment)
13. Visit a nearby palace like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung
14. Check out Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley
15. Take a Korean cooking class
16. Visit the Alive Museum, a trick-eye museum in Insadong
17. Complete the Dynamic Maze, an indoor attraction
18. Arrange an Insadong couples photo shoot
19. Take a Taekkyeon class and learn the unique Korean traditional martial arts
20. Take a break at Tapgol Park (탑골공원)

Don’t go yet! Now that you’ve read our Insadong blog post, be sure to check out our coverage on other amazing Korean travel activities—from the glorious beaches of Jeju (including this immaculate Hidden Beach of Jeju Island), the colorful mountains of Daedunsan and Hallasan, the largest theme park in the country, Everland Korea, and so many romantic spots we’ve lost count.

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• Sand, Sea, and Jeju-Si: Iho Beach on Jeju Island, South Korea
• (Shark?!) for the Soul: Willala Fish and Chips on Jeju Island
• The Jeju Island Winter That Shut Down the “Hawaii of Korea”
• The Zesty Truth of Jeju Tangerine Picking: Jeju Island, South Korea
• Sagye Beach, South Korea: Best Beach in Jeju Island for a Mt. Sanbangsan View

Travel Tips

• Essential Cameras for Every Traveler
• What I’ve Learned from Traveling to 25 Countries
• Travel Hack: Do a Cheap Flight Search Like a Pro
• Best Travel Drone Bag: Backpacking with a DJI Phantom

Any other suggestions for what to do in Insadong?

Let us know in a comment below!