'THE Guide' on What to Do in Insadong - Where the Tradition Meets the Modern Ways

Insadong (인사동, sometimes spelled “Insa-dong”) is one of Seoul’s most beloved cultural neighborhoods with a pedestrian-friendly district of narrow alleys, traditional tea houses, artisanal crafts shops, art galleries, and street food.

When you travel, there are spots you must NOT miss, and in Seoul, this would be one of those places. I have taken some of my personal guests here, and I always recommend that people visit Insadong when they are planning their trip to Seoul, Korea.

So, let's take a look at a few of the things you will experience in Insadong.

If you are not much of a reader, then watch the video below:

Before I tell you what to do in Insadong, I should tell you how to get there first.

If you are not into walking and prefer to get a taxi, download the Kakao Taxi (Kakao T) application. This is the best way to hail a taxi in Korea (not Uber).

However, my personal choice would be to take the subway. If you have never been to Seoul, you may not know how tightly knit the subway system is in Korea, but let me tell you, you can pretty much get to any place in Seoul with the subway.

And, the nice thing about using public transportation is that you can transfer from the subway to a bus and back to the subway (or another bus) free (you only pay the extra distance traveled on a bus or the subway) as long as you transfer within 30 minutes of getting off the previous train or bus.

To conveniently hop on and off public transportation, you would need to get a Tmoney card. With the Tmoney card, you can just scan the card to take the subway, the bus, or a taxi. You can buy these cards at any of the convenience stores in Korea, and make sure to top it up! And...they will not all look like the card below, so don't be disappointed if you get some bland-looking card.

Okay...now if you decide to take the subway, make sure you get on the Orange Line (Line 3), and get off at the Anguk Station. Then, take exit 6, and walk straight for about 100 meters and you will see the Insadong-gil (인사동길) to your left.

Now, let's start the journey!

1. Start at Insadong-gil (인사동길)

2. Ssamziegil (쌈지길)

3. Traditional Tea Houses

4. Street Food and Snack Stops

5. Cultural Performances

6. Exploring the Alleys

7. 'Honorable Mentions' to Explore in Insadong

1. Start at Insadong-gil (인사동길)

The main artery of the neighborhood, Insadong-gil, is lined with shops selling traditional Korean crafts, ceramics, antique prints, calligraphy tools, stationery, hanji (traditional Korean paper), and folk art. As I mentioned in the video, one of the joys of Insadong is simply browsing — stopping by a beautiful pottery store, peeking into a gallery, chatting with a craftsman about how something was made, and picking up a small souvenir that feels truly Korean.

The street is also very walkable, and often closed or partially closed to vehicular traffic, which makes it friendly for leisurely strolling. There are plenty of side alleys branching off Insadong-gil, each hiding little surprises.

2. Ssamziegil Shopping Complex

Ssamziegil (쌈지길), which is one of the most famous “shopping malls” in Insadong — but not a mall in the Western sense. Opened in the early 2000s, it’s more of a curated, multi-level craft hub with a spiral ramp, linking small shops selling handmade crafts, design goods, jewelry, traditional souvenirs, stationery, and small cafés.

Highlights of Ssamziegil:

• The architecture invites discovery: you ascend a gently sloping spiral and turn corners to find shops tucked into alcoves. It’s easy to get lost — in a good way.

• Many shops are run by independent artisans, so the goods are more unique than mass-produced tourist souvenirs.

• There are small cafés or tea rooms tucked in, so you can pause for a drink or snack mid-shopping.

• On the rooftop or upper levels, sometimes street performances, craft workshops, or pop-up events are held. A great place to rest, people-watch, and soak in the Insadong vibe.

3. Traditional Tea Houses

One of the more relaxing things I recommend is visiting a traditional Korean tea house. Insadong has a cluster of these, ranging from more tourist-oriented places to quiet, tucked-away hanok-style tea houses.

Tips for tea house visits:

• Look for places with floor seating or traditional wooden interiors — these often feel cozier and more authentic.

• Try omija cha (five-flavor berry tea), su jung gwa, shik hye, or herbal teas served with small Korean sweets.

• If you have time, choose a place that offers a tea tasting menu, or one with a view of a garden or a back alley.

• Don’t rush. Tea drinking in Korea can be a slow, meditative experience — let the flavors linger, and enjoy chatting or reading.

4. Street Food and Snack Stops

While Insadong isn’t a full-fledged street food market like Myeongdong, you can still find a variety of snacks and small treats:

• Traditional rice cakes (tteok) and sweets are available in specialized shops or stalls.

• Many tea houses or cafés also offer Korean-style desserts, such as patbingsu (red bean shaved ice, seasonally), yakgwa (honey cookies), or sweet rice-flour pancakes.

• Street vendors often sell hotteok, bungeoppang, or small sweet pancakes when the weather is cooler.

5. Cultural Performances

One of the unique charms of Insadong is that it’s not just a shopping district, but a living cultural neighborhood.

Some of the things you may see:

• Calligraphy demonstrations: Some shops or small galleries will let artisans show how they dip brushes in ink and create traditional Korean calligraphy, and sometimes let you watch or even try.

• Street performers or traditional music: Depending on the time of day, you might hear samulnori drummers, pansori singers, or see traditional costume dancers or musicians performing in small public spaces or near gallery entrances.

• Craft workshops: Occasionally, small pop-up workshops are held — for example, making traditional paper (hanji), folding fans, small clay figurines, or miniature lanterns. If your timing is right, and you wander into the right alley, you might be able to join a short workshop.

These performances and demonstrations give Insadong a dynamic feel — you’re not just buying culture, but witnessing it.

6. Exploring the Alleys

If you want to have a full experience in Insadong, explore the side alleys as some of the best finds are in the narrower side alleys:

• Quiet art galleries or craft shops that aren’t on the tourist route.

• Hidden cafés, often with charming décor or small garden patios.

• Secondhand bookstores or antique print shops tucked away from the bustle.

• Surprise street art or small murals in alley walls, and occasional tiny shrines or traditional lamps that give a quiet sense of “old Seoul” flavor.

  
  

If you approach Insadong like you’re “exploring,” rather than “shopping,” you’re more likely to stumble on something memorable.

'Honorable Mentions' to Explore in Insadong

Here are some of the other activities you can enjoy:

• Insadong Food Half Day Tour - Combines strolling Insadong’s streets with guided commentary, tastings of Korean snacks and tea, plus hidden alley discoveries. 👉 Check out the Food Tour Package

• Seoul Historic Walking Tour - If you want context and historical narrative, this guided walk helps situate Insadong in the larger Seoul story — nearby palaces, alleys, and architectural heritage. 👉 Check out the Historic Walking Tour Package