Insadong Cultural Street

Streets where tradition lives on IInsa-dong, a vibrant neighborhood in heart of Seoul, has thrived for nearly 600 years since the Joseon Dynasty. Many international tourists visit Insa-dong for its unique atmosphere, a distinctive harmony between traditional and modern of Korea. In the time of the Joseon Dynasty, not far from Insa-dong, a small village was the home of Dohwaseo, a government office responsible for illustrating royal processions and events, and renowned Prime Ministers. Positioned amidst palaces to the north and municipal offices to the south, it served as a residence for bureaucrats. However, following the decline of the Joseon Dynasty, the office closed, leaving its workers unemployed. Subsequently, their descendants started selling artworks and painting tools on the street of Insa-dong, gradually transforming it into an antique arts street selling artworks and crafts, eventually becoming the current center of traditional culture and art. Insa-dong’s street hosts Ssamzigil, a complex cultural shopping mall, is a four-story building with a spiral hallway connecting each floor, from which its name is derived. The mall boasts over 70 stores selling traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, artworks, and tea. Don’t forget to explore the basement floor where you can make your own pottery, Korean traditional paper, and ceramic products. After visiting Ssamzigil, you may consider trying a cup of traditional Korean tea by visiting tea shops or tea houses along the street. Strolling through the alleyways, you’ll come across the Insa-dong Tourist Information Center, also known as the Insa-dong PR Center. Its main role is to provide information about local stores and restaurants, offering free tea and free traditional Korean costumes for visitors to experience.