Yet another sought-after neighborhood is Insadong Seoul. If you’re looking for what to do in Seoul, then finding out the best things to do in Insadong should be on your list. Just to let you all know, Insadong is one of the oldest and most culturally-rich Korea tourist spots. With cobbled and bustling streets, the region is dotted with tons of quaint little shops, cozy restaurants, and much more. You would be amazed to know that Insadong serves as home to 40 percent of South Korea’s art galleries as well as antique shops – indeed a haven for art lovers, isn’t it? But, the fun doesn’t end here, Insadong things to do is way more than this. Want to know what else this fascinating neighborhood has in its fold for you? If so, then read this post till the end.
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Alive Museum Insadong
The Alive Trick Eye Museum is one of the most amazing and interesting places to visit in the Insadong region. It’s more like the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae. Here at this museum, you take some senseless yet comical pictures with the exhibitions displayed in the museum. The idea behind the establishment of the museum was to bring people to a place where they do not just get to explore the exhibits but to also create an optical illusion to make the exhibits come alive. They use parallax effects and other optical illusions to bring a real-like touch in the exhibits.
Location Address
12 Insadong-gil, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours
Sunday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Shin Old Tea House
A must-visit place for all the history buffs in Insadong is Shin Old Tree House. The place is built in such a way that it will take you back to history with its rich historical exhibits. Here you can expect to see painted lamps, colorful tapestries, and wooden shutters. Not just this, here you can also sip from a wide range of cha while reclining on the floor pillows of a traditional Korean tea house. The tea house also has a menu for Korean snacks, you should try some. Shin Old Tree House is one such place which is not just ideal for culture or history aficionados, but also for those who love to get social and love tea.
Location Address
47-8 Insadong-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours
Sunday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM
** If you have some extra time don’t forget to check out Hongdae and Myeongdong. They have tons of things to do and incredible food as well!**
Street Food Insadong
Whether it’s your first trip to Seoul or have visited earlier also, exploring the Korean food culture is one such experience that completes every Seoul vacation. And while in Insadong, you have a chance to savor the most delectable and cheap Korean food from some of the best restaurants and food vendors of Seoul, South Korea. The region is dotted with tons of Insadong street food stalls and laid-back restaurants. One of the best vendors in the region is Dragons Beard Candy. Corn cookies are one of the best things to eat in the region. But, the best thing about this dish is that it is not a cookie but a twisty ice cream cone which includes a sweet filling. You can also expect to get other popular Korea delicacies here in this region including pancakes and kimchi.
Huwon Secret Garden
If you are expecting any nature’s delight in Insadong, the trust me, Huwon Secret Garden won’t disappoint you. Situated near Changdeokgung Palace, Huwon Secret Garden is a popular tourist site in the region. It sprawls over a large area of 80 acres of land which includes hills, meadows, fields, and groves. The tranquillity and serenity of this place is something that should be talked about. It is said that this garden was once the resting place for the royal family. This is one reason this place is also listed as a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can spend some quaint time here with your friends and family that you won’t get to cherish anywhere else.
Location
Myeongnyun 3(sam)ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours
All throughout the day from Sunday to Saturday
Kukje Embroidery
If you are looking to buy some souvenirs from your Insadong shopping tour, then indeed Kukje Embroidery is the best place to be. Though it seems like a normal shop from outside, as you enter this place, you will find that this single store operates three shops and an embroidery training academy. This is basically a brand that sells a wide range of products including beaded good luck charms with embroidered details, silk scarves and much more. It’s for sure that you will find some interesting things here to give them as gifts to your friends and family.
Address
197-28 Gwanhun-dongJongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours
Sunday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Jogyesa Temple
As I said earlier, Insadong is just not restricted to eating and the Insadong shopping street, one can also go for a pilgrimage tour in the region. Jogyesa Temple is one of the most popular Buddhist sacred sites in Seoul. The temple traces its history from 1395. However, the present architecture of this shrine was built in the year 1910. Today, it is not just known for its astonishing architecture but also for the serene and tranquil ambiance where one can find solace.
Address
55 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours
Open all throughout the day from Sunday to Saturday
Korean Bbq Insadong
If you are looking to explore the Seoul nightlife and want to see more than Hongdae and Itaewon then Insadong is where I would personally suggest you visit Korean BBQ. Well, obviously, you have other options as Insadong nightlife includes clubbing and partying, but no one could match Korean BBQ. This is only for those who love to indulge in unique culinary experiences. Unlike an ordinary BBQ, the Korean BBQ is specialized in serving you various types of meat. But the best thing is that you have to roast your own pork, beef, or lamb on a tabletop stove. Indeed a not to miss experience, right? Cha Iyagi is one of the most popular BBQ restaurants which is more like a traditional Hanok in Insadong.
Address
15 Insadong 8-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
That’s it? Certainly not! There are tons of things to know before you visit Seoul and Insadong still has much more to offer which you will get to know and relish while exploring the region itself. So, be prepared to receive many surprises on your Seoul Itinerary and tour of Insadong. Good luck and enjoy it!
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