Your step-by-step guide to spending a day exploring this traditional neighbourhood in Seoul.

Includes:
* Food & Drink 
* Sightseeing
* Shopping
* Accomodation


Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea

A Perfect Day In Insadong

The neighbourhood of Insadong is an atmospheric tangle of alley-ways lined with 'hanoks' (traditional Korean houses), colourful shops and independent art galleries. Brimming with old-world charm, you can happily while away the day here browsing for unique souvenirs and unwinding with a cup of tea in one of the lovely tea houses.  

11pm: Stroll through Unhyeongung Royal Residence & Tapgol Park

Just a few minutes walk from Anguk subway station is Cafe Onion, a trendy bakery with a traditional twist.  Housed in an elegant wooden 'hanok', it wraps around a peaceful interior courtyard and is a lovely place to linger over a cup of coffee and bask in the morning sunshine flooding through the windows.  The trays of freshly baked breads and pastries are constantly being refilled and combine western favourites with some uniquely Korean flavours.      

After breakfast take a stroll around the nearby Unhyeongung Royal Residence. Although not officially a royal palace, the elegant wooden buildings with their sloping roofs and decorative panels of calligraphy are interesting to explore.  From here continue to Tapgol park, where you'll find the remains of an ancient temple and memorials to the Korean Independence movement.     

12pm: Enjoy a lunch of delicious dumplings.

When your belly starts to rumble make your way to this popular restaurant, famed for their delicious 'mandu' (Korean dumplings). Look for the ladies deftly preparing the dumplings by hand in the window, expertly stuffing and pressing them into plump half-moons. You can enjoy them steamed (with various fillings) or simmered in a light soup or hearty hot pot.  There are also other traditional Korean dishes on the menu such as slow cooked pork belly and savoury pancakes.  

After lunch, pop across the street to The Kyung-in Museum of Fine Art.  Housed in a traditional 'hanok' building, this elegant space has been transformed into a gallery featuring calligraphy and regularly rotating art exhibitions. Like many of the small, independent galleries that dot the neighbourhood, the focus here is primarily on Korean artists.

Insadong’s tea houses are the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and relax for a while.  Many of the best ones are tucked away, making it feel as if you have stumbled upon a well kept secret as you slide back the door and step into the cosy interior. You don’t have to go far to find one though as The Kyung-in Museum has the lovely 'Dawon', a traditional wooden teahouse set within a pretty courtyard.  

This is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Seoul, and no matter how many times I visit I always discover new surprises tucked away amongst the narrow side-streets.  Here are some ideas for how to enjoy the perfect day in this characterful neighbourhood. 

Insadong-gil, the main street that runs through the area, is lined with small, independent shops selling everything from inexpensive souvenirs to items made by local designers.  Cupboard-sized calligraphy stores are hung with hand-painted scrolls and fans.  Little boutiques sell embroidered purses, silk scarves and hand-made jewellery and there are numerous places to stock-up on traditional tea sets and gorgeous tableware.  

Another great place to shop is Ssamziegil, a quirky four-storey shopping complex where you’ll find independent stores and local workshops.  The open courtyard is colourfully decorated and the shops here specialise in Korean handicrafts, clothes and fashion accessories.  Tucked amongst them you can also find interesting cafes and art installations.  

Something that’s unique to this area are the street vendors making Dragon's Beard Candy (Kkul-tarae), a confection so complex to make that it was once reserved only for royalty.  Along the street you can watch vendors theatrically stretching and twisting the delicate strands of honey, which are then wrapped around a filling of crushed nuts. The result is a sweet, cloud-like parcel that melts away on your tongue. 

As the sun begins to go down, head to the colourful Jogyesa Temple. As you enter the grounds golden buddhas glimmer from within the main hall, gazing out between brightly painted shutters. Slip off your shoes to go inside and sit in quiet reflection, or join the worshippers gathering in the courtyard. The focal point for devotions is a ten-tiered stupa housing a sacred relic of the Buddha, which sits amongst candles, trees strung with ribbons and clouds of fragrant incense smoke, believed in Buddhist tradition to carry prayers up to the heavens. 

Follow-up your temple visit with dinner at Sanchon, a restaurant specialising in traditional temple food.  Whilst temple food might sound a little dull, the unusual flavours, gorgeous presentation and atmospheric setting make this a truly unique experience.  Started by a former monk, the menu here is inspired by the Buddhist tradition of utilising natural, seasonal ingredients to make healthy and delicious dishes.  The restaurant is also decorated with items salvaged from Buddhist temples creating a serene ambiance. 

8pm: Take a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon

This hugely successful urban renewal project has transformed a former highway that cut right through the heart of the city into a peaceful, tree-shaded stream. Stretching for 11 km through downtown Seoul, this unexpected haven of tranquillity is a popular spot to visit year-round and takes on a particularly magical atmosphere at night, when the water reflects the bright neon lights of the surrounding buildings.  

Insadong is not a particularly lively area at night and many places tend to wind down around 9pm.  If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a few drinks then head over to Ikseon-dong, where you’ll find a number of bars housed in characterful old hanok houses.  The area’s pretty courtyards and softly lit streets make it a romantic place to stroll around in the evening. 

A Perfect Day In Insadong

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