# Insa-dong

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Insa-dong
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Insa-dong.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insa-dong
> Source revision: 1336324114
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea

Insa-dong Korean name Hangul 인사동 Hanja 仁寺洞 RR Insa-dong MR Insa-dong

**Insa-dong** ([Korean](/source/Korean_language): 인사동) is a *[dong](/source/Dong_(administrative_division))*, or neighborhood, in [Jongno District](/source/Jongno_District), [Seoul](/source/Seoul), South Korea. Its main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a number of alleys that lead deeper into the district,[1] with modern galleries and tea shops.[2] Historically, it was the largest market for antiques and artwork in Korea.[3]

Stretching across 12.7 hectares (or 31.4 acres),[4] the district is bordered by [Gwanhun-dong](/source/Gwanhun-dong) to the north, [Nagwon-dong](/source/Nagwon-dong) to the east, and [Jongno 2-ga](/source/Jongno) and [Jeokseon-dong](/source/Jeokseon-dong) to the south, and [Gongpyeong-dong](/source/Gongpyeong-dong) to the west.[5]

## History

Insadong originally comprised two towns whose names ended in the syllables In (仁) and Sa (寺), from the names of two districts, Gwanin-bang and Daesa-dong, of Hanseongbu, which is now the city of Seoul. They were divided by a stream which ran along Insadong's current main street. Insadong began 500 years ago as an area of residence for government officials.[6] During the early [Joseon](/source/Joseon) period (1392–1897), the place belonged to Gwanin-bang and Gyeonpyeong-bang, where *bang* is an administrative unit at the time.[7][5] During the [Japanese occupation](/source/Japanese_occupation_of_Korea), wealthy Korean residents were forced to move and sell their belongings, at which point the site became an area for antiques trading.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

After the end of the [Korean War](/source/Korean_War), the area became a center of South Korea's artistic life and cafe culture.[6] It was a popular destination among foreign visitors to South Korea during the 1960s, who called the area "Mary's Alley".[8] It gained in popularity among international tourists during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.[6] In 2000 the area was renovated,[9][10] and, after protest, the rapid modernization of the area was halted for two years beginning that year.[6] In recent years the backstreets of Insadong have continued to be gentrified with cafes, garden restaurants, and traditional pension-style accommodations.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Sights

Insadong-gil is "well known as a traditional street to both locals and foreigners"[11] and represents the "culture of the past and the present".[12] It contains a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere and is a "unique area of Seoul that truly represents the cultural history of the nation."[11] The majority of the traditional buildings originally belonged to merchants and bureaucrats. Some larger residences, built for retired government officials during the [Joseon period](/source/Joseon_Dynasty), can also be seen. Most of these older buildings are now used as restaurants or shops. Among the historically significant buildings located in the area are [Unhyeongung mansion](/source/Unhyeongung), [Jogyesa](/source/Jogyesa), one of the most significant [Korean Buddhist temples](/source/Korean_Buddhist_temples), and Seungdong Presbyterian Church, one of Korea's oldest [Presbyterian churches](/source/Presbyterian_church).[4] The central temple of [Cheondoism](/source/Cheondoism) can also be found in the vicinity, which was completed in 1921.[13]

The area is well known for sightseeing, with approximately 100,000 visitors on Sundays reported in 2000.[6] Insadong is also a visiting spot for foreign dignitaries such as [Queen Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II_of_the_United_Kingdom) and the princess of Spain and the Netherlands.[14] It contains 40 percent of the nation's antique shops and art galleries as well as 90 percent of the traditional stationery shops.[15] Particularly noteworthy is [Tongmungwan](/source/Tongmungwan),[16] the oldest bookstore in Seoul, and Kyung-in Art Gallery,[17] the oldest tea house. There are daily calligraphy demonstrations and [pansori](/source/Pansori) performances.[18]

Ssamziegil, a shopping mall that concentrates on specialty stores of handcrafts, is also a prominent destination in Insadong. It opened in 2004.[19]

Unlike regular Starbucks, you can see a unique Starbucks with a sign written in Korean that reflects the characteristics of Insa-dong.

## Other attractions

[Unhyeongung](/source/Unhyeongung), [Bosingak](/source/Bosingak) bell pavilion, and [Jongno Tower](/source/Jongno_Tower) can be found in this area. [Samcheongdong](/source/Samcheongdong) is also a nearby [dong](/source/Dong_(administrative_division)) with an art scene. There is also an express bus to the resort island of [Namiseom](/source/Namiseom) where the popular Korean drama [Winter Sonata](/source/Winter_Sonata) was filmed.

The area is on the Seoul list of *Asia's 10 greatest street food cities* for the [gimbap](/source/Gimbap), [odeng](/source/Oden#South_Korea), and [bungeoppang](/source/Bungeoppang).[20]

## Information centers

At Insadong, there are three information centers that offer information or information materials about Insadong and Seoul. They are the Insadong P.R. Center, North Information Center (N-info center), and South Information Center (S-info center). N-info Center and S-info Center are located at the north and south entrances of Insadong's main street. Insa P.R. Center is located on the opposite side of Ssamziegil, a well-known shopping center in Insadong.[19] At the Insa P.R. Center, visitors can have a *[hanbok](/source/Hanbok)* (Korean traditional dress) experience.[21]

## Transport

- [Jonggak Station](/source/Jonggak_Station) (Station #131 on [Line 1](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_1))[22]

- [Jongno 3-ga Station](/source/Jongno_3-ga_Station) (Station #130 on [Line 1](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_1), Station #329 on [Line 3](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_3), Station #534 on [Line 5](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_5))

- [Anguk Station](/source/Anguk_Station) (Station #328 on Seoul Metro Korean Patriotic Organization [Line 3](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_3))

In January 2013, the [Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation](/source/Seoul_Metropolitan_Rapid_Transit_Corporation) published free guidebooks in three languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese (simplified and traditional), which feature eight tours as well as recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and shopping centers. These were distributed from information centers in 44 subway stations, namely [Itaewon Station](/source/Itaewon_Station) on [Line 6](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_6) and [Gwanghwamun Station](/source/Gwanghwamun_Station) on [Line 5](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_5).

The tours are designed with different themes, e.g. Korean traditional culture, which goes from [Jongno 3-ga Station](/source/Jongno_3-ga_Station) to [Anguk Station](/source/Anguk_Station) and [Gyeongbokgung Station](/source/Gyeongbokgung_Station) on [Line 3](/source/Seoul_Subway_Line_3) that showcases antique shops and art galleries of this area.[23]

## Gallery

Sights in Insa-dong

		- Yoon Young-seok, 'Draw A Stroke', 2007

		- Insadong-gil (main street)

		- Insadong-gil

		- Exterior of 'Anyoung Insadong (안녕 인사동)' shopping complex

		- Logo of 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex

		- Pavilion at 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex

		- Inside 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex

		- Exterior of 'Ssamziegil (쌈지길)' shopping complex

		- Logo of 'Ssamziegil' shopping complex

		- Inside 'Ssamziegil' shopping complex

		- Traditional [Hanok](/source/Hanok) roofs

		- Traditional Korean snacks ([Hangwa](/source/Hangwa)) being made

		- Hand-pressed papers

		- Buddhist sculptures in a flea market

		- [Hanji](/source/Korean_paper) for sale in a paper store

Alleys in Insa-dong

		- Alley with restaurants serving traditional cuisine

		- Same alley in 2020

		- Alley pointing towards, but not connected to [Cheondogyo Central Temple](/source/Cheondoism#History)

## See also

- [Daehangno](/source/Daehangno)

- [Bukchon Hanok Village](/source/Bukchon_Hanok_Village)

- [Jogyesa](/source/Jogyesa)

- [Jongno District](/source/Jongno_District)

## References

### Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-SFGate_2007_1-0)** David Armstrong (June 3, 2007), [*SEOUL lives life on the edge*](https://web.archive.org/web/20070809095701/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/03/TRGLAQ4LA81.DTL) [SFGate](/source/SFGate)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Rachel Sang-hee Han; Frances Cha (17 December 2012). ["13 things you've got to do in Seoul"](http://travel.cnn.com/top-things-do-and-see-seoul-915321). *CNN Travel*. Retrieved 26 February 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Moon, So-young (2009-03-10). ["Something alluring stays on art street; Glimpse of Business in Seoul 38th in a series: Insadong gallery street"](http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902037). *[JoongAng Ilbo](/source/JoongAng_Ilbo)*. Retrieved 2009-07-08.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Kimm_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Kimm_4-1) Kimm, Jong-soung (1996). "The Insadong District in Seoul: An Urban Design Proposal". In Davidson, Cynthia C. (ed.). *AnyWise*. New York, N.Y.: [MIT Press](/source/MIT_Press). pp. 100–105. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-262-54082-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-262-54082-7).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-encyber_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-encyber_5-1) [인사동 Insa-dong 仁寺洞](http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=763388&contentno=763388) (in Korean). [Doosan Encyclopedia](/source/Doosan_Encyclopedia). Retrieved 2009-07-08.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Wall_Street_Journal_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Wall_Street_Journal_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Wall_Street_Journal_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Wall_Street_Journal_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Wall_Street_Journal_6-4) Krich, John (2000-04-07). ["Decision to Stop Building in Insadong Triggers a Battle Over What to Save"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB955042222985600822?mod=googlewsj). [The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal). Retrieved 2009-07-08.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [방 坊](http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=71281&contentno=71281) (in Korean). [Doosan Encyclopedia](/source/Doosan_Encyclopedia). Retrieved 2009-07-08.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Clark, Allen D.; Donald N. Clark (1969). *Seoul Past and Present: A Guide to Yi T'aijo's Capital*. Seoul: Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch; Hollym Corporation. p. 209.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Renovated Insa-dong Avenue Beckons Popular Visitors"](https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66092391). [The Korea Times](/source/The_Korea_Times). 2000-10-17. Retrieved 2009-07-08.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Insa-dong Cultural Festival Brightened by Renovations"](https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66021236). [The Korea Times](/source/The_Korea_Times). 2000-10-14. Retrieved 2009-07-08.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Soul122_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Soul122_11-1) Ch'oe, Chun-sik; Chŏng-hun Pak; Chun-sŏk Pak (2005). *Soul in Seoul : a cultural journey*. Tong Asia. p. 122. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [89-88165-56-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/89-88165-56-X).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Ch'oe (2005:150)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Kelley, Matt (March 1, 2011). ["Cheondogyo Central Temple Seoul"](https://discoveringkorea.com/cheondogyo-central-temple-seoul/). *Discovering Korea*. Discovering Korea. Retrieved October 4, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Ch'oe (2005:154-155)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Ch'oe (2005:127)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Ch'oe (2005:126)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Ch'oe (2005:131)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Ch'oe (2005:148)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-'ssamzigil'_official_website_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-'ssamzigil'_official_website_19-1) ["'ssamzigil' official website"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161017064549/http://www.ssamzigil.co.kr/). Archived from [the original](http://www.ssamzigil.co.kr/) on 2016-10-17. Retrieved 2014-04-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Goldberg, Lina ["Asia's 10 greatest street food cities"](http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0,7) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120325173337/http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0%2C7) 2012-03-25 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) *CNN Go*. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-11

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [http://www.hiinsa.com/](http://www.hiinsa.com/) Hi-Insa website

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Nilsen, Robert (2004). "Insadong". *Moon Handbooks: South Korea*. Avalon Travel Publishing. p. 222. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-56691-418-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-56691-418-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Kwon, Sang-soo (26 January 2013). ["Free guide for Seoul's subway riders"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130412000655/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2966140). *[Korea JoongAng Daily](/source/Korea_JoongAng_Daily)*. Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2013.

### Bibliography

- Ch'oe, Chun-sik; Chŏng-hun Pak; Chun-sŏk Pak (2005). *Soul in Seoul : a cultural journey*. Tong Asia. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [89-88165-56-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/89-88165-56-X).

- Giordono, Joe (2005-07-03). ["In Seoul, the Insadong experience is not to be missed"](http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?article=30161&section=140). [Stars and Stripes](/source/Stars_and_Stripes_(newspaper)). Retrieved 2009-07-08. [*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

- ["Insa-dong Cultural Festival Brightened by Renovations"](https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66021236). [The Korea Times](/source/The_Korea_Times). 2000-10-14. Retrieved 2009-07-08.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

- Kimm, Jong-soung (1996). "The Insadong District in Seoul: An Urban Design Proposal". In Davidson, Cynthia C. (ed.). *AnyWise*. New York, N.Y.: [MIT Press](/source/MIT_Press). pp. 100–105. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-262-54082-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-262-54082-7).

- Krich, John (2000-04-07). ["Decision to Stop Building in Insadong Triggers a Battle Over What to Save"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB955042222985600822?mod=googlewsj). [The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal). Retrieved 2009-07-08.

- Moon, So-young (2009-03-10). ["Something alluring stays on art street; Glimpse of Business in Seoul 38th in a series: Insadong gallery street"](http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902037). [JoongAng Ilbo](/source/JoongAng_Ilbo). Retrieved 2009-07-08.

- ["Renovated Insa-dong Avenue Beckons Popular Visitors"](https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66092391). [The Korea Times](/source/The_Korea_Times). 2000-10-17. Retrieved 2009-07-08.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

### Further reading

- *[Insa-dong Poets](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/259191255)* (인사동시인들, 2008). Seoul: Chopan.

- Kim, I-gyeong. (2005). *[Insa-dong kaneun kil](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61297482)* (인사동가는길). Seoul: Paran Chajeongeo.

- Pak, Chung-sik. (2003). *[Insadong-e osin putta t'ingnattan](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/249440985)* ([인사동에오신붓다틱낫한](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/123013045)). Seoul: Myeongsang.

- Pak, In-sik. (2005). *[Insadong Blues](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/64286607)*. (인사동블루스 : 박인식실명소설) Seoul: Paum.

- *[Insadong kago sipeun nal](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/249145378)* ([인사동가고싶은날](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51220141), 2002). Seoul: Design House.

- Yi, Saeng-jin. (2006). *[Insa-dong : Yi Saeng-jin sijip](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/73352621)* (인사동 : 이생진시집). Seoul: Uri Keul.

## External links

[Wikimedia Commons](/source/Wikimedia_Commons) has media related to:

[Insadong](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Insadong) ([category](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Insadong))

- [Insadong, the Largest Traditional Art Market :Visitseoul](https://web.archive.org/web/20100612101402/http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0003001005007&p=05&art_id=3089&lang=en)

- [Insadong shopping area](https://web.archive.org/web/20050904183906/http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/9)

- [Official Korea Tourism Organization- Insadong](http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/whereToShop/whereToShop.jsp?action=about&cid=993689) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191118201105/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/whereToShop/whereToShop.jsp?action=about&cid=993689) 2019-11-18 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

v t e Seoul Government Council Mayor City Hall History Names Timeline Climate Economy Shopping Sport Tourism Transport Districts North of the Han River (Gangbuk) Dobong Dongdaemun Eunpyeong Gangbuk Gwangjin Jongno Jung Jungnang Mapo Nowon Seodaemun Seongbuk Seongdong Yongsan South of the Han River (Gangnam) Dongjak Gangdong Gangnam Gangseo Geumcheon Guro Gwanak Songpa Seocho Yangcheon Yeongdeungpo Business districts Downtown (Central Business District, CBD) Gangnam (GBD) Yeouido (YBD)

v t e Administrative divisions (dong) of Jongno District Legal neighborhoods Buam-dong Sinyeong-dong Hongji-dong Changsin-dong Cheongunhyoja-dong Changseong-dong Cheongun-dong Gungjeong-dong Hyoja-dong Nuha-dong Nusang-dong Ogin-dong Singyo-dong Tongin-dong Hyehwa-dong Myeongnyun-dong Ihwa-dong Dongsung-dong Yeongeon-dong Gyonam-dong Gyobuk-dong Songwol-dong Pyeong-dong Haengchon-dong Hongpa-dong Gahoe-dong Gye-dong Jae-dong Wonseo-dong Jongno-dong Gyeonji-dong Gongpyeong-dong Gwansu-dong Gwanhun-dong Gwonnong-dong Nagwon-dong Myo-dong Seorin-dong Susong-dong Inui-dong Yeji-dong Waryong-dong Unni-dong Wonnam-dong Insa-dong Junghak-dong Cheongjin-dong Hunjeong-dong Gyeongun-dong Ikseon-dong Gwancheol-dong Donui-dong Jangsa-dong Bongik-dong Yeonji-dong Chungsin-dong Hyoje-dong Muak-dong Sungin-dong Pyeongchang-dong Gugi-dong Sajik-dong Naesu-dong Dangju-dong Doryeom-dong Sejongno Sinmunno 1-ga Sinmunno 2-ga Jeokseon-dong Tongui-dong Naeja-dong Chebu-dong Pirun-dong Samcheong-dong Sagan-dong Sogyeok-dong Anguk-dong Palpan-dong Hwa-dong Songhyeon-dong See also Administrative divisions of South Korea List of districts of Seoul Website: jongno.go.kr

v t e Seoul landmarks Buildings and structures Blue House Changdeokgung COEX Mall D-Cube City Gyeongbokgung Namdaemun Namsan Seoul Tower Seoul Metropolitan Library Seoul Plaza Times Square War Memorial of Korea Yongsan Park 63 Building Lotte World Tower Precincts Cheonggyecheon Gangnam Hongdae Insadong Itaewon Namdaemun Market Teheranno Mountains Bukhansan Inwangsan Gwanaksan Naksan Namsan Yongmabong Cultural institutions Myeongdong Cathedral Jogyesa National Museum of Korea National Library of Korea War Memorial of Korea Sports Olympic Park Seoul World Cup Stadium Jamsil Baseball Stadium Gocheok Sky Dome Entertainment Lotte World Transportation Seoul Metropolitan Subway Seoul Station Yongsan Station Yeongdeungpo Station Incheon International Airport Gimpo Airport Seoul Express Bus Terminal Nambu Bus Terminal Hangang Bus

[37°34′23″N 126°59′10″E / 37.572972°N 126.986180°E / 37.572972; 126.986180](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Insa-dong&params=37.572972_N_126.98618_E_type:landmark_source:enwiki-googlemaplink)

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Insa-dong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insa-dong) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insa-dong?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.