{{Short description|Neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea}} {{Infobox Korean name/auto |image=Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 20.jpg |hangul=^인사*동 |hanja=仁寺洞 }}
'''Insa-dong''' ({{Korean|hangul=인사동}}) is a ''[[Dong (administrative division)|dong]]'', or neighborhood, in [[Jongno District]], [[Seoul]], South Korea. Its main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a number of alleys that lead deeper into the district,<ref name="SFGate 2007">David Armstrong (June 3, 2007), [https://web.archive.org/web/20070809095701/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/03/TRGLAQ4LA81.DTL ''SEOUL lives life on the edge''] [[SFGate]]</ref> with modern galleries and tea shops.<ref>{{cite news|title=13 things you've got to do in Seoul|url=http://travel.cnn.com/top-things-do-and-see-seoul-915321|access-date=26 February 2013|newspaper=CNN Travel|date=17 December 2012|author=Rachel Sang-hee Han|author2=Frances Cha}}</ref> Historically, it was the largest market for antiques and artwork in Korea.<ref>{{cite news|first=So-young|last=Moon|title=Something alluring stays on art street; Glimpse of Business in Seoul 38th in a series: Insadong gallery street|url= http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902037|work=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|date= 2009-03-10|access-date=2009-07-08}}</ref>
Stretching across 12.7 hectares (or 31.4 acres),<ref name="Kimm">{{cite book |title= AnyWise |editor1-first= Cynthia C.|editor1-last= Davidson|last= Kimm|first= Jong-soung| year= 1996|publisher= [[MIT Press]]|location= New York, N.Y.|isbn= 0-262-54082-7|chapter= The Insadong District in Seoul: An Urban Design Proposal|pages= 100–105}}</ref> the district is bordered by [[Gwanhun-dong]] to the north, [[Nagwon-dong]] to the east, and [[Jongno|Jongno 2-ga]] and [[Jeokseon-dong]] to the south, and [[Gongpyeong-dong]] to the west.<ref name="encyber">{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=763388&contentno=763388 |script-title=ko:인사동 Insa-dong 仁寺洞 |publisher=[[Doosan Encyclopedia]] |language=ko |access-date=2009-07-08 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
== 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.<ref name="Wall Street Journal" /> During the early [[Joseon]] period (1392–1897), the place belonged to Gwanin-bang and Gyeonpyeong-bang, where ''bang'' is an administrative unit at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=71281&contentno=71281 |script-title=ko:방 坊 |publisher=[[Doosan Encyclopedia]] |language=ko |access-date=2009-07-08 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="encyber" /> During the [[Japanese occupation of Korea|Japanese occupation]], wealthy Korean residents were forced to move and sell their belongings, at which point the site became an area for antiques trading.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}
After the end of the [[Korean War]], the area became a center of South Korea's artistic life and cafe culture.<ref name="Wall Street Journal"/> It was a popular destination among foreign visitors to South Korea during the 1960s, who called the area "Mary's Alley".<ref>{{cite book | last = Clark| first = Allen D.|author2=Donald N. Clark| title = Seoul Past and Present: A Guide to Yi T'aijo's Capital| publisher = Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch; Hollym Corporation| year = 1969 |location= Seoul|page=209}}</ref> It gained in popularity among international tourists during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.<ref name="Wall Street Journal"/> In 2000 the area was renovated,<ref>{{cite news|title= Renovated Insa-dong Avenue Beckons Popular Visitors|url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66092391|publisher= [[The Korea Times]]|date= 2000-10-17|access-date= 2009-07-08}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Insa-dong Cultural Festival Brightened by Renovations|url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66021236|publisher= [[The Korea Times]]|date= 2000-10-14|access-date= 2009-07-08}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> and, after protest, the rapid modernization of the area was halted for two years beginning that year.<ref name="Wall Street Journal"/> In recent years the backstreets of Insadong have continued to be gentrified with cafes, garden restaurants, and traditional pension-style accommodations.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}
==Sights== Insadong-gil is "well known as a traditional street to both locals and foreigners"<ref name="Soul122">{{cite book | last = Ch'oe| first = Chun-sik |author2=Chŏng-hun Pak |author3=Chun-sŏk Pak| title = Soul in Seoul : a cultural journey| publisher = Tong Asia| year = 2005| isbn = 89-88165-56-X|page=122}}</ref> and represents the "culture of the past and the present".<ref>Ch'oe (2005:150)</ref> 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."<ref name="Soul122" /> The majority of the traditional buildings originally belonged to merchants and bureaucrats. Some larger residences, built for retired government officials during the [[Joseon Dynasty|Joseon period]], 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|Unhyeongung mansion]], [[Jogyesa]], one of the most significant [[Korean Buddhist temples]], and Seungdong Presbyterian Church, one of Korea's oldest [[Presbyterian church]]es.<ref name="Kimm"/> The central temple of [[Cheondoism]] can also be found in the vicinity, which was completed in 1921.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://discoveringkorea.com/cheondogyo-central-temple-seoul/ |title=Cheondogyo Central Temple Seoul |last=Kelley |first=Matt |publisher=Discovering Korea|date=March 1, 2011 |website=Discovering Korea |access-date=October 4, 2020}}</ref>
The area is well known for sightseeing, with approximately 100,000 visitors on Sundays reported in 2000.<ref name="Wall Street Journal">{{cite news |first= John |last=Krich |title= Decision to Stop Building in Insadong Triggers a Battle Over What to Save |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB955042222985600822?mod=googlewsj|publisher= [[The Wall Street Journal]]|date= 2000-04-07|access-date=2009-07-08 }}</ref> Insadong is also a visiting spot for foreign dignitaries such as [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] and the princess of Spain and the Netherlands.<ref>Ch'oe (2005:154-155)</ref> It contains 40 percent of the nation's antique shops and art galleries as well as 90 percent of the traditional stationery shops.<ref>Ch'oe (2005:127)</ref> Particularly noteworthy is [[Tongmungwan]],<ref>Ch'oe (2005:126)</ref> the oldest bookstore in Seoul, and Kyung-in Art Gallery,<ref>Ch'oe (2005:131)</ref> the oldest tea house. There are daily calligraphy demonstrations and [[pansori]] performances.<ref>Ch'oe (2005:148)</ref>
Ssamziegil, a shopping mall that concentrates on specialty stores of handcrafts, is also a prominent destination in Insadong. It opened in 2004.<ref name="'ssamzigil' official website">{{cite web|title='ssamzigil' official website|url=http://www.ssamzigil.co.kr/|access-date=2014-04-13|archive-date=2016-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017064549/http://www.ssamzigil.co.kr/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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]], [[Bosingak]] bell pavilion, and [[Jongno Tower]] can be found in this area. [[Samcheongdong]] is also a nearby [[dong (administrative division)|dong]] with an art scene. There is also an express bus to the resort island of [[Namiseom]] where the popular Korean drama [[Winter Sonata]] was filmed.
The area is on the Seoul list of ''Asia's 10 greatest street food cities'' for the [[gimbap]], [[Oden#South Korea|odeng]], and [[bungeoppang]].<ref>Goldberg, Lina [http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0,7 "Asia's 10 greatest street food cities"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325173337/http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0%2C7 |date=2012-03-25 }} ''CNN Go''. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-11</ref>
==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.<ref name="'ssamzigil' official website"/> At the Insa P.R. Center, visitors can have a ''[[hanbok]]'' (Korean traditional dress) experience.<ref>http://www.hiinsa.com/ Hi-Insa website</ref>
==Transport== * [[Jonggak Station]] (Station #131 on [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]])<ref>{{cite book |title= Moon Handbooks: South Korea |last= Nilsen|first= Robert| year= 2004|publisher= Avalon Travel Publishing|isbn= 1-56691-418-3|chapter= Insadong|page= 222}}</ref> * [[Jongno 3-ga Station]] (Station #130 on [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]], Station #329 on [[Seoul Subway Line 3|Line 3]], Station #534 on [[Seoul Subway Line 5|Line 5]]) * [[Anguk Station]] (Station #328 on Seoul Metro Korean Patriotic Organization [[Seoul Subway Line 3|Line 3]])
In January 2013, the [[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]] on [[Seoul Subway Line 6|Line 6]] and [[Gwanghwamun Station]] on [[Seoul Subway Line 5|Line 5]].
The tours are designed with different themes, e.g. Korean traditional culture, which goes from [[Jongno 3-ga Station]] to [[Anguk Station]] and [[Gyeongbokgung Station]] on [[Seoul Subway Line 3|Line 3]] that showcases antique shops and art galleries of this area.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kwon |first=Sang-soo |title=Free guide for Seoul's subway riders |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2966140 |access-date=27 January 2013 |newspaper=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |date=26 January 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412000655/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2966140 |archive-date=12 April 2013 }}</ref>
== Gallery == {{gallery |title=Sights in Insa-dong |width=160 |height=170 |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 2.jpg|Yoon Young-seok, 'Draw A Stroke', 2007 |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 1.jpg|Insadong-gil (main street) |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 4.jpg|Insadong-gil |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 14.jpg|Exterior of 'Anyoung Insadong (안녕 인사동)' shopping complex |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 12.jpg|Logo of 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 11.jpg|Pavilion at 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 13.jpg|Inside 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex |File:Seoul-Insadong-05.jpg|Exterior of 'Ssamziegil (쌈지길)' shopping complex |File:People (5536938830).jpg|Logo of 'Ssamziegil' shopping complex |File:쌈지길.jpg|Inside 'Ssamziegil' shopping complex |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 19.jpg|Traditional [[Hanok]] roofs |File:Hangwa street vendor at Insadong, Seoul.jpg|Traditional Korean snacks ([[Hangwa]]) being made |File:Seoul-Korean-Hangul-Insadong-Papers.jpg|Hand-pressed papers |File:Seoul-Insadong-flea-market.jpg|Buddhist sculptures in a flea market |File:A paper store at Insadong, Seoul-01.jpg|[[Korean paper|Hanji]] for sale in a paper store }}
{{gallery |title=Alleys in Insa-dong |width=160 |height=170 |File:Seoul-Insadong-Street-01.jpg|Alley with restaurants serving traditional cuisine |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 16.jpg|Same alley in 2020 |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 5.jpg| |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 6.png| |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 8.jpg|Alley pointing towards, but not connected to [[Cheondoism#History|Cheondogyo Central Temple]] |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 7.jpg| |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 10.jpg| |File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 21.jpg| |File:Insadong Alley, Seoul, Korea.jpg| }}
==See also== * [[Daehangno]] * [[Bukchon Hanok Village]] * [[Jogyesa]] * [[Jongno District]]
==References==
===Notes=== {{Reflist|2}}
===Bibliography=== * {{cite book | last = Ch'oe| first = Chun-sik |author2=Chŏng-hun Pak |author3=Chun-sŏk Pak| title = Soul in Seoul : a cultural journey| publisher = Tong Asia| year = 2005| isbn = 89-88165-56-X}} * {{cite news |first= Joe |last=Giordono|title= In Seoul, the Insadong experience is not to be missed |url= http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?article=30161§ion=140|publisher= [[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]|date= 2005-07-03|access-date=2009-07-08 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} * {{cite news|title= Insa-dong Cultural <!-- sic --> Festival Brightened by Renovations|url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66021236|publisher= [[The Korea Times]]|date= 2000-10-14|access-date= 2009-07-08}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * {{cite book |title= AnyWise |editor1-first= Cynthia C.|editor1-last= Davidson|last= Kimm|first= Jong-soung| year= 1996|publisher= [[MIT Press]]|location= New York, N.Y.|isbn= 0-262-54082-7|chapter= The Insadong District in Seoul: An Urban Design Proposal|pages= 100–105}} * {{cite news |first= John |last=Krich |title= Decision to Stop Building in Insadong Triggers a Battle Over What to Save |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB955042222985600822?mod=googlewsj|publisher= [[The Wall Street Journal]]|date= 2000-04-07|access-date=2009-07-08 }} * {{cite news |first= So-young|last= Moon |title= Something alluring stays on art street; Glimpse of Business in Seoul 38th in a series: Insadong gallery street |url= http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902037|publisher= [[JoongAng Ilbo]]|date= 2009-03-10|access-date=2009-07-08 }} * {{cite news|title= Renovated Insa-dong Avenue Beckons Popular Visitors|url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66092391|publisher= [[The Korea Times]]|date= 2000-10-17|access-date= 2009-07-08}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}
===Further reading=== * ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/259191255 Insa-dong Poets]'' (인사동시인들, 2008). Seoul: Chopan. * Kim, I-gyeong. (2005). ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61297482 Insa-dong kaneun kil]'' (인사동가는길). Seoul: Paran Chajeongeo. * Pak, Chung-sik. (2003). ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/249440985 Insadong-e osin putta t'ingnattan]'' ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/123013045 인사동에오신붓다틱낫한]). Seoul: Myeongsang. * Pak, In-sik. (2005). ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/64286607 Insadong Blues]''. (인사동블루스 : 박인식실명소설) Seoul: Paum. * ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/249145378 Insadong kago sipeun nal]'' ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51220141 인사동가고싶은날], 2002). Seoul: Design House. * Yi, Saeng-jin. (2006). ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/73352621 Insa-dong : Yi Saeng-jin sijip]'' (인사동 : 이생진시집). Seoul: Uri Keul.
== External links == {{Commons and category|Insadong}} * [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, the Largest Traditional Art Market :Visitseoul] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050904183906/http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/9 Insadong shopping area] * [http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/whereToShop/whereToShop.jsp?action=about&cid=993689 Official Korea Tourism Organization- Insadong] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118201105/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/whereToShop/whereToShop.jsp?action=about&cid=993689 |date=2019-11-18 }}
{{Seoul}} {{Jongno District}} {{Seoul landmarks}}
{{Coord|37.572972|126.986180|type:landmark_source:enwiki-googlemaplink|display=title}}
[[Category:Neighborhoods of Jongno District]] [[Category:Culture of Seoul]] [[Category:Tourist attractions in Seoul]] [[Category:Shopping districts and streets in South Korea]]