Insadong is one of the largest markets for antiques, artworks, and Korean products and souvenirs in South Korea's capital, Seoul. The traditional street within the Insadong area is one of the most popular places to check out for both locals and foreigners. It combines the past and the present day Korea with its fine mix of cultural items and services.
It
offers that interesting mix of the historical past and the rapidly changing
present acknowledged being distinctively Korean.The main street called the Insadong-gil is connected to a
multitude of alleys leading deeper into many local and tourist destinations.
A Tourist's Haven
The long stretch of the Insadong marketplace is home to
traditional structures, antique items, souvenir articles for tourists, and even
high tech gadgets that modern day Korea is known for. Insadong is also near
many key institutions foreigners need to visit during their stay in Korea. For
instance, the marketplace is near the immigration office; thus, making it easy
for foreign visitors to arrange their alien documentation requirements, then
they can go shopping, take photos and videos, or just merely explore the nearby
Insadong, once done with their immigration tasks. Insadong is also often
visited by foreign dignitaries, from ambassadors to queens, when they are in
town.
Sights and Attractions Around Insadong
There are many traditional buildings around Insadong,
originally owned by the merchants and wealthy people living in the area from
centuries ago. There are a number of large residences originally built as homes
for retired government officials during the Joseon Dynasty. Most of these
structures are now used as restaurants and shops.
Other popular tourist sites around the area include the
Unhyeon Palace, the Bosingak Bell Pavilion, and the Jongno Tower. Art lovers
often visit Samcheongdong, a nearby area known for its rich art scene. One of
the more recent attractions in Insadong is the Asia Eros Museum, the country's
first sex museum. Tourists can also visit palaces, Korean Buddhist temples, and
Presbyterian churches around Insadong.
Shopping in Insadong
Insadong contains almost half of Korea's antique shops and
art galleries. It is also a top destination to almost all traditional
stationery shops in Korea. It is home to the Tongmungwan, the oldest bookstore
in Seoul, and the Kyung-in Art Gallery, the oldest tea house in Seoul.
Insadong also features a very long stretch filled with Korean
commercial establishments and products. It also houses the Insadong Gallery
Street.
Some of the popular buys in many Insadong shops include
antique statues and weapons, Buddhist sculptures, traditional Korean
porcelains, ceramics, masks, hand pressed papers, home decors, Hanbok (Korean
traditional clothes), traditional Korean food, Korean souvenirs, and various
flea market products.
Insadong also hosts a number of performances around the
area, including daily calligraphy demonstrations and pansori (a genre of Korean
traditional music) performances.