Insadong is a dong, or neighborhood of the Jongno-gu district of Seoul. The main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district.
Insadong is a popular tourist destination in Seoul. Composed mainly of one long street, it is known for its many art galleries, restaurants, and shops that sell traditional Korean items and art. There is also plenty of cheap street food and occassional public performances of dancing or a traditional display of criminals. Winding side streets are home to a variety of traditional restaurants.
Nearby attractions include a branch of Bandi and Luni's and a large new Buddhist temple. A Buddhist street festival is held there yearly.
[edit] Art market
Insadong has been at the heart of nation’s capital for 600 years and it has been the center of culture during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This is where the Ministry of Art was once situated. Insadong usually refers to the area from Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park in Jongno 2(i)-ga, past the Insadong Intersection. The notable features of Insadong are the countless alleys that branching out from the main street. Insadong has become known as ‘Merry’s Area,’ a favorite shopping spot among foreigners.
Over forty percent of the nation’s antique stores are in Insadong. It sells more valuable antiques compared to other art streets in Korea. The prices range from 10,000 won to some hundred million won. Most of the stores sell old books, pictures and calligraphy. Among the antiques are old pictures, pottery, wooden containers and jewelry. There are a variety of art works from earthenware of the Unified Silla Era to white pottery of the Chosun Era. The Japanese and other foreign visitors including Chinese, French and American mainly visit the area. Insadong is mainly visited in spring and autumn although it is not as much sought for in winter.
The price range differs greatly depending on the customers and items. Old books are usually popular among Japanese and Chinese tourists who can identify with hanja (Chinese characters). Considering the costs, Japanese purchase more of these than the Chinese. Buyers of the old books vary from history professors to antique collectors. Prices vary from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Highly valued items are not sold and even if it is displayed in store, shopkeepers do not intend to sell them. Archeology and history books are the most popular books. Some items are unpriced so the shopkeepers will quote prices but some stores use price tags. Tongmungwan is a representative store selling old books and is run by a succession of three generations. This bookstore was opened by the grandfather of the current shopkeeper. Since it is a living proof of Insadong’s long standing history, it is definitely a place worth visiting even if you do not intend to make a purchase.
Traditional Korean ceramic ware is a major product being sold in Insa-dong. Queen Elizabeth I of England visited Insadong in April 1999 and praised its beauty. Prices range from 10,000 won to as much as 10 million won. The most popular ceramic wear is the pottery in shape of a gourd bottle (100,000 to 200,000 won). Fine ceramic wear has a clear color has a clear resonant sound when tapped with the tip of one's fingernails.
Famous shops include ‘Park Young Suk Yo’ where Queen Elizabeth paid her visit and ‘Haedong Godoja.’ Main art works are common porcelain ware that are recrafted and pots of the Joseon Era. ‘Haedong Godoja’ is known for selling the best quality ceramic ware.
‘Goseohwa’ (old paintings and calligraphic arts) is another main artwork in Insadong. There are shops selling old artworks along with oriental paintings as well as modernized paintings. Shops such as Dongmundang and Gonghwarang display and sell old paintings and calligraphic works. Gonghwarang mainly sells art pieces designated by the keeper who is the president of the Korean Antique’s Association. There are also books and other sources related to old art works.
At Naraksil and Gayajae, old furniture and other antiques are in store. At Naraksil, there are good quality old furniture such as bookshelves and bookstands. Gayajae sells old pieces of furniture, stone Buddha and tiles. Other popular antiques can be found at the ‘Toto’s Antiques’ where there are contemporary articles from the period of before and after the liberation of Korea. Even though there are no traditional art works, Korean antiques are displayed picturesquely. It brings back the old memories of schoolbooks, toys and ornaments in the 50 to the 60s. The prices are fairly reasonable so it attracts visitors to this store.
Recently, a new attraction has been drawing visitors to Insadong. Sunday has been named as a car-free day street with cars and various events are held instead. A flea market is held this day where antiques, accessories, artworks and books are sold and bought. Traditional antiques from different parts of Korea as well as international antiques brought by foreign tourists are displayed enabling visitors to view many traditional items at a glance. It is highly recommended to visit Insadong this day since you can also view street paintings.
No cars allowed on weekends.
When shopping at Insadong, make sure that you check where an item is made. Recently, cheap Chinese goods such as teacups, wall tapestry and small accessories have been brought to Insadong. There have been cases where merchandise thought to be made in Korea turned out to be marked as ‘Made in China.’ Also, remember to prepare a map of Insadong in your language as well as in Korean. It is convenient to check information on famous shops, restaurants or cafes in advance. Maps are available at the basement of the Korea National Tourism Association building as well as Tourism Information Centers.
[edit] Traditional restaurants and cafes
Many can be found near here as this road has lots of visitors.
- Sanchon serves Buddhist temple food.
[edit] what else can be found
Unhyengung, Bosingak bell pavilion, Jongno Tower can be found in this area~
[edit] Nearby subway stations
[edit] External links
