Since you have arrived in Korea, don’t you want to experience Korean culture and feel the mood of the old days of Korea? If so, Insadong (Insa neighborhood in English) in Seoul would be the proper place to visit. Let’s find out why!
- About Insadong
- Participate in DIY Handicraft Classes
- Surround Yourself with Korean Art & Food
- Learn Korean Traditional Martial Arts
- Head to the Trendiest Place in Insadong
- Learn How to Read Hangeul (Korean Alphabet)
- Enjoy Hanbok & Photoshoot Experience
About Insadong
Insadong is a well-known place for preserving Korean traditions and showing Korean identities, located in Jongno-district, where the old towns of Seoul used to exist. Hence, it is one of the preferred foreign tourist attractions in Seoul. That’s why Korean people also desire to visit here to enjoy a relaxing time at traditionally antique-designed teahouses, restaurants, cafés, and handicraft shops.
Insadong consists of one main boulevard(Insadonggil) and several maze-like alleyways including ssamziegil, which is a famous slightly spiral building for displaying items and shopping. You’ll have fun looking around charming and cute little gift shops, stores, and cafés along these alleyways.
Besides, the art galleries are the center of Insadong’s reputation. There are more than 100 galleries big and small here with various exhibitions ranging from Korean paintings, prints to sculptures. Some of the most famous galleries are the Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art, Ara Art Center, and so forth.
Happy news for tourists is that Insadong nearby is designated as one of the ‘car-free streets’ in Seoul every day from 10:00 to 22:00. Due to this measure, Insadong is a nice environment for cultural activities to take place and to enjoy street food freely not to mention no need to suffer from being cautious of cars.
The scent of the old days lingers around Insadong. There are lots of activities to join at traditional handicraft workshops and institutions below. Don’t worry about language barriers, since Trazy provides you with classes and experiences in English.
Participate in DIY Handicraft Classes
1. Make Your Own Stamp
In the past, Koreans have been using stamps for various purposes including writing signatures. Why don’t you try making a stamp? You may choose to make your own and then use it in real life or give it to someone as a gift. Selecting how to engrave your name and pattern, and decorate it with your heart would be a memory. Don’t worry about not being skillful at all, as instructors will guide you.
2. Korean Calligraphy & Hanging Scroll Making Class
Experience traditional Korean calligraphy crafts and make a hanging scroll with your calligraphy on it. Not only you can enjoy a calm and relaxing experience writing using Korean traditional brushes and inks, but you can also make a one-and-only hanging scroll with your own handwritten calligraphy message and drawings on it.
3. Make a One-of-a-kind Souvenir with Korean traditional paper ‘Hanji’
Do you want to get some special souvenirs? Or do you often have a hard time deciding which gift to buy? Then how about making gifts with Korean traditional paper ‘Hanji’ instead of purchasing it? Hanji is a tough and durable material, which you can transform into various shapes and forms. The gift receiver will be touched by your sincerity and sense. You will have an opportunity to learn from one of the Korean master artisans.
4. Write Your Name in Korean on a T-shirt
Learn how to write your name in Korean using Korean traditional brushes and inks, and have it printed on a T-shirt to create a one-of-a-kind travel souvenir! Proudly wear your personalized T-shirt during your travels in Korea and carry a piece of your memory home.
5. Traditional Bookbinding & Calligraphy Experience
Experience making a notebook using the traditional bookbinding method! You’ll use a needle and thread to tightly tie together 15 sheets of paper and 2 note cover papers, creating your own traditional notebook. Learn how to write your name in Korean and use ink and a brush to inscribe it on the cover of the notebook.
Surround Yourself with Korean Art & Food
6. Insadong Art & Food Half-Day Walking Tour
Discover the iconic Insadong Street, a unique fusion of Seoul’s historic past and its artistic present. On this tour, you’ll get to enjoy traditional Korean food along with the antique and art tour held on Insadong Street. With a local guide, learn about the history behind this charming street as you navigate your way through the narrow alleyways lined with craft shops and teahouses!
- Tour Course: Have Korean food for lunch → Explore Ssamziegil → Tteok (rice cake) tasting → Visit a traditional teahouse
- Explore Insadong with the Insadong Half-Day Walking Food Tour!
7. Insadong & Gwangjang Market Food Walking Tour
Let a knowledgeable English-speaking guide lead you through the bustling streets of Insadong and Gwangjang Market, sharing insights into Korean cuisine and culture along the way! Savor traditional favorites, such as mung bean pancakes, spicy rice cakes, and mixed rice bowls for, an authentic taste of Seoul’s culinary heritage.
8. Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli) Tasting Tour
Explore the traditional Korean drink makgeolli on a 3-hour tasting tour in Insadong, led by The Sool Company’s expert guides. You’ll visit three unique makgeolli restaurants in this historic district, sampling handcrafted brews and delicious home-cooked dishes. With over 10 years of experience, The Sool Company provides insights into the history, science, and culture surrounding makgeolli and Korean alcohol.
9. Small Group Night Food Tour with Korean BBQ
Embark on a flavorful adventure through Seoul’s vibrant culinary scene with a small group food tour! Led by a local expert, you’ll explore bustling markets, hidden food stalls, and popular eateries, sampling Korea’s most beloved dishes. Don’t miss the chance to taste authentic Korean BBQ, a true must-eat experience in Korea!
10. Gyeongbokgung & Insadong Food Walking Tour
Experience Korea’s royal history and traditional food culture on an exciting walking tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong! Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung, then stroll over to Insadong to try your hand at making kimchi and enjoy authentic Korean tea at a traditional tea museum.
Learn Korean Traditional Martial Arts
11. Korean Martial Arts Taekkyeon Experience
UNESCO designated Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art, as an intangible cultural heritage in 2011. It consists of fluid, dance-like movements. Try learning Taekkyeon and train your mind and body with noble Taekkyeon spirits.
Head to the Trendiest Place in Insadong
12. Color Pool Museum
Color Pool Museum is near Anguk subway station (Line 3) and it’s a fun and creative indoor playground. It’s definitely the trendiest Instgrammable hot spot in Seoul consisting of 9 different themed zones and more than 30 photo spots. You can also find your own personal color by taking pictures with the background of all different colored walls.
Learn How to Read Hangeul (Korean Alphabet)
13. Hae Rang’s Magic Korean Class
If you are interested in learning Korean, participate in ‘Hae Rang’s Magic Korean Class’, where you can learn how to read most of Hangeul in a short period. You’ll be taught by the poet Geum Hae Rang, who majored in Korean literature and has published 3 books. Why don’t you understand the Korean culture and history through Hangeul?
Enjoy Hanbok & Photoshoot Experience
14. Hanbok Rental
Immerse yourself in Korean culture with a hanbok rental from 3355 Hanbok! Donning this traditional attire elevates your exploration of historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Samcheongdong, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong. Select from a diverse range of hanbok styles to enhance your cultural journey
15. Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot with Video (+ Makeup Option)
Dress in a beautiful Hanbok and let an English or Chinese-speaking photographer guide you through iconic locations like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Changdeokgung Palace. You’ll receive over 100 photos, including 5 professionally retouched images and a 1-minute highlight video, capturing your unforgettable experience!
16. Snap Photoshoot Tour
Capture the essence of Seoul with a local photographer who specializes in film-style portraits! Explore the charming neighborhoods of Bukchon and Euljiro at a relaxed pace, as your photographer guides you to picturesque spots. You’ll receive 80-100 beautifully color-edited photos, plus over 120 original shots with a unique film camera vibe. This experience offers a chance to create lasting memories against the backdrop of Seoul’s most captivating streets!
17. K-pop Concept Photoshoot & Korean School Uniform Rental
Live out your K-pop dreams with a unique idol-style photoshoot! Rent a classic Korean school uniform, a staple look seen on your favorite idols, and strike a pose under professional studio lighting. Enjoy a same-day service where your photos will be edited and printed, letting you take home your K-pop idol moment instantly!
Find out the latest and trendiest things to do in Korea at Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, Trazy.com!
Photo Credit: Visit Seoul Net Official
Thank you so much for your interesting article on things to do in Insadong. I loved the photos.