Insadong Audio Guide for Seoul

Welcome to Insadong, the beating heart of traditional Korean culture and art in the center of Seoul. As you stand here on the main street known as Insadong-gil, you are walking through a history that spans six hundred years back to the Joseon Dynasty. This neighborhood was originally two separate towns named In and Sa, divided by a stream that once flowed right where you are walking now. Today, it is a seven hundred meter stretch that connects the ancient Joseon palaces to the modern glass high-rises of the city. You will notice that while the rest of Seoul races toward the future, Insadong keeps one foot firmly planted in the past. It is a place where you can find everything from ancient pottery and handmade paper to street vendors selling snacks that were once served to royalty. Take a deep breath and listen to the sounds: the clinking of tea sets, the quiet rustle of calligraphy brushes, and the lively chatter of a neighborhood that has been a cultural center for centuries.