Insadong

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.