Insadong

Address: Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

How to get there: a little walk from Anguk Station Exit 6

Operating Hours: most shops are open from 10 AM – 7 PM

Entrance Fee: free

Insadong, during Joseon times, was used a street for artists and their crafts. That still rings true today as there are a lot of galleries along the street. Insadong has shops that caters to traditional Korean novelties such as hanbok, souvenir items, art, ceramics, and the like.

One of the emerging modern shopping complexes in Insadong is Ssamziegil.

The inside of Ssamziegil. Shops are lined along inclines that will lead you to the top of the building. There are a lot of artists’ work that come out as shirts, accessories, bags, and even stationery. If you’re looking for unique products, you can get something from here.

I must admit, South Korea is such a cheesy country. On top of the building are notes of love written on circular plastic objects. These are hanged along the walls and garden ornaments. This is not the only place you’d find locks of love. They are, like, everywhere.

Continuing with tradition, Insadong is also the home of a Starbucks store whose sign is in hangul. That’s the only store with the sign written in the local alphabet. It reads Seutabeokseu Keopi.

It’s fun to shop in Insadong especially if you’re leaning towards the arts and crafts. However, you should be able to go early because shops also close early.