Insadong’s historical evolution, from its inception to its modern-day vibrancy, includes notable landmarks, cultural sites, and significant events like the March 1st Movement. From traditional tea houses to galleries showcasing unique artworks, Insadong offers a rich tapestry of Korean culture. Historical figures like Yi Yulgok and significant sites like the Independence Declaration Site contribute to Insadong’s allure. Visitors can explore various attractions like Naminsa Courtyard and Nakwon Sangga, making it a must-visit destination in Seoul.
The Origin of Insadong
Today’s Insadong street stretches from Jongno 2-ga to the intersection of Anguk-dong, north of Gwanhun-dong. However, in the past, Insadong only extended to the intersection where the Taehwagwan-gil met Jongno Street, not reaching Gwanhun-dong(관훈동). It was lined with large traditional hanok houses, renowned furniture shops, hospitals, and lacked art and antique shops. The name “Insadong” is derived from the characters “In” (인 仁) and “Sa” (사 寺) from Hansungbu’s Guaninbang (관인방 寬仁坊) and Daesadong (대사동 大寺洞).
Historical Background
Since the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty by King Taejo, there was an office called Chunghunbu in Gwanhundong tasked with recognizing and honoring those who contributed to the country or the royal family. Another office called Imun was responsible for guarding against theft, enforcing laws against extravagant parties, and maintaining order.
Additionally, historically significant figures resided in the Insadong area at different times. Notable examples include the scholar Yi Yulgok, the house of General Yi Wan during the reign of King Hyojong, and the house of scholar Cho Kwangjo, who advocated for royal governance during the reign of King Jungjong.
One of the most memorable historical events in Insadong is its role as the starting point of the March 1st Movement in 1919, which protested against Japanese colonial rule.
In recent years, Insadong has become home to galleries showcasing unique works by both new and established artists, traditional tea houses offering the aroma of tea and the serene sounds of the gayageum(가야금), and quaint shops selling rare books and traditional folk crafts reflecting our ancestors’ way of life. Additionally, it’s filled with cozy restaurants serving hearty soybean paste soup and lively taverns serving traditional rice wines.
Cultural Landmarks of Insadong
Yi Wan’s Residence The site of Yi Wan, a general who advocated for northern expansion during the reign of King Hyojong of Joseon. Originally, he lived next to Nakdong Inpyeongdaegun’s house, but living next to royalty was deemed inappropriate, so he moved to Insadong. This location roughly corresponds to the area near the Jongno District Office Warehouse.
Independence Declaration Site In front of Taehwa Building lies the site of the Independence Declaration. This place served as a meeting place for pro-independence activists during the Eulsa Treaty negotiations and was also the residence of Yi Wan-yong. It was where the independence declaration ceremony took place, with 33 national representatives signing the declaration and Han Yongun reading it aloud.
Park Young-hyo’s Mansion (Now Gyeongin Art Museum) Built during the reign of King Cheoljong of Joseon, this was the residence of Park Young-hyo.
Seungdong Church (March 1st Movement Monument) Originally Kim Heung-geun’s mansion during the Joseon era, the church relocated here in 1904. During the March 1st Movement, the church’s basement was used to print the independence declaration, and it played a central role in student protests. In 1939, Chosun School, which later became Hanyang University, was founded here, and in 1993, the church erected a monument commemorating the March 1st Movement.
Former Chosun Ilbo Building (Now Nonghyup Building) The first newly built office of Chosun Ilbo, established in 1926.
Seoul Central Point Marker A rectangular granite marker indicating the center point of Seoul, erected in 1896 next to Hana Bank Building in Insadong at 194.
Yi Yulgok’s Residence The former residence of Yi Yulgok, a prominent scholar during the Joseon era.
Mingadaheon A facility in which medicinal herbs were cultivated and medicines for the royal court were produced during the late Joseon period. It later housed the Ujeongchongguk.
Dohwaseo Dohwaseo was an administrative office responsible for painting during the Joseon period, serving as the birthplace and hub of traditional Korean painting.
Min Yeong-hwan’s Residence The site where Min Yeong-hwan, a loyal subject who committed suicide in protest against the forced signing of the Eulsa Treaty by Japan, resided.
Outing Recommendations
Exiting from Exit 6 of Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line 3 and walking straight for 1-2 minutes will lead you to the Bukinsa Tourist Information Center, where the KVO Volunteer Interpretation Team operates year-round. Established in 2001 in the Bukinsa courtyard, the tourist information center has been welcoming visitors from around the world for 18 years and underwent renovation in 2014. On the exterior walls of the center, there are plaques introducing the changes in Insadong from the past to the present. Reading them once will help you understand the significance of Insadong’s streets.
Through the kind and proficient guidance of the KVO Volunteer Interpretation Team at the Bukinsa Tourist Information Center, visitors can learn about Insadong, Samcheong-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village, and various events, performances, exhibitions, and news from around Seoul. Be sure to visit!
The brush sculpture “Drawing a Line(일획을 긋다),” installed as part of the Seoul City Urban Gallery Project, is a symbol of Bukinsa Square, and the view of Mt. Inwangsan from here offers a great opportunity to experience the beauty of Korean nature.
The waterway in front of the bakery represents the former flowing water in the area, and there are stone statues of frogs and toads.
Tongmun-gwan (통문관) is the oldest bookstore in Seoul, having opened its doors in 1934. It’s been operating as a family business for three generations and serves as a cozy retreat for scholars interested in traditional Korean studies.
Moonjeongjeon-gak (문정전각), established in 2004, is the first specialized gallery in Korea dedicated to traditional printing works, offering exquisite pieces born from profound contemplation on literature.
Gwichun (귀천), once operated by the late poet Cheon Sang-byeong’s wife, known for his poem “A Picnic” with the line “I will return to the sky…”, is now run by relatives, serving as a traditional tea house and specializing in Korean tea. Visitors can also explore collections of Cheon Sang-byeong’s poetry and photographs.
Mok In Museum (목인박물관) is designated as Seoul’s 19th registered museum, boasting a collection of over 5,000 traditional Korean wooden sculptures along with wooden sculptures from various Asian countries like China, India, Nepal, and Tibet. “Mok In” refers to wooden sculptures depicting human figures, showcasing both traditional beauty and the daily lives of the people.
Knife Gallery (칼 갤러리) stands as the only knife-themed exhibition hall in Korea, offering a unique insight into the world of blades.
Ssamzigil (쌈지길), known as one of the iconic spots in Insa-dong, is a spiral-shaped building where shops selling traditional crafts, furniture, and household items are gathered, attracting many visitors.
Insadong Art Center is a popular destination, with its entire 1st to 6th floors dedicated to galleries hosting various exhibitions. The view from the balcony on the 4th floor, overlooking Insadong and Bukhansan Mountain, is particularly enchanting. Napcheong Bronze Store specializes in traditional crafts and showcases the works of Bangja ware designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 77, crafted by artisan Lee Bong-joo and his son Lee Hyeong-geun. Over 200 items including pottery, trays, bowls, utensils, musical instruments, and candle holders made using the Bangja technique are available for sale.
Gyeongin Museum has been a landmark in Insadong since its opening on December 6, 1983. Spanning about 550 pyeong, it comprises exhibition halls, outdoor exhibition spaces, and a traditional tea house (Dawon). Visitors flock to this cultural space to admire exhibitions in the hanok-style museum and enjoy tea in the traditional Dawon.
Min Garden is a modified hanok believed to have been built in the 1930s by the prominent architect Park Gil-yong (1898–1943) during the Japanese colonial period. Similar in layout to the Jeong Sun-ju House located at 66-8 Gyeongun-dong, which serves as the rear annex of this house, it was originally built to be divided between two sons and now operates as a restaurant.
Insadong Culture and Art Center was established in 2008 as Hwabong Gallery, following the legacy of Morang Gallery under the Morang Art Museum. In April 2015, it reopened as Insadong Culture and Art Center. Located underground in Baeksang Building, it boasts a spacious area of 300 pyeong and features modern facilities, actively hosting various exhibitions and events.
Museum Kimchikan proudly boasts a 30-year history as Korea’s first kimchi museum. It is the only Korean institution listed among CNN’s selected 11 food museums worldwide. Formerly located in COEX, the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum was reborn as Museum Kimchikan in Insadong on April 21, 2015.
Insadong Maru serves as a multifaceted cultural space, representing Korean lifestyle and culture.
Myeongshindang Pilbang has maintained its reputation across two generations and remains a must-visit spot in Insadong for dignitaries such as the King and Queen of Spain and Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom. Specializing in traditional bookbinding and calligraphy tools, it introduces foreign tourists who are interested in making commemorative stamps as souvenirs.
Tongin Store, established in 1924, showcases and sells everyday ceramics, antique furniture, and crafts. On the third floor, you can find reproductions of antique furniture or modified pieces suitable for modern living. The fourth floor exhibits antique artworks, while the fifth floor displays contemporary artworks.
Park Young-suk Ceramics (Atelier Seoul) – Established in 1979 in Insadong, Park Young-suk, the ceramic artist behind “Park Young-suk Ceramics,” won a special award at the 11th and 12th Korean Traditional Crafts Exhibition. You can discover ceramics that beautifully reproduce the elegance of pure white porcelain used in the Joseon Dynasty. This place is also famous for receiving high praise from Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, who visited Insadong and admired it as “the most beautiful pottery in the world.”
Beautiful Tea Museum – As you ascend the stone steps and enter, you’ll find a square-shaped central garden inside the traditional Korean house. The central garden serves as a space for enjoying tea, while the surrounding building houses galleries. It’s a place where you can taste various types of tea.
Seoul Center Marker – Currently, there are three center markers in Seoul. These markers signify that this place was the center of Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a testament to Insadong’s historical significance as the heart of Seoul.
Independence Declaration Site – Traces of the Independence Declaration Monument can be found in front of the Taehwa Building. This site was once used as a gathering place for anti-Japanese activists during the Eulsa Treaty, and it’s also associated with Yi Wan-yong’s residence. It’s where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed during the March 1st Movement, with 33 national representatives signing the declaration and Han Yong-un reciting it at the Taehwa Hall.
Naminsa Courtyard is a place where traditional performances take place. In spring and autumn, you can even experience traditional wedding ceremonies firsthand by making reservations. Various events are held here throughout the seasons, offering diverse experiences for visitors. (You can inquire at the information desk or check the “Monthly Event Guide” section on the website for performance schedules.)
Nakwon Sangga is a specialized musical instrument market that deals in wind instruments, string instruments, percussion instruments, pianos, and audio equipment.
Jogyesa serves as the headquarters of the Jogye Order, playing a central role in Korean Buddhism. Originally established in 1910 under the name Gakhwangsa by monks aspiring for the independence and restoration of Korean Buddhism during Japanese colonial rule, it’s located in the heart of Seoul’s bustling Jongno district. Jogyesa is a tranquil sanctuary amidst the urban landscape, offering a place for contemplation and relaxation.
Tapgol Park, also known as Pagoda Park, was designated as Historic Site No. 354 on October 25, 1991. In the Goryeo period, Heungboksa Temple stood here, and in the early Joseon period (1464), it was replaced by Wongaksa Temple. However, all buildings were demolished during King Yeonsan-gun’s reign, and the area remained vacant until it was redesigned as a park by the British diplomat J.M. Brown in 1897 (Gwangmu 1). Serving as the birthplace of the March 1st Movement in 1919, Tapgol Park holds significant historical value. It’s now open to the public as a relaxation space for citizens. The park features cultural heritage sites such as the Octagonal Pavilion where the Declaration of Independence was read, the Ten-story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 2), the Daeungjeon Monument (Treasure No. 3), the Sundial Support Stone, as well as the March 1st Movement Memorial Tower and murals, the statue of Son Byeong-hee (erected in 1966), and the memorial to Han Yong-un (erected in 1967).