Insa-dong

Insadong originally comprised two towns whose names ended in the syllables In (仁) and Sa (寺), from the names of two districts, Gwanin-bang and Daesa-dong, of Hanseongbu, which is now the city of Seoul. They were divided by a stream which ran along Insadong's current main street. Insadong began 500 years ago as an area of residence for government officials. During the early Joseon period (1392–1897), the place belonged to Gwanin-bang and Gyeonpyeong-bang, where bang is an administrative unit at the time.{{cite web|url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=71281&contentno=71281 |script-title=ko:방 坊 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-07-08 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} During the Japanese occupation, wealthy Korean residents were forced to move and sell their belongings, at which point the site became an area for antiques trading.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

After the end of the Korean War, the area became a center of South Korea's artistic life and cafe culture. It was a popular destination among foreign visitors to South Korea during the 1960s, who called the area "Mary's Alley".{{cite book | last = Clark| first = Allen D.|author2=Donald N. Clark| title = Seoul Past and Present: A Guide to Yi T'aijo's Capital| publisher = Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch; Hollym Corporation| year = 1969 |location= Seoul|page=209}} It gained in popularity among international tourists during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. In 2000 the area was renovated,{{cite news |title= Renovated Insa-dong Avenue Beckons Popular Visitors |url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66092391|publisher= The Korea Times|date= 2000-10-17|access-date=2009-07-08 }}{{cite news |title= Insa-dong Cultural Festival Brightened by Renovations |url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66021236|publisher= The Korea Times|date= 2000-10-14|access-date=2009-07-08 }} and, after protest, the rapid modernization of the area was halted for two years beginning that year. In recent years the backstreets of Insadong have continued to be gentrified with cafes, garden restaurants, and traditional pension-style accommodations.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

Insadong-gil is "well known as a traditional street to both locals and foreigners"{{cite book | last = Ch'oe| first = Chun-sik |author2=Chŏng-hun Pak |author3=Chun-sŏk Pak| title = Soul in Seoul : a cultural journey| publisher = Tong Asia| year = 2005| isbn = 89-88165-56-X|page=122}} and represents the "culture of the past and the present".Ch'oe (2005:150) It contains a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere and is a "unique area of Seoul that truly represents the cultural history of the nation." The majority of the traditional buildings originally belonged to merchants and bureaucrats. Some larger residences, built for retired government officials during the Joseon period, can also be seen. Most of these older buildings are now used as restaurants or shops. Among the historically significant buildings located in the area are Unhyeongung mansion, Jogyesa, one of the most significant Korean Buddhist temples, and Seungdong Presbyterian Church, one of Korea's oldest Presbyterian churches. The central temple of Cheondoism can also be found in the vicinity, which was completed in 1921.{{cite web |url=https://discoveringkorea.com/cheondogyo-central-temple-seoul/ |title=Cheondogyo Central Temple Seoul |last=Kelley |first=Matt |publisher=Discovering Korea|date=March 1, 2011 |website=Discovering Korea |access-date=October 4, 2020}}

The area is well known for sightseeing, with approximately 100,000 visitors on Sundays reported in 2000.{{cite news |first= John |last=Krich |title= Decision to Stop Building in Insadong Triggers a Battle Over What to Save |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB955042222985600822?mod=googlewsj|publisher= The Wall Street Journal|date= 2000-04-07|access-date=2009-07-08 }} Insadong is also a visiting spot for foreign dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II and the princess of Spain and the Netherlands.Ch'oe (2005:154-155) It contains 40 percent of the nation's antique shops and art galleries as well as 90 percent of the traditional stationery shops.Ch'oe (2005:127) Particularly noteworthy is Tongmungwan,Ch'oe (2005:126) the oldest bookstore in Seoul, and Kyung-in Art Gallery,Ch'oe (2005:131) the oldest tea house. There are daily calligraphy demonstrations and pansori performances.Ch'oe (2005:148)

Ssamziegil, a shopping mall that concentrates on specialty stores of handcrafts, is also a prominent destination in Insadong. It opened in 2004.{{cite web|title='ssamzigil' official website|url=http://www.ssamzigil.co.kr/|access-date=2014-04-13|archive-date=2016-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017064549/http://www.ssamzigil.co.kr/|url-status=dead}}

Unlike regular Starbucks, you can see a unique Starbucks with a sign written in Korean that reflects the characteristics of Insa-dong.

Unhyeongung, Bosingak bell pavilion, and Jongno Tower can be found in this area.

Samcheongdong is also a nearby dong with an art scene. There is also an express bus to the resort island of Namiseom where the popular Korean drama Winter Sonata was filmed.

The area is on the Seoul list of Asia's 10 greatest street food cities for the gimbap, odeng, and bungeoppang.Goldberg, Lina [http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0,7 "Asia's 10 greatest street food cities"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325173337/http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0%2C7 |date=2012-03-25 }} CNN Go. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-11

At Insadong, there are three information centers that offer information or information materials about Insadong and Seoul. They are the Insadong P.R. Center, North Information Center (N-info center), and South Information Center (S-info center). N-info Center and S-info Center are located at the north and south entrances of Insadong's main street. Insa P.R. Center is located on the opposite side of Ssamziegil, a well-known shopping center in Insadong. At the Insa P.R. Center, visitors can have a hanbok (Korean traditional dress) experience.http://www.hiinsa.com/ Hi-Insa website

• Jonggak Station (Station #131 on Line 1){{cite book |title= Moon Handbooks: South Korea |last= Nilsen|first= Robert| year= 2004|publisher= Avalon Travel Publishing|isbn= 1-56691-418-3|chapter= Insadong|page= 222}}
• Jongno 3-ga Station (Station #130 on Line 1, Station #329 on Line 3, Station #534 on Line 5)
• Anguk Station (Station #328 on Seoul Metro Korean Patriotic Organization Line 3)

In January 2013, the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation published free guidebooks in three languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese (simplified and traditional), which feature eight tours as well as recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and shopping centers. These were distributed from information centers in 44 subway stations, namely Itaewon Station on Line 6 and Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5.

The tours are designed with different themes, e.g. Korean traditional culture, which goes from Jongno 3-ga Station to Anguk Station and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 that showcases antique shops and art galleries of this area.{{cite news|last=Kwon |first=Sang-soo |title=Free guide for Seoul's subway riders |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2966140 |access-date=27 January 2013 |newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily |date=26 January 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412000655/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2966140 |archive-date=12 April 2013 }}

{{gallery

|title=Sights in Insa-dong

|width=160

|height=170

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 2.jpg|Yoon Young-seok, 'Draw A Stroke', 2007

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 1.jpg|Insadong-gil (main street)

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 4.jpg|Insadong-gil

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 14.jpg|Exterior of 'Anyoung Insadong (안녕 인사동)' shopping complex

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 12.jpg|Logo of 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 11.jpg|Pavilion at 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 13.jpg|Inside 'Anyoung Insadong' shopping complex

|File:Seoul-Insadong-05.jpg|Exterior of 'Ssamziegil (쌈지길)' shopping complex

|File:People (5536938830).jpg|Logo of 'Ssamziegil' shopping complex

|File:쌈지길.jpg|Inside 'Ssamziegil' shopping complex

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 19.jpg|Traditional Hanok roofs

|File:Hangwa street vendor at Insadong, Seoul.jpg|Traditional Korean snacks (Hangwa) being made

|File:Seoul-Korean-Hangul-Insadong-Papers.jpg|Hand-pressed papers

|File:Seoul-Insadong-flea-market.jpg|Buddhist sculptures in a flea market

|File:A paper store at Insadong, Seoul-01.jpg|Hanji for sale in a paper store

}}

{{gallery

|title=Alleys in Insa-dong

|width=160

|height=170

|File:Seoul-Insadong-Street-01.jpg|Alley with restaurants serving traditional cuisine

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 16.jpg|Same alley in 2020

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 5.jpg|

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 6.png|

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 8.jpg|Alley pointing towards, but not connected to Cheondogyo Central Temple

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 7.jpg|

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 10.jpg|

|File:Insa-dong 인사동 October 1 2020 21.jpg|

|File:Insadong Alley, Seoul, Korea.jpg|

}}

• Daehangno
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Jogyesa
• Jongno District

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{cite book | last = Ch'oe| first = Chun-sik |author2=Chŏng-hun Pak |author3=Chun-sŏk Pak| title = Soul in Seoul : a cultural journey| publisher = Tong Asia| year = 2005| isbn = 89-88165-56-X}}
• {{cite news |first= Joe |last=Giordono|title= In Seoul, the Insadong experience is not to be missed |url= http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?article=30161§ion=140|publisher= Stars and Stripes|date= 2005-07-03|access-date=2009-07-08 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}
• {{cite news |title= Insa-dong Cultural Festival Brightened by Renovations |url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66021236|publisher= The Korea Times|date= 2000-10-14|access-date=2009-07-08 }}
• {{cite book |title= AnyWise |editor1-first= Cynthia C.|editor1-last= Davidson|last= Kimm|first= Jong-soung| year= 1996|publisher= MIT Press|location= New York, N.Y.|isbn= 0-262-54082-7|chapter= The Insadong District in Seoul: An Urban Design Proposal|pages= 100–105}}
• {{cite news |first= John |last=Krich |title= Decision to Stop Building in Insadong Triggers a Battle Over What to Save |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB955042222985600822?mod=googlewsj|publisher= The Wall Street Journal|date= 2000-04-07|access-date=2009-07-08 }}
• {{cite news |first= So-young|last= Moon |title= Something alluring stays on art street; Glimpse of Business in Seoul 38th in a series: Insadong gallery street |url= http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902037|publisher= JoongAng Ilbo|date= 2009-03-10|access-date=2009-07-08 }}
• {{cite news |title= Renovated Insa-dong Avenue Beckons Popular Visitors |url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-66092391|publisher= The Korea Times|date= 2000-10-17|access-date=2009-07-08 }}

• [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/259191255 Insa-dong Poets] (인사동시인들, 2008). Seoul: Chopan.
• Kim, I-gyeong. (2005). [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61297482 Insa-dong kaneun kil] (인사동가는길). Seoul: Paran Chajeongeo.
• Pak, Chung-sik. (2003). [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/249440985 Insadong-e osin putta t'ingnattan] ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/123013045 인사동에오신붓다틱낫한]). Seoul: Myeongsang.
• Pak, In-sik. (2005). [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/64286607 Insadong Blues]. (인사동블루스 : 박인식실명소설) Seoul: Paum.
• [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/249145378 Insadong kago sipeun nal] ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51220141 인사동가고싶은날], 2002). Seoul: Design House.
• Yi, Saeng-jin. (2006). [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/73352621 Insa-dong : Yi Saeng-jin sijip] (인사동 : 이생진시집). Seoul: Uri Keul.

{{Commons and category|Insadong}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100612101402/http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0003001005007&p=05&art_id=3089&lang=en Insadong, the Largest Traditional Art Market :Visitseoul]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050904183906/http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/9 Insadong shopping area]
• [http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/whereToShop/whereToShop.jsp?action=about&cid=993689 Official Korea Tourism Organization- Insadong] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118201105/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/whereToShop/whereToShop.jsp?action=about&cid=993689 |date=2019-11-18 }}

{{Seoul}}

{{Jongno District}}

{{Seoul landmarks}}

{{Coord|37.572972|126.986180|type:landmark_source:enwiki-googlemaplink|display=title}}

Category:Neighborhoods of Jongno District

Category:Culture of Seoul

Category:Tourist attractions in Seoul

Category:Shopping districts and streets in South Korea