Memory of Insadong The Cultural Hearth of Seoul Korea

It was the morning walk around Insadong that cemented my love for the culture district of Seoul. It was a cold and quiet morning, the sunlight melting the ice on the roadside of the practically empty Insadong-gil.

I was too early. The stores hadn’t opened yet, nor were the galleries. It was just me lugging my heavy camera and a few locals going about their business ━ I noticed that tourists, myself included, are practically ignored in Korea by the locals, which I weirdly appreciate.

Eventually, I noticed a small board in front of the stairs, various types of porridge, and a typical Korean breakfast. I was so tempted by the one called spicy squid. Still, I came back to Insadong for other things, so I had to pass what I imagined would be a perfectly spicy and heart-warming porridge breakfast.

Recalling Insadong

I tried to remember my first visit to Insadong almost a decade ago.

Was it nighttime we visited Insandong for the first time? Did Yin take my picture holding the weird-shaped ice cream here? Did Vi get me to try my first-ever Tteokbokki on Insadong-gil? Was it even the same street?

Despite walking through the small alleys repeatedly, I couldn’t find Ppong Da Bang, the most hectic Korean traditional tea house I have been. Nor could I find Hana Art Gallery where I purchased the first painting (size 10x12cm) back then. Even the souvenir shops look different…

Except for Ssamziegil, it felt like the rest of the memory puzzles couldn’t fit onto the Insadong I was standing on almost ten years later.

I don’t really remember. The memories all jumbled up into one gigantic Seoul memory.

Insadong Culture Street

This time though, there was no street food. Not that early, maybe? Instead, I visited Kimchikan, the underrated Kimchi museum and a few art galleries. If there is one thing you shouldn’t miss while visiting Insadong, it would be the local art galleries, including the famed Tong-in gallery.

Let’s just say, under different circumstances, i.e. a thicker pocket full of Won, I would have come home with a piece by Shin Heung Woo, a Korean Contemporary painter. The painting was titled Funny City, showcasing people’s lives inside apartment buildings.

Alas, mind and heart satisfied by just observing the arts, I rested at a traditional Korean tea house, ordered a stamp with my Korean name and bought a few souvenirs before bidding my goodbye to Insadong.

Culture and more in Insandong…

Though it’s much smaller than Myeongdong, Insadong is a spot in Seoul that I kept returning to ━ it has a pull on me, and I am sure you will get the feeling when you visit it.

Aside from the above, check out the newly built Anyoung Insadong ━ a cultural and entertainment and shopping complex with numerous galleries, cafes, and shops. Don’t forget to explore the smaller streets and narrow lanes before treating yourself to a beautifully boxed Yanggaeng (sweet red bean jelly).

There is also the boutique-looking clothing store on the main street that sells hanbok tops which you can wear with pants or skirts. Then there were restaurants, from the ones specializing in Korean temple food to Halal Indian food. Off Insadong-gil ━ to the left if you are coming from the main area ━ there was an antique market worth checking too.

I don’t plan to return to Seoul anytime soon; when I do, I am staying in Insadong.

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