Korean Insadong Travel Guide
Korean Insadong is Seoul’s most iconic cultural neighborhood. It blends centuries of Korean heritage with modern life. Nestled near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s easily walkable. Narrow alleys lead to hanok teahouses and art galleries. Browse vendors along Insadong-gil for hanji paper and calligraphy brushes.
Each item reflects the Joseon Dynasty’s lasting legacy. Street food stalls serve hotteok and tteokbokki nearby. Jogyesa Temple offers a peaceful break from busy streets. For tourists exploring Korean culture, Insadong feels unforgettable.Planning more than one stop? Our Seoul travel guide covers the rest of the city.
Introducing Insadong
Insadong is a historic district in central Seoul. It sits within Jongno-gu, near Anguk Station. This cultural district blends antiques, art, and tradition. Visitors browse antique shops, folk art, and ceramics. Shops sell name stamps, chopsticks, and mother-of-pearl crafts.
Nearby Ssamziegil and Tapgol Park add cultural depth. Insadong connects easily to Bukchon and Gwanghwamun. A walking tour reveals its pedestrian-friendly charm. For tourists, Insadong is Seoul’s beating cultural heart.
A Cultural Landmark
Insadong earned landmark status as Seoul’s protected cultural street. In 1988, officials designated it a Traditional Culture Street. This Cultural Tourism Zone preserved its historic character.The area has long been a meeting place for scholars and calligraphers. They collected celadon bowls, folk paintings, and Buddhist ritual implements.
Even during the Japanese colonial period, the district resisted change. Today, it stands near Jongmyo Shrine and other royal palaces. Insadong reflects Korea’s royal heritage and lasting artisan community. This heritage preservation makes it a true historic landmark.
Reasons to Visit Insadong
Insadong reveals authentic Korean culture on one walkable street. Visitors explore antique shops, pottery stalls, and calligraphy shops. Hanji paper crafts fill many small storefronts. Traditional tea houses serve tea in quiet alleyways.
Art galleries display modern and traditional Korean design. Jogyesa Temple offers a peaceful escape nearby. Street food stalls sell hotteok and dragon’s beard candy. This pedestrian-friendly street connects to Bukchon Hanok Village. Changdeokgung Palace sits within easy walking distance too.
How to Get to Insadong
Most travelers reach Insadong through Anguk Station on subway line 3. Take exit 6 and walk toward Insadong-gil. Jonggak Station on subway line 1 offers another nearby option. Several city buses stop along Yulgok-ro near the entrance.
You can also catch the Seoul Sightseeing Tour Bus nearby. Taxis and private car charter service drop visitors right at Insadong-gil. Use KakaoMap for easy, English-friendly navigation. This district sits in Jongno-gu, close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Myeongdong.
Subway Route
Take Line 3 to Anguk Station for the fastest route. Head out of Exit 6 and walk about 100 meters before turning left. Line 1 riders should stop at Jonggak Station instead. Leave through Exit 3 and walk toward Insadong-gil. Jongno 3-ga Station on Line 5 offers another transfer point.
This orange-line route stays the most popular option. Seoul’s subway system makes reaching Insadong simple for any traveler.
By Bus or Taxi
Local buses reach Insadong from many parts of Seoul. Green buses like 109, 151, and 272 stop nearby. Get off at the Jongno 2-ga or Insadong stop. Blue Bus 601 also passes close by. Taxis offer a simple, direct option too.
Most rides use a T-money card for easy payment. Traffic can slow buses during busy hours. Insadong’s narrow streets make parking difficult for private cars.
Nearby Walking Routes
Insadong connects easily to several walking-friendly attractions nearby. Bukchon Hanok Village sits about fifteen minutes north. Jogyesa Temple offers a quiet stop just steps away. Tapgol Park lies south along Insadong-gil. To the east, you’ll find Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden within walking distance. Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley makes a charming detour for hanok lovers. Gyeongbokgung Palace is reachable on foot too. Cheonggyecheon Stream offers a peaceful path toward Myeongdong. These routes let travelers experience Seoul’s history without rushing.
Best Time to Visit Insadong
For pleasant weather, plan your visit to Insadong in spring or autumn. Cherry blossoms bloom across nearby streets in April. Fall foliage brings warm colors by October. Weekends offer car-free hours for relaxed strolling. Saturday afternoon and Sunday close the street to traffic.
Visiting during Buddha’s Birthday shows beautiful lantern displays. Morning visits mean fewer crowds and cooler air. Summer humidity and rain can make walking less comfortable.
Best Time to Go
Insadong feels best during quiet weekday mornings around ten. Shops open gradually, giving visitors a peaceful browsing experience. Avoid the lunch hour, when local restaurants get crowded. Late afternoon offers cooler air and thinner crowds.
Evenings bring soft lantern light and gentle street performers. Most shops close between eight and nine at night. Visiting early lets you chat with shopkeepers casually. This timing balances local charm with fewer scheduling hassles
Escape the Crowds
Escaping the crowds in Insadong means turning off the main street. Quiet backstreets hide small teahouses and family-run shops. Wander down narrow side streets for authentic finds. Local shopkeepers often chat calmly during slower hours.
Hidden galleries tucked behind buildings feel far less touristy. Weekday visits naturally bring fewer visitors than weekends. Early mornings offer the calmest, most peaceful atmosphere. These quiet corners reveal Insadong’s true traditional character.
Opening Times
Insadong stays open daily from ten a.m. to ten thirty p.m. Individual shops set their own closing time, often around nine p.m. On Saturdays, the street turns pedestrian-only from two to ten p.m. Sundays follow similar hours, from ten a.m. to ten p.m.
The tourist information center opens around noon on weekdays. Checking hours ahead helps avoid closed shops. Most restaurants and teahouses stay open later into the evening.
Traffic-Free Street Hours
Insadong turns into a Traffic Free Zone during set hours. No traffic means street vendors spread across the road. Food carts line both sides during these hours. Families walk freely without dodging passing vehicles. This walking street feels safer for children and seniors.
Market stalls pop up, adding to the lively mood. Foot traffic increases, giving Insadong an open-air market feel. These hours turn shopping into a relaxed, unhurried experience.
Discover Insadong’s Streets
Discovering Insadong’s streets starts with Insadong-gil, the main road. This street stretches about 700 meters end to end. Numbered streets branch off in every direction. Ssamziegil showcases a spiral walkway inside its courtyard.
Black pavers line the pedestrian-friendly main street. Smaller lanes like Insadong 5-gil hide quiet corners. Tapgol Park marks one end of the street. Anguk-dong Rotary sits near the opposite entrance. Each turn reveals a different side of Insadong.
Shopping on Insadong-gil
Shopping on Insadong-gil means browsing traditional Korean treasures. Vendors sell hanji paper, name stamps, and folk crafts. Pottery and ceramics fill many small storefronts. Silk scarves and hanbok attract fashion-loving travelers.
Calligraphy brushes and stationery shops line the street. Mother-of-pearl boxes make elegant, lasting souvenirs. Traditional masks and lacquerware showcase Korean craftsmanship. Bargain carefully, since prices vary between vendors. Complete your trip by picking up some traditional Korean souvenirs from nearby shops.
Hidden Areas to Explore
Hidden gems wait beyond Insadong’s crowded main street. Unhyeongung Palace sits quietly near Anguk Station. Yeolrin Songhyeon Green Square offers a peaceful park escape. Nagwon Arcade hides a lively instrument market inside. Kyung-in Museum houses Seoul’s oldest traditional teahouse.
Insa Art Hall stages traditional Samulori performances regularly. The Knife Gallery displays rare antique swords nearby. These lesser-known spots reveal Insadong’s deeper cultural layers.
Avoid Getting Lost
Avoid getting lost in Insadong by using KakaoMap. This GPS navigation app works well for tourists. Download the Papago translation app for reading Korean street signs. Remember the Insadong-gil entrance as your main reference point. Landmark buildings help you retrace your steps easily.
Ask staff at the tourist information center for directions. Most paths eventually bring you back to the main street. . Note your nearest station exit before wandering into side streets.
Top Activities in Insadong
Insadong offers exciting activities for culture-loving travelers. Walk down Insadong-gil, the lively main street. Browse shops selling hanji paper, calligraphy, and ceramics. Visit Jogyesa Temple for peaceful Buddhist architecture. Wander through art galleries showing traditional and modern art. Sample street food like hotteok and dragon’s beard candy.
Learn kimchi culture at Museum Kimchikan. Rent a hanbok for photos in charming alleys. Catch a Samulori performance at Insa Art Hall. Shop antiques and gifts inside Ssamziegil complex.
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple sits quietly inside busy Insadong, Seoul. It functions as the headquarters of the Jogye Order, the country’s largest Buddhist order. Visitors admire Daeungjeon, the temple’s colorful main hall. A rare centuries-old pine tree stands nearby. During Buddha’s Birthday, thousands of lanterns light the Lotus Lantern Festival.
Nearby shops sell prayer beads, incense, and Buddha statues. Travelers often stop here after browsing Ssamziegil’s traditional crafts. Templestay programs invite guests to join meditation and chanting. Jogyesa offers a peaceful escape amid Seoul’s busy streets.
Explore Ssamziegil
Ssamziegil is a spiral shopping mall inside Insadong. It spans four floors with over 70 shops. The area is filled with handicraft stores, art galleries, and craft workshops to explore. . Many try custom stamp making or ceramic painting. A quirky Poop Cafe sits on the rooftop garden. Shoppers find hanji crafts, jewelry, and unique souvenirs.
Reach Ssamziegil from Anguk Station, past a GS25 convenience store. This cultural complex blends modern design with traditional Korean charm. It’s a favorite stop on Korean Plate’s Insadong walking route.
Visit Museum Kimchikan
Museum Kimchikan sits along Insadong-gil, Seoul’s cultural heart. This small museum teaches kimchi’s history and science. Visitors taste different kimchi types in a tasting room. I loved trying rare persimmon kimchi myself. Interactive displays make learning simple and fun.
The museum sits near Jogyesa Temple and Ssamziegil. It’s a short walk from Anguk Station. Kimchi-making classes add hands-on Korean cuisine experience. This stop suits curious international tourists exploring Korean culture.
Visit Bukchon
Bukchon Hanok Village sits between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.This historic neighborhood of hanok homes traces its history to the Joseon Dynasty. . Traditional wooden houses line quiet alleys in Gahoe-dong. I loved wandering these lanes at sunrise. The village lies a short walk from Anguk Station.
Nearby Samcheong-dong offers cafes and small galleries. Stop by Bukchon Traditional Culture Center to learn hanok architecture. It sits within Jongno-gu, close to Insadong’s cultural street. This neighborhood gives tourists real insight into old Korean life.
Tapgol Park
Tapgol Park, once called Pagoda Park, sits near Insadong’s edge. This park sparked Korea’s March 1st Movement in 1919. Activists gathered at Palgakjeong Pavilion to read the Korean Declaration of Independence. Inside stands the marble Wongaksa Pagoda, a ten-story National Treasure. Built in 1467, it was once Wongaksa Temple.
Advisor John McLeavy Brown helped build Seoul’s first modern park. Locals still gather to chat, rest, and play games. Fans may recognize it from Squid Game filming scenes. Reach it via Jongno 3-ga Station, near Korean Plate’s Insadong route.
Best Things to Buy
Insadong is Seoul’s best spot for authentic souvenirs. Shoppers find handmade crafts, hanji paper, and Korean ceramics. A custom dojang makes a memorable personal gift. Traditional teahouse stalls sell tea sets and porcelain teacups. Browse antique shops for calligraphy brushes and lacquerware.
Try on a hanbok before buying one to keep. Wind chimes and Buddhist bead bracelets travel well too. Find authentic, quality-checked traditional crafts at the National Souvenir Center. Pack light, since many treasures here are small and delicate.
Hanji Crafts
Hanji crafts turn mulberry tree bark into artful paper goods. Insadong hosts small studios teaching this centuries-old skill. A local master artisan guided me through folding a Hanji lamp. Techniques like jiho and jiseung shape bowls and baskets. The nearby Hanji Culture and Industry Centre showcases regional artisans. Visitors can try a mother-of-pearl inlay called najeonchilgi nearby too.
This craft traces back to the Goryeo period. Many hanji workshops sell finished jewelry boxes as souvenirs. It’s a hands-on way to touch on Korea’s paper heritage.
Korean Ceramics
Korean ceramics trace back to ancient celadon and porcelain. Insadong’s Antique Art Street hides dozens of pottery shops. Browse celadon glaze bowls, vases, and moon jar replicas. Many pieces echo Joseon Dynasty designs and buncheong ware patterns. Try a pottery class, shaping clay on a pottery wheel. Some artisans hold Living National Treasure status for their craft.
Nearby KCDF Gallery displays rotating exhibits of master work. Visit the National Museum of Korea for a deeper history. Korean Plate recommends starting here before exploring Icheon’s famous kilns.
Rent a Hanbok
Renting a hanbok in Insadong is simple and fun. This area sits near Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Shops offer traditional hanbok, theme hanbok, and premium hanbok styles. Each outfit includes a jeogori top and flowing skirt. Staff handle hair styling and provide accessories. Most rentals run half-day or full-day, with online booking recommended.
Wearing hanbok grants free entry to nearby palaces like Gyeongbokgung. Afterward, stroll past art galleries and antique stalls. Relax at a hanok tea house. At Korean Plate, we recommend booking early on weekends.
Custom Name Stamps
A custom dojang makes a memorable Insadong souvenir. Visitors carve their name into stone or wood. Shops like Saegimsori offer handmade, personalized options. Carving classes teach engraving using traditional tools and Hangul. No ID or visa is needed to buy one.
Finished stamps use red innju ink for stamping. Tourists often use dojangs to sign journals or letters. Choose stone for a lasting, beautiful keepsake.
Local vs Tourist Shops
Insadong mixes real craft stores with shops made for visitors. Local artisan shops sit deeper in the alleys, away from Insadong-gil’s main strip. Here, calligraphy masters, hanji makers, and dojang carvers sell handmade pieces, not imports.
Tourist shops near Ssamziegil and the main street often sell mass-made souvenirs like magnets and keyrings. For real Korean craftsmanship, skip the front row. Walk into side alleys, where prices are fairer and quality feels genuine.
Food in Insadong
Insadong offers incredible food for curious travelers. Street vendors sell hotteok, sweet pancakes filled with syrup. Try bungeo-ppang, a fish-shaped pastry with red bean paste. Ssamziegil courtyard serves rice cakes and ssalyakgwa treats. Traditional tea houses pour jujube tea and warm sikhye. For a real meal, order dakgalbi or soft tofu soup.
Side streets hide doenjang jjigae and kalguksu noodlesEstablished in 1953, Gaeseong Mandu Koong is known for its fresh dumplings. At Korean Plate, we suggest pairing snacks with gallery walks.
Best Tea Spots
Insadong hides some of Seoul’s best tea houses. Shin Old Tea House sits deep in a quiet alley. Moon Bird Only Thinks of the Moon feels wonderfully quirky and warm. Try omija-cha, a tangy five-flavor berry drink. Ssanghwa-cha, a thick herbal tonic, warms cold days. Jeontong Dawon serves tea inside a peaceful courtyard.
Sip yujacha or sujeonggwa alongside sweet injeolmi rice cake. Guests sit on heated ondol floors, remove shoes, and slow down. At Korean Plate, we call this Insadong’s most soothing stop.
Korean Restaurants
Korean Restaurants in Insadong serve authentic, hearty meals. Sanchon offers vegan Buddhist temple food nightly. Doma Insadong specializes in soybean paste stew and ribs. Insadong Garlic Bossam serves boiled pork wraps with tofu kimchi.
Try Insadong Sujaebi for wheat-flour dumplings in savory broth. Insadong Soft Tofu makes soup from 100 percent Korean soybeans. One Michelin Bib Gourmand spot has served ox bone soup since 1904. Order chive pancakes, seafood pancakes, or chestnut makgeolli. These are Korean Plate’s favorite hansik stops in Insadong.
Best Local Snacks
Insadong’s street stalls make snacking part of the fun. Watch vendors pull Kkul-tarae, Korea’s dragon’s beard candy. Sample dalgona, the honeycomb candy from Squid Game. Try twigim, crispy tempura-style fried vegetables. Kimbap rolls make an easy, portable bite. Ddukkbokki serves spicy rice cakes with chewy sauce. Skewered meats sizzle fresh off small street grills.
Yeot, a chewy taffy candy, comes in flavors like hobakyeot and boriyeot. For more variety, wander toward Gwangjang Market nearby. Korean plates always save room for dessert here.
Vegetarian & Vegan Food
Insadong welcomes vegetarian and vegan travelers warmly. Osegye Hyang serves veganized Korean classics like vegan bulgogi. Try tofu jjigae stew or lettuce-wrapped ssambap here. Balwoo Gongyang offers refined, Michelin-listed Buddhist course meals nearby. Most dishes skip the five pungent herbs entirely. That means no onion, garlic, or scallion flavors.
Near Jogyesa Temple, monks eat fully plant-based food daily. Curious travelers can even join an overnight temple stay. Korean Plate recommends starting your vegan journey right here.
How to Order Food
Ordering food in Insadong is easier than it looks. Many restaurants use a table-side tablet or kiosk. Look for an English menu or picture options. No server nearby? Just say “jeogiyo” loudly. Point at the menu and say “igeo juseyo.”
Free banchan side dishes usually come with your meal. Tipping isn’t expected or needed in Korea. Most places want payment at the counter, not the table. Korean Plate suggests trying Google Translate’s camera for tricky menus.
Budget tips for Insadong
Insadong is a great spot for budget-minded travelers. Grab a T-money card for cheap subway rides. Free walking tours cover Insadong’s alleys and hidden shops. Budget guesthouses here often include free wifi. Weekend car-free streets make wandering easy and free.
Street food stalls offer filling meals for a few dollars. A Discover Seoul Pass unlocks discounts at nearby attractions. University cafeterias nearby serve cheap, tasty Korean meals. Korean Plate suggests pairing a free walking tour with cheap eats.
Expected Expenses
Expect moderate costs when visiting Insadong. Hanbok rental runs 10,000 to 20,000 won for a few hours. Most shops require a refundable deposit of nearly 50,000 won. Subway fare costs about 1,470 won per ride. Street snacks cost 2,000 to 5,000 won each.
A full meal averages 8,000 to 15,000 won per person. Tea and dessert stops add another 5,000 to 10,000 won. Souvenir shopping varies widely by item and quality. Overall, budget around $30 to $50 daily here.
How to Pay
Paying in Insadong is simple with the right setup. Most souvenir shops and cafes accept Visa or Mastercard. Bring backup cash for small, cash-only vendors nearby. A WOWPASS card handles currency exchange and daily payments. Look for a Global ATM sign for foreign withdrawals. Convenience stores like GS25 or CU accept cards easily.
Ask your bank about foreign transaction fees beforehand. Most card terminals support chip-and-PIN payments. Contactless payment is growing but still inconsistent citywide. Korean Plate recommends carrying both cash and a card.
Talking to Locals
Talking to locals in Insadong starts with a simple greeting. Say annyeonghaseyo to shopkeepers and vendors politely. A warm smile and slight bow show genuine respect. Locals appreciate any effort, even mispronounced Korean words. Use eolmayeyo when asking prices at small stalls. Gentle haggling works well with outdoor sellers here.
Saying gamsahamnida after a purchase leaves a lasting impression. Many shopkeepers speak basic English in tourist areas. Politeness matters more than perfect pronunciation in Korea
Understanding Korean Signs
Understanding Korean signs helps travelers navigate Insadong confidently. Many storefronts here proudly display Hangul signboards. Learning basic Hangul makes reading store names easier. Key words like 출구 mean exit, and 입구 means entrance.
화장실 marks restrooms, while 영업중 means open. Closed shops usually show 휴무 on their door. Color coding also carries meaning across Seoul’s signage. Red often warns, green points toward exits calmly. Translation apps help decode any text photos captured instantly.
Time Needed to Visit Insadong
Most travelers need about two hours for Insadong. A quick visit covers shopping and one tea break. Allow half a day for slower, relaxed browsing. Full-day visits work well combined with nearby palaces. Add extra time if you plan a carving class.
Photography stops and snack breaks add extra minutes. Weekend crowds naturally slow down your walking pace. Budget more time during festivals or holiday weekends. Plan loosely, since Insadong rewards unhurried exploration.
Trip Duration Options
Insadong fits neatly into several trip duration options. A quick stop works for tight schedules between other sites. Pair it with Bukchon Hanok Village for a half-day route. Combine Insadong with Gyeongbokgung Palace for a full day. Morning starts let you explore before crowds arrive. Self-guided walks suit independent travelers on flexible schedules.
Guided tours group Insadong with nearby historic districts. Multi-day visitors often return for shopping or classes. Choose the option matching your overall Seoul itinerary.
Rainy Weather Tips
Rainy days in Insadong still offer plenty to enjoy. Duck into Ssamziegil’s covered circular walkway for shelter. Traditional teahouses like Shin Old Teahouse feel cozy during rain. Indoor art galleries stay open regardless of weather. Grab a cheap umbrella from any nearby convenience store.
Annyoung Insadong Mall offers shops and cafes under one roof. The Color Pool Museum keeps kids entertained indoors too. Wear waterproof shoes, since puddles form quickly on stone paths. Rain actually makes Insadong’s covered alleys feel more atmospheric.
Nearby Must-See Attractions
Many cultural highlights are just a short walk away. . Samcheong-dong charms visitors with quiet cafes and galleries. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art showcases striking exhibits. Jongmyo Shrine honors Korea’s royal ancestors nearby. Gwangjang Market delights food lovers with lively street stalls.
Deoksugung Palace offers quieter grounds than other palaces. Each destination sits within a short taxi or walk. Combining these spots creates a rich cultural day. Insadong makes an ideal starting point for exploring further.
Comparing Seoul’s Top Areas
Insadong stands out as Seoul’s cultural heart. Myeongdong focuses mainly on shopping and cosmetics. Hongdae attracts younger crowds with nightlife and street performances. Gangnam offers upscale shopping and modern business energy. Itaewon draws visitors seeking international cuisine and diverse bars.
Unlike these areas, Insadong keeps a traditional neighborhood feel. Art galleries and craft shops define its unique character. Travelers seeking history should choose Insadong over Gangnam. Each Seoul neighborhood offers a distinctly different travel experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many tourists rush through Insadong’s Main Street only. This mistake skips the quieter alleyways full of real charm. Some visitors choose coffee shops over traditional teahouses. Others expect a beauty shopping hub like Myeongdong nearby. Skipping temple etiquette at Jogyesa Temple disappoints many visitors.
Always ask permission before photographing shopkeepers or performers. Buying mass-produced souvenirs instead of handmade crafts is common. Ignoring the no-shoe policy at some restaurants causes confusion. Slow down, explore alleys, and choose authentic experiences instead.
First Visit Tips
First-time visitors should start at the Anguk Station entrance. Wear comfortable walking shoes for long, uneven stone paths. Bring both cash and card, since small shops vary. A T-money card helps with subway and bus rides. Pack a reusable bag for souvenirs and small purchases.
Carry a water bottle, especially during warmer afternoons. Sun protection helps during midday summer visits. A small backpack keeps hands free for shopping. Arriving early avoids the busiest afternoon crowds.
Staying Near Insadong
Staying near Insadong suits travelers wanting culture and convenience. A hanok guesthouse offers a memorable, traditional experience. Moxy Seoul Insadong appeals to younger, style-focused travelers. Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong provides comfortable, mid-range rooms. Boutique hotels dot the surrounding quiet streets nicely.
Budget hostels exist for travelers watching their spending closely. This central location offers easy walking distance to palaces. Nights here feel calmer than busier Seoul districts. Choose accommodation based on comfort, budget, and atmosphere preferences
FAQ
Is Insadong Worth Seeing?
Yes, Insadong rewards visitors with its charming traditional streetscape. You’ll find hanok architecture, art galleries, and antique dealers everywhere. This living heritage makes Insadong a memorable part of Seoul.
Does Insadong Open Every Day?
Yes, Insadong welcomes visitors seven days a week. Shops typically run from ten a.m. until around nine p.m. Note that some museums and galleries close on Mondays.
Is There an Entrance Fee for Insadong?
No, exploring Insadong on foot is completely free. The main street, temples, and most galleries charge nothing. You’ll only pay for extras like carving classes or museums
Can You Explore Insadong in a Day?
Yes, one day is enough to see Insadong. Plan for about four to six hours there. Add a stop at Bukchon or Gyeongbokgung if you have time.
Should You Carry Cash in Insadong?
Yes, having cash on hand helps a lot in Insadong. Small shops and vendors often only accept cash. Keep some won ready along with a backup card.