Seoul Girl

1.. Dojung                  2. Art Gallery   3. Toy museum   4. Ssamzie Market

5. Sanchon Restaurant

Insadong is located just north of downtown Seoul. The Korean government has designated the district as historical by promoting Korean traditional restaurants, tea cafes, art galleries, and shops here. Though the intention is good, but personally, I think it’s flooded with overpriced tourist-trap souveniour shops, tea shops, and mediocre art galleries and restaurants. But I can’t deny the few worthy mentions: (don’t forget to grab a map at the information booth to find the locations for the below listed places)

1. Souveniour Shop : A large shop. It’s a worth a visit for their engraved Dojungs. These are the stamps which have your name engraved on them. You can ask to customize by mixing Korean characters and English. In Korea, dojungs are used on the official documents or literatures. There are cylinder ones which are most common, but I prefer the cubical ones. I found them more aesthetically interesting which are commonly used on the literary works. They make a great inexpensive personalized gift for your friends/family. I use them for more fun purposes like when signing letters, postcards, and hallmark cards. It’s located after the information booth on the Jongno 3-ga entrance.

2. Art Gallery: Located in the middle of the main street. They have interesting selections of art and a great rooftop for the nicer days.

3. Toy Museum: A fun way to spend 1/2 hr or so. The owner is truely passionate about every type of toy you could possibly imagine. Every Star Wars collectible to GI Joe action figures and even Chucky Doll can be found here. Also, make sure to buy some postcards. They are highly entertaining and the best I’ve ever found in Seoul. Entrance fee is 2,000won. It’s located half way in between the two main entrances on the main street.

4. Ssamazie Artist Market: A complex which houses many independent artist shops in fashion, jewelry, crafts, accessories. Also cafes and restaurants on the top floor.

5. Sanchon Restaurant: It’s founded by a former monk who wanted to share a piece of Buddhist way of life with Seoul people by opening this restaurant. The monks are traditionally vegetarians and eat only organic products, but to accommodate most people’s preference, meat is served. The dinner is set course temple food which has 16 dishes served at once. Traditional dance performance are provided during the dinner hours(19:15~21:00). 36,000won.

6. Gaetmaeul Milbatjip. Karguksue noodle restaurant. Not the best I’ve ever had, but still pretty tasty. They also serve good mondu dumplings. Located near the Jongno 2-ga side entrance.

http://www.sanchon.com/menu/menuinfo.html (written in Korean)

map:http://english.tour2korea.com/06shopping/ShoppingInSeoul/insadong01.asp?kosm=m6_2&konum=subm2_1