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Things to do in Insadong

Our most recommended things to do in Insadong

Seoul: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

1. Seoul: South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

Journey to one of the most meaningful tourist destinations in the world at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border of South and North Korea. Gain an understanding of Korean history and culture. First, visit Imjingak Park. See the Bridge of Freedom, used by prisoners of war who were repatriated from the North. Next, head to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, an incomplete passage built by North Korea that runs under the Demilitarized Zone. Discovered in 1978, the tunnel passes through bedrock 240 feet (73 m) below ground. You can go inside the tunnel on foot. Once you're back on the surface, your guide will take you up the slopes of Mount Dora for a look across the country from the Dorasan Observatory. In good weather, you can see all the way to North Korea without using the observatory's telescope. Look out at the 2.4-mile (4 km) stretch of the DMZ that has divided Korea since 1953 before you return to Seoul. *Arrival time to Seoul can be different depending on the number of tourists and traffic on the day. Half-Day Tour 5:30-6:40 AM hotel pick up & Meeting point → Imjingak Park → Freedom Bridge → DMZ Theater/Exhibition Hall → 3rd Infiltration Tunnel → Dorasan Observatory → Unification Village → Imjingak Park (pass by) → 1:00 PM-2:00PM Drop-off at Myeongdong Half-Day Tour and Shooting Experience 5:30-6:30 AM hotel pick up → Imjingak Park → Freedom Bridge → DMZ Theater/Exhibition Hall → 3rd Infiltration Tunnel → Dorasan Observatory → Unification Village → Imjingak Park (pass by) → Arrive Seoul around 1:00 PM-2:00PM → Lunch (Bibimbap) → Indoor shooting range in Myeongdong → End of the tour Full-Day Tour - DMZ and City Tour 5:30-6:30 AM hotel pick up → Imjingak Park → Freedom Bridge → DMZ Theater/Exhibition Hall → 3rd Infiltration Tunnel → Dorasan Observatory → Unification Village → Imjingak Park (pass by) → Arrive Seoul around 1:00 PM-2:00PM→ Lunch (Bibimbap) → Gyeongbokgung → Insadong Street→ End of the tour

Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palace and Shopping Tour

2. Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palace and Shopping Tour

Discover the palaces and shopping spots of Seoul on a multi-stop tour including a local guide, hotel pickup, lunch, and all entry fees and tickets. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to highlights like the Blue House, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namdaemun Market, and the Jogyesa temple in Insadong. Following pickup, meet your local guide and start exploring the many cultural highlights and popular spots around Seoul, including shrines, markets, museums, palaces, neighborhoods, and hanok villages. Depending on your tour day, your itinerary may vary: Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11-km-long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Created as part of an urban renewal project, Cheonggyecheon is a restoration of the stream that was once there before during the Joseon Dynasty. Cheongwadae (The Blue House) is the presidential residence of the Republic of Korea and is regarded as the heart of the nation. While entering is not allowed, see this historic location from outside the main gate. Cheongwadae Saranchae is a Korean presidential exhibition center, newly opened in January 2010. Enter inside to learn more about Korean culture and history (Monday tours visit the outside of the building only). Saranchae is closed on Tuesdays. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea. Be sure to bring a camera to take lots of pictures. Admire the guards’ costumes with brilliant primary colors. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the oldest palace of the Joseon Dynasty, located at the northern end of Seojong-ro Street. Built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty by its founder King Taejo, it's the most comprehensive and grandest of the five palaces of the period. Stroll around the grounds to see the National Folk Museum of Korea, where visitors can browse the unique cultural and historical traits of Korea and the lifestyle of the bygone days. As Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea tour, and the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony will be replaced with a tour of Deoksugung Palace on Tuesdays. Jogyesa is located on one of the most popular cultural streets in Seoul, Insa-dong. Very close to the palace of Gyeongbokgung, it is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (since 1936) and it plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. Changdeokgung Palace was used as the main palace by many Joseon Kings and is very well preserved. The palace was registered with UNESCO in 1997. On Mondays, you'll visit Jongmyo Royal Shrine instead. Insadong is the perfect place in Seoul for visitors wanting to experience the traditional aspects of Korea. Discover art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art dealers, traditional tea houses, and local-favorite restaurants. Namsangol Hanok Village stands out between tall buildings in the middle of the city with its five restored traditional Korean houses, a pavilion, a pond, and a time capsule. On Mondays enjoy a similar visit to Bukchon Hanok Village instead. Sungnyemun Gate (Mondays: outside only), normally known as the Namdaemun, is one of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. Take memorable photos of one of the gates that surrounded the city during the Joseon Dynasty. Namdaemun Market is an open-air market close to the downtown area and high-end hotels. Get the chance to shop some of the best selections of merchandise in the nation and interact with the locals. The market’s history traces back to the Joseon Dynasty and since then has become the main place to exchange daily products between urban and rural areas of Korea

Private Customized Seoul Tour with Your Korean Buddy

3. Private Customized Seoul Tour with Your Korean Buddy

Take this private 4-hour walking tour to explore Seoul at your own pace with a customized itinerary. Select where you want to go and plan your route with your guide. Scope out the best places to visit during your stay, learn how to get into top restaurants and learn how to navigate the transport system. For history lovers, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, and Insadong. If you are more interested in the modern aspects of the city, go to Gangnam district, COEX, and relax by the Han River. For shoppers, visiting Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market is highly recommended.

Seoul: City Highlights Tour with Hanbok experience

4. Seoul: City Highlights Tour with Hanbok experience

The tour starts At Gyeongbokgung Ticket Place. After the meeting, change into hanbok and depart for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the king of Korea lived for 500 years, and watch the splendid changing of the guard ceremony. Visit the interior of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is also famous as a filming location for Korean movies, and see the appearance of the king 500 years ago. On this tour, you visit Hanok Street, a location that has been used in numerous dramas and movies. Your beautiful photos will be taken by a professional photographer! and wearing Hanbok will make your photos and memories even more beautiful. (Return the hanbok before visiting Jogyesa Temple.) Jogyesa Temple is both Seoul's main temple and the district head temple of the Jogye order. An example of a modern hanok is Baek In-je House in Gahoe-dong, located in Bukchon Hanok Village during the Japanese administration period. A main room with a good view of the whole village, spacious bedrooms, a large garden, and annex buildings make up the structure. Keeping the beauty of the traditional hanok while incorporating the modern trend of its time, Baek In-je House represents the Bukchon Hanok Village together with Yun Bo-seon House as an important example of both architecture and history.

Past and Present in Seoul with Lunch and Pick up included

5. Past and Present in Seoul with Lunch and Pick up included

A vehicle with a guide will pick you up at your hotel. After pickup, move to Jogyesa Temple and see the largest Buddhist temple in Seoul. You take a tour of Insa-dong, a pleasant youthful street, and drive to Gangnam, Seoul's wealthiest village. After visiting Bongeunsa Temple, which has the largest Buddha statue in Korea, move to Coex Mall right in front of you. Take a look at the Starfield Library, which has appeared in many Korean dramas, and take pictures in front of the world's largest Gangnam Style horse dance statue! Return to Gangbuk again. On the way, pass by Hallyu Star Street. Inside the car, you can see the agencies where global stars such as Bts and Blackpink were born. Come to Gangbuk and eat traditional Korean food that is delicious and healthy. Afterwards, you move to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most popular tourist destination in Seoul, where the king of Korea lived for about 600 years, and experience history of Seoul. And while passing by the Blue House, where the current president live, you listen to comparative explanations. And head to the Hiker Grounds where you can enjoy K-pop and K-Contents and experience it with all your senses. Finally, the tour ends at Cheonggyecheon, a river that runs through the center of Seoul, and you return to your hotel.

Seoul: Dark Side of the City and Ghost Stories Walking Tour

6. Seoul: Dark Side of the City and Ghost Stories Walking Tour

Prepare yourself for the creepiest, historically accurate, and frighteningly bone-chilling tales. Korea has a unique history that will suck you in. You will see places where bloody massacres occurred. You will walk under a bridge that carries a dark sinister secret. You will encounter three of Seoul's five palaces and learn the secrets about one of them that even Seoulites do not know. Your tour will be led by a historian who will tell you the dark side of Korean history including Prince Suyang's slaughter of his nephew's men and the massacre at the site where Korea's first Western hospital was at. Tales in Japanese Colonial times will be shared while walking in royal palaces. The itinerary extends to other parts of Seoul such as Nagwon-dong and Chenggyecheon Stream. Hear modern urban legends, true crime events, and quirky secrets of buildings that the local government would prefer you did not know. You might actually meet a ghost so do not be too surprised. You will get a basic orientation of Seoul’s layout and see many sites including the three of five palaces, the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Tapgol Park, the Insa-dong neighborhood, Seoul City Hall, and the iconic Gwanghwamun Square. Your guide is an invaluable source of information and full tips about other places to see and eat. There will be restroom breaks and opportunities to have beverages and snacks. If you want to explore the dark back alleys and secret spots filled with horror, take the "Premium Tour" for extended and exclusive story-sharing.

Seoul: Insadong Walking Tour

7. Seoul: Insadong Walking Tour

Dive deep into the bustling Insadong Street in Seoul with a guided walking tour. Experience its culture and lifestyle through visits to charming stores, and food stands. Learn the history behind the famous street and taste delicious Korean food. Meet your local guide for an insightful stroll along Seoul's most vibrant street. As you explore, enjoy the chance to try out unique food creations. Allow your guide to introduce you to the area's biggest restaurants and taste traditional dishes, as well as 3 desserts.

Seoul City Pass & Transportation Card with 100+ Attractions

8. Seoul City Pass & Transportation Card with 100+ Attractions

With just one card, you can visit 50+ attractions that have been carefully selected by Seoul City. With the pass you will also enjoy discounts on a further 100 attractions. Moreover, travelers can use the pass as a transit card, charge it as much as needed, and pay for the subway, bus, or taxi with convenience. About Discover Seoul Pass Free admission attractions: 50+ locations (free one-time admission while the pass is active) 1. Seoul History: Gyeongbokgung Palace Changdeokgung Palace Deoksugung Palace Changgyeonggung Palace Jongmyo (Royal Shrine) Seodaemun Prison History Hall 2. Seoul Culture: Leeum Samsung Museum of Art National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul Museum Kimchikan (Pulmuone) Simone Handbag Museum Coreana Cosmetics Museum 3. Seoul Amusement: N Seoul Tower (Observatory) MBC World Trick Eye Museum Grévin Museum, Figure Museum W Alive Museum Hanboknam,SM TOWN@coexartium, Teseum Seoul, Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus (Dongdaemun) 4. New additional attractions –14 (added on April 30, 2018) - 63 Building: Observatory, aquarium - National Museum of Korea : Free admission to special exhibitions - Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center : 1-hour and half hanbok rental, use of self-studio - Thematic Experience Center - Seoul Zoo Sky Lift : Lift round trip ticket,, Elephant Train round trip ticket, Zoo entrance ticket - Seoul City Tour Bus (Gwanghwamun) : 1-day ticket - COEX Aquarium - Football Faentasium 1. Performances : Musical Chef (30%) Jump (20%) The Painters HERO (20%) Fanta-Stick Musical (30%) National Gugak Center (15%), Nanta 25% Jungdong Therater 30%, Fireman 30%, Pangshow 30%, Kung Festival 30% 2. Attractions : Hello Kitty Island in N Seoul Tower (30%) Kum Bak Yeon - Gold Leaf Imprinting Workshop & Studio (30%) Dynamic Maze (3,000 KRW) Poopoo Land (1,000 KRW), Lotte world 1day ticket 30%, Lotte Tower 10%, Seoul land 50%, Eland Cruise 10% 3. Shopping & Tourism Services : Doota Duty Free (discount coupons based on purchase amount) SAFEX 10%, Jongro SM duty free, Ganghwamun Donhwa Duty free, Lotte Duty Free, Yongsan Shilla i-park Duty Free etc How to use 1. Select the pick-up Location and date & time 2. Show your voucher (or mobile voucher) and get a real card 3. Visit each attraction in the card Pick-up Location 1. Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Location : SK Roaming Center located between Gate 9-10 on Level 1 / 24 hours open 2. Incheon Airport 2nd passenger Terminal Location : Passenger Terminal 2 - SK Roaming Center located between Gate 4-5 on Level 1 /24 hours open 3. Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center Location: 181 Eulji-ro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 5) / 09:00~18:00 (Closed on Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok[Korean Thanksgiving Day]) 4. Seoul Tourist Information and Souvenir Shop (Seoul Tourism Plaza) Location: 85, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea / 09:00~18:00 (Closed on Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok[Korean Thanksgiving Day])

Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Cheongwadae

9. Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Cheongwadae

Spend the day exploring the best of Seoul, with your experienced guide. Stroll through the Insadong area, known for traditional goods and cafes. Listen as your guide describes historical stories of Korea. Learn about Hanguel, the alphabetic system used for writing the Korean language. Start your tour from Jogyesa Temple, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and discover the history of the temple. Continue to Gwanghwamun Square and see the statues of King Sejong the Great, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.  Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, established in 1395 as the main palace in the Joseon Dynasty. Walk under Gwanghwamun, the main gates of the palace. Take some time to look around the palace and admire the architecture. See Cheongwadae, the home of the President of the Republic of Korea, also known as the Blue House. Relax in this hidden area with views of the mountains surrounding it, before visiting a museum to learn more about Korea. Lastly, head to Tongin Traditional Market and marvel at the traditional Hanok houses in Seochon Hanok Village. Call into a traditional medicine place in Hanok and taste Korean herbal tea in this hidden gem.

Seoul: Night Walking Tour with Market Food Experience.

10. Seoul: Night Walking Tour with Market Food Experience.

It is well known that Seoul has an amazing night view, which is admired by many tourists. We have designed a new tour for you that combines history and a night view. The tour begins at Daehak-ro, the street of youth and artists, sparkling 24 hours a day. Pass by the birthplace of actors in Korean dramas and go to Changgyeonggung Palace. On a dark night, the history tour begins at Changgyeonggung Palace with soft lights.After the sad history tour, you move on to Gwangjang Market, the largest market in Korea. Try makgeolli and delicious korean pancakes at Gwangjang Market! Then, go to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, which has been featured in many K-drama, and see the pretty Hanok Village. Lastly, let's go to take a nice night view of Jogyesa Temple and Insa-dong illuminated by beautiful lights!

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What people are saying about Insadong

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,773 reviews

We had such a fun trip, our tour guide was so entertaining and made learning about history that much for fun for me. It was a saddening history but the way she portrayed it was both respectful and comedic at the same time. All in all it was a wonderful experience and will definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the dmz tour.

Everything was well arranged and the guide was excellent. She is really good at storytelling and keeping the crowd's attention. Even though we had a rainy and cloudy day, she managed to keep us happy during the tour. This is a must do activity when you are in Seoul!

Excellent guide to all you need to know about the DMZ. Jung was affable, organized and great at laying out a history of the the two Koreas. Witty, charming and exceptionally reliable. I would go back again. It is money well spent -more than worth it! Go!

I had a really great time! we had traditional food and snacks, as well as tea. I learned alot about the history and was able to explore art and shops that I would not have done. I would recommend this tour!

our Guide Ms. Jung was very knowledgeable and gave us all the right information to enjoy the tour to DMZ.