Insadong

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Insadong
Hangul:
인사동
Hanja:
仁寺洞
Revised Romanization: Insadong
McCune-Reischauer: Insadong

Insadong is a dong, or neighborhood of the Jongno-gu district of the South Korean city of Seoul. The main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district.

Contents

[edit] Art market

Insadong has been at the heart of nation’s capital for 600 years and it has been the center of culture during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This is where the Ministry of Art was once situated. Insadong usually refers to the area from Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park in Jongno 2(i)-ga, past the Insadong Intersection. The notable features of Insadong are the countless alleys that branching out from the main street. Insadong was once known as ‘Mary’s Alley,’ and is a favorite shopping spot among foreigners.

Over forty percent of the nation’s antique stores are in Insadong. It sells more valuable antiques compared to other art streets in Korea. The prices range from 10,000 won to some hundred million won. Most of the stores sell old books, pictures and calligraphy. Among the antiques are old pictures, pottery, wooden containers and jewelry. There are a variety of art works from earthenware of the Unified Silla Era to white pottery of the Joseon Era. The Japanese and other foreign visitors including Chinese, French and American mainly visit the area. Insadong is visited year round reaching the peak of its popularity in spring and autumn.

The price range differs greatly depending on the customers and items. Old books are usually popular among Japanese and Chinese tourists who can identify with hanja (Chinese characters). Considering the costs, Japanese purchase more of these than the Chinese. Buyers of the old books vary from history professors to antique collectors. Prices for most items range from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Archeology and history books are the most popular books. Some items are priceless so the shopkeepers often call on the prices but keep in mind that some stores use price tags. Tongmungwan is a representative store selling old books and is run by a succession of three generations. When you enter this small bookstore, you can see old books packed in rows. This bookstore was opened by the grandfather of the current shopkeeper. Since it is a living proof of Insadong’s long standing history, it is definitely a place worth visiting even if you do not intend to make a purchase.

Traditional Korean ceramic ware is the main art collection in Insadong, which is also the most popular item for tourists. It can be used in everday life and it is also considered as an essential decoration item. Ever since Queen Elizabeth II of England visited Insadong in April 1999 and praised its beautiful artwork, many tourists have sought out the area. Since pottery is a universally treasured item, tourists from different nations such as Europeans as well as Americans and Japanese seek it out. The prices may vary from 10,000 won to some 10 million won. The most popular ceramic wear is the pottery in shape of a gourde bottle at the price of 100,000 won to 200,000 won. Here is a shopping tip: A fine ceramic wear has a clear color has a clear resonant sound when tapped with the tip of your fingernails.

Famous shops include ‘Park Young Suk Yo’ where Queen Elizabeth paid her visit and ‘Haedong Godoja.’ Main art works are common porcelain ware that are recrafted and pots of the Joseon Era. ‘Haedong Godoja’ is known for selling the best quality ceramic ware.

‘Goseohwa’ (old paintings and calligraphic arts) is another main artwork in Insadong. There are shops selling old artworks along with oriental paintings as well as modernized paintings. Shops such as Dongmundang and Gonghwarang display and sell old paintings and calligraphic works. Gonghwarang mainly sells art pieces designated by the keeper who is the president of the Korean Antiques Association. There are also books and other sources related to old art works.

At Naraksil and Gayajae, old furniture and other antiques are in store. At Naraksil, there are good quality old furniture such as bookshelves and bookstands. Gayajae sells old pieces of furniture, stone Buddha and tiles. Other popular antiques can be found at the ‘Toto’s Antiques’ where there are contemporary articles from the period of before and after the liberation of Korea. Even though there are no traditional art works, Korean antiques are displayed picturesquely. It brings back the old memories of schoolbooks, toys and ornaments in the 50 to the 60s. The prices are fairly reasonable so it attracts visitors to this store.

Recently, a new attraction has been drawing visitors to Insadong. Sunday has been named as a car-free day street with cars and various events are held instead. A flea market is held this day where antiques, accessories, artworks and books are sold and bought. Traditional antiques from different parts of Korea as well as international antiques brought by foreign tourists are displayed enabling visitors to view many traditional items at a glance. It is highly recommended to visit Insadong this day since you can also view street paintings.

[edit] Other attractions

Unhyeon Palace, Bosingak bell pavilion, Jongno Tower can be found in this area.

[edit] Nearby subway stations

[edit] External links

Seoul
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Administrative Division of Seoul

Dobong-gu | Dongdaemun-gu | Dongjak-gu | Eunpyeong-gu | Gangbuk-gu | Gangdong-gu | Gangnam-gu | Gangseo-gu | Geumcheon-gu | Guro-gu | Gwanak-gu | Gwangjin-gu | Jongno-gu | Jung-gu | Jungnang-gu | Mapo-gu | Nowon-gu | Seocho-gu | Seodaemun-gu | Seongbuk-gu | Seongdong-gu | Songpa-gu | Yangcheon-gu | Yeongdeungpo-gu | Yongsan-gu
Neighborhoods of Seoul

Apgujeong | COEX Mall | Daehangno | Dongdaemun | Gangnam | Haebangchon | Hongdae | Idae | Insadong | Itaewon | Jongno | Myeongdong | Namdaemun market | Seorae Village | Seoul Station | Sillim | Sincheon | Sinchon | Yeouido

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