Purchasing souvenirs for your friends and family back home is a good way to finish a memorable trip. Why not buy a souvenir with a traditional theme to make the gift even more special? Head to Insadong, a unique shopping district in the heart of Seoul, for the perfect shopping experience! Explore the intricate alleyways and take your pick of antique shops and more. You will have a great time choosing gifts from the outdoor vendors and stores. It will feel like you are on a treasure hunt!
Enjoy Souvenir Shopping at Insadong
Insadong Street starts at Anguk Station on subway line number three and runs down towards the Pagoda Park at Jongno 2(i)-ga. The stretch is chock-a-block with stores selling Korean traditional crafts, ceramics, Korean traditional costumes, and all sorts of tourist souvenirs. You can visit larger chain stores such as the National Souvenir Center to browse a wide range of crafts and souvenirs. Ssamjigil is a collective of small workshops and stores. Here you can purchase crafts, masks, Korean costume inspired fashion goods, and utensils made of Korean paper made by artisans.
● How to get to Insadong Street
- One minute’s walk from exit no. 6 of Anguk Station subway line no. 3
- Three minutes’ walk from Jonggak Station subway line no. 1
- Three minutes’ walk from Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station subway line no. 5
[Tips on Exploring Insadong Street]
Insadong is one of the most traditional districts in Seoul. Every nook and cranny of the street is filled with charming artwork and tradition. So when you visit, make sure you take your time browsing the entire area! The best way to get the full experience is to explore the maze of alleys that branch out of the main street. Don’t miss out on the street performances and art exhibitions at the galleries. To complete your day, why not stop by one of the many old-fashioned cafés for a sip of hot traditional Korean tea.
Must-buy Souvenirs at Insadong – Korea Grand Sale’s Recommendation List
You will come across Najeon lacquer wares, calligraphy, ink paintings, traditional ornaments, Korean paper, Korean traditional clothings, tea, postcards, and Korea-themed accessories galore. There are so many things to choose from, so make a list of things you might want to buy when you are there if you are pressed for time. Below are the Korea Grand Sale’s recommendations for souvenirs from Insadong.
1. Tea Set
There are so many different kinds of tea sets to choose from; there is something for everybody. If you have even a basic knowledge of where the tea is grown and how it is aged, you will enjoy choosing it all the more. You can buy tea, teapot, and teacup gift sets at tea stores all over Insadong.
2. Stationary
Schedulers make great practical gifts. Get a Korea-themed scheduler at Insadong. Some are decorated with embroidery; others may be covered in traditional motifs. You can purchase one early on in your trip to keep track of your daily travels.
3. Korea-themed Accessories
Small accessories and goods that are colorful and unique are the all-time favorites. There are jewelry boxes made of traditional Korean paper, wooden hand mirrors decorated with mother-of-pearl, embroidered tissue box covers, and traditional wrapping cloth. If you are searching for a special gift for someone important, purchase a bottle of Korea’s traditional drink and wrap it with colorful Korean wrapping cloth, or bojagi. Not only will it make for a unique gift, but it will also give the recipient a real taste of traditional Korean culture.
4. Hand-carved Signature Stamp
Are you searching for something unique? Visit a stamp-carving shop to make a custom signature name stamp. You can choose from a variety of materials, jade being the most popular, and have the store clerk engrave your name in Korean calligraphy. Add a few patterns to suite your taste! Most phrases and names take less than half an hour to complete.
5. Kkultarae (Honey Candy)
Kkultarae is a traditional sweet that can be purchased for a reasonable price. The sweet delicate flavor is sure to put a satisfied smile on anyone’s face. Made with honey and sticky rice, kkultarae is a wholesome stuffing covered with honey string. You can watch the vendor make the traditional snack right before your eyes at some kkultarae vendors in Insadong.
▶ Browse Insadong shopping coupons
There are only 6 days left to the end of the Korea Grand Sale. Have you been taking advantage of the Korea Grand Sale’s numerous shopping benefits? If you have been visiting department stores and malls for your shopping needs, try visiting Insadong before you leave Korea for a truly pleasant surprise. You will come across all sorts of interesting souvenirs your friends and family back home are sure to appreciate. It would be a nice gesture to bring home a small piece of Korea with you.
