Immerse Yourself in Korean Culture: A Day Trip to Insadong
Exhausted from work and studies, Charlie and I decided to escape to Insadong in search of authentic Korean tradition. Insadong is filled with unique cafes, craft shops, and galleries tucked away in every alley, offering something new and exciting at every turn. Ssamziegil is particularly perfect for a date, and a spot I always recommend when visiting Insadong. Let me introduce you to the BEST 7 spots in Insadong, where tradition and modernity harmonize.
How to Fully Enjoy Ssamziegil
If you're in Insadong, Ssamziegil is a must-visit. Every time Charlie and I stroll through here, we feel like we're on a trip. Following the alleyways, you'll find charming workshops, traditional souvenir shops, and galleries, making the walk itself a delightful experience.
1. [Ssamziegil] Music Complex Seoul
Lost in Retro Vibes
I love listening to LP records, so Charlie and I visited Music Complex Seoul, located on the 5th floor of Anyoung Insadong. It's one of the largest LP cafes in Korea. The entrance fee includes a drink, so for around ₩20,000, you can choose a drink and enjoy the space freely.
The interior, decorated in red, feels like stepping into an old American rock cafe or a drama set. Charlie and I were instantly captivated by the retro atmosphere. The seating is spacious, and the best part is that each person gets to choose their own LP. Putting the record on the turntable and listening to the music was a truly analogue experience. It's open from 12 PM to 12 AM, 365 days a year, with parking available. It's a great place to relax and enjoy music.
2. [Ssamziegil] Ssamziegil
A Multifaceted Cultural Space Full of Attractions
Ssamziegil is a must-visit in Insadong. Open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, you can explore it at your leisure. This complex cultural space is filled with traditional crafts and unique experiences, perfect for fully enjoying Insadong.
The first floor is lined with cute souvenir shops, making it fun to browse. Upstairs, you'll find workshops where you can participate in activities like painting and making bracelets or rings. Charlie and I strolled slowly, admiring traditional crafts and scented candles, feeling like we were wandering through a traditional market. We also visited the basement, where there's a media art cafe where you can enjoy Korean desserts and drinks while watching artistic video installations. Ssamziegil has a unique charm on each floor, making it an exciting place to explore and a great starting point for a date in Insadong.
3. [Ssamziegil] Gabaelangs솜 Insadong Cafe
A Sunny Cafe Date
As art students, Charlie and I rarely see the sun during the day because we're up all night. So, we went to Gabaelangs솜 Insadong Cafe for a rare daytime date. The space is filled with warm sunlight streaming through the large windows, instantly lifting our spirits. The wooden interior and cute props created a cozy atmosphere, making us feel relaxed.
This cafe spans from the 2nd to the 4th floor, each with a slightly different theme, making it fun to explore. The hammock chairs were particularly memorable, making us feel like kids again. The drink menu is diverse, so Charlie, who doesn't drink coffee, could easily find something to enjoy. We ordered the honey grapefruit black tea and the passion fruit & coconut ade, both of which had a refreshing fruity aroma. The desserts, made with organic flour and animal-based cream, were rich and delicious.
Colorful Insadong Spots
This time, Charlie and I ventured beyond Ssamziegil to discover other interesting places near Insadong. If you want to spend a unique day in a space where the tradition and modernity of Insadong blend together, I recommend this course.
4. [Anguk Station] Colorful Museum
A Pink Paradise for the Perfect Selfie
Feeling like my makeup looked great, I summoned Charlie and headed to the Colorful Museum. Admission is ₩30,000 for two people, and it's a 3-minute walk from Anguk Station. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a pink pool. As a pink lover, I was instantly smitten. The museum has over 30 photo zones, so we were constantly taking pictures. In the SUMMER VACANCE zone, there were flamingo tubes that made us feel like characters in an American movie. With various concepts like paper flower throwing, colorful background walls, and hammock chairs, we had enough content to fill our Instagram feed for a month.
I tried to take a picture of Charlie on the watermelon swing, but he looked so awkward that I burst out laughing. However, the staff kindly took a couple photo for us. Here's a tip: there's a Color of the Month discount event, so you can get a discount on admission if you wear an item in that color. We enjoyed a pleasant day with this bonus.
5. [Ikseon-dong] Blanšermi술관 (Drawing Cafe)
A Drawing Date in a Hanok in Ikseon-dong
We visited Blanšermi술관, a 10-minute walk from Ssamziegil and famous as a unique date spot for couples. Walking through the narrow and tranquil alleyways of Ikseon-dong, a hanok (traditional Korean house) appears. Stepping inside, the interior resembles a hotel from the Korean Enlightenment period, making us feel like we were in the drama 'Mr. Sunshine'. The soft lighting and jazz music created a perfect atmosphere for a date.
We made a reservation for the 7:30 PM time slot on a weekday. For a basic 2-hour session, you can choose your desired drawing or a blank canvas. The staff will set you up, and after changing into slippers and putting on an apron and sleeves, you can start drawing. You can enjoy coffee or dessert and chat during the session, making it a relaxing experience. The fee is ₩23,000 per person, and I highly recommend it for those who want to create special memories.
Did You Know There's a Place Like This Near Jonggak Station?
After our Insadong tour, Charlie and I headed towards Jonggak Station. Walking between Insadong and Jonggak Station, we enjoyed a unique and relaxing experience. Being with Charlie made the day even more enjoyable and special.
6. [Jonggak Station] Seoul Comedy Club
Laughing Out Loud
I heard there was a fun place near Jonggak Station, so we visited the Seoul Comedy Club. This is a stand-up comedy club where popular comedians perform. Audience members can enjoy alcohol, like beer, cocktails, and champagne, or snacks while watching the show.
The honest and provocative jokes kept coming, making us laugh non-stop. Usually, several comedians take turns performing, and you can check the lineup on Instagram before visiting. It felt like watching a rapid-fire compilation of shorts from YouTube, and we enjoyed it so much that we immediately wanted to come back. Admission is ₩22,000 per person, and I highly recommend it for those who want to enjoy a fun evening with a drink.
7. [Jonggak Station] HiKR Ground
Spend the Whole Day in One Place?
We discovered that there's a large cultural complex in Jonggak Station, so Charlie and I immediately visited HiKR Ground. This place is filled with content from the 1st to the 4th floor, allowing you to enjoy it all day long. It's closed on Mondays and open from 10 AM to 7 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
As soon as you enter the first floor, you're greeted by a large media wall. From the 2nd to the 4th floor, there are various experience and exhibition spaces. On the 2nd floor, you can experience K-pop music video sets, making you feel like you're the star of a music video. The 3rd floor has many exhibitions and experience spaces related to Korean culture, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The 4th floor is the Local Ground, filled with photo zones, and there's a custom station where you can create your own items. However, reservations are required for Geumsson Studio, Future Practice Room, Kkuk Street, Amber Tour, and the Hitchhiker's Custom Station, so it's best to book in advance. The scale is quite large, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring each floor.
Walking around Insadong all day, enjoying the blend of tradition and modernity, made us feel refreshed. Exploring the alleyways and experiencing the diverse attractions with Charlie brought small joys to our tiring lives. By following this BEST 7 course in Insadong, you can enjoy a fulfilling date while experiencing the charm of both tradition and modernity.
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