Insadong Ssamzigil - Alleyway preserving the Korean sensibility

Insa-dong, located in Jongno-gu, has always been Seoul’s representative tourist destination where the past meets the present. But lately, thanks to the "Newtro" (New + Retro) trend, the streets are livelier than ever with both locals and international tourists. With car-free streets now effective even on weekdays, it has become an even better place to stroll.

If you are walking down the main street of Insa-dong, two building complexes will catch your eye: the classic landmark ‘Ssamzigil’ and the trendy newcomer ‘Anyoung Insadong’. Let’s explore these two cultural complexes that are defining the Insa-dong experience today!

Ssamzigil: The Original Cultural Complex

"A spiraling walkway full of crafts and photo ops"

When you enter Ssamzigil, the first thing you see is the central courtyard open to the sky, often hosting exhibitions and performances. But the real charm lies in its architecture.

• The Spiral Walkway: You don't need to climb stairs here. A gentle, sloping ramp spirals all the way from the ground floor to the roof. As you walk up, you pass by over 70 workshops, galleries, and souvenir shops. It’s an effortless climb that feels like an extension of the Insa-dong alleys.

• DIY Experiences: Become an artist for a day! You can try making your own soap, cosmetics, hand-painted pottery, or glass crafts.

• Unique Shopping: Each floor is packed with experimental and fresh works by young designers—from ceramics and textiles to metalwork and woodcrafts. It’s a feast for the eyes.

• Sky Garden: Once you reach the top, you are greeted by the "Sky Garden." With a view of Bugaksan Mountain and the Insa-dong area, it is a perfect rest spot. It is also famous as a sunset point, so bring your camera for some golden hour shots!

• Location: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Getting There: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station (Exit 6), approx. 293m walk.

Anyoung Insadong: The Heart of the Newtro Trend

"Where tradition meets modern sophistication"

If Ssamzigil is the classic, Anyoung Insadong is the trendy new kid on the block. "Anyoung" means "Hello" in Korean, and this complex is built to revitalize tradition and culture with a modern twist.

• Cultural Playground: From the B1 floor to the 6th floor, the building is filled with diverse shops, restaurants, and galleries. The 1st-floor courtyard even hosts an outdoor market at sunset and serves as a connecting path between Insa-dong and Jogyesa Temple.

• Taste, Style, and Fun: The directory is divided into witty categories like "Style Street," "Taste Street," and "Fun Street."

• Shopping: The 3rd and 4th floors are a paradise for those who love unique items. You can find everything from handicraft shops to character stores selling quirky animation goods.

• The LP Cafe: The 5th floor features a vinyl (LP) cafe that is bursting with hip vibes. You can pick out an LP to listen to or ask the staff for a recommendation. It’s a must-visit for music lovers.

Time, Space, Feeling: The complex was designed around these three keywords. It offers a space to experience the harmony of the past and present, provides empty spaces for rest, and fills the rest with exciting elements to spark joy.

• Tip: The 7th to 12th floors operate as a hotel with a "Re-Classic" interior design, reinterpreting traditional Korean elements like rafters and Hanji paper for a modern stay.

• Location: 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Getting There: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station (Exit 6), approx. 231m walk.

Reference: Seoul Newsletter