Seoul offers countless destinations to explore, but if I had to choose one place that captures the true soul of the city, it would be Jongno and Insadong. While Myeongdong shows the modern pulse of Seoul and Hongdae reflects its youth and creativity, Jongno is where you feel the depth of Korean tradition and history. Even locals consider Jongno an essential part of any Seoul trip, and it’s often the first place I recommend to foreign friends visiting Korea for the first time. Here, you’ll find quiet alleys, wooden hanoks, and a sense of calm that contrasts sharply with Seoul’s fast-paced lifestyle. In short, Jongno is where the old and new Seoul coexist beautifully, and almost everything can be explored on foot.
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| A breathtaking aerial view of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the iconic heart of Seoul’s Jongno district /ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-서문교 |
How to Get to Jongno from Incheon Airport
Getting to Jongno and Insadong is easy and straightforward. Both the airport limousine bus and subway connect Incheon Airport directly to Seoul’s historical center in about an hour.
By Airport Bus
The most convenient option is the Airport Limousine Bus No. 6001.
Route: Incheon Airport (1st Floor Arrival) → Take Bus 6001 → Get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (about 1 hour and 15 minutes). From there, you can take Line 4 for one stop or a quick 10-minute taxi ride to reach Jongno, Insadong, or Gyeongbokgung Palace.
By Subway
Route: Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 → AREX (Airport Railroad) → Hongik Univ. Station → Transfer to Line 2 → Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station → Transfer to Line 1 or Line 3 to reach Jongno 3-ga, Anguk, or Gyeongbokgung Station. Since most attractions are within walking distance, Jongno is perfect for a Seoul walking tour itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Jongno and Insadong
Gyeongbokgung Palace – The Must-Visit Historical Site in Seoul’s Jongno
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| Visitors in colorful hanbok walking through Gyeongbokgung Palace in spring — a must-see experience in Jongno, Seoul /ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-이범수 |
No Jongno travel guide would be complete without mentioning Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul’s five palaces. Built in 1395, its name means “the palace greatly blessed by heaven.” It remains one of the most beautifully preserved sites where you can feel the presence of Korea’s royal past.
Entrance fee: KRW 3,000 (around USD 2.50). Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays). To fully enjoy your visit, rent a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) from one of the many nearby rental shops. Prices average around KRW 15,000, and wearing one allows you to enter the palace for free. You can also book an English-guided tour through sites like Klook or Trazy to learn more about the palace’s rich history beyond the visuals.
Insadong – Where Tradition Meets Art
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| A walk through Insadong, filled with art and tea shops ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-라이브스튜디오 |
Among Seoul’s many cultural streets, Insadong stands out as a true symbol of harmony between old and new. What was once an antique market over half a century ago has evolved into a vibrant street filled with galleries, tea houses, craft shops, and traditional restaurants.
As you walk through its narrow alleys, you’ll encounter the scent of tea, brush calligraphy displays, and artisans selling handmade goods. It’s also one of the best places to find authentic Korean souvenirs and experience the quieter, more traditional side of Seoul.
Bukchon Hanok Village – Where Seoul’s Past Still Lives
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| Quiet alleys lined with traditional hanok houses. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-스튜디오 홍반장 |
Ikseon-dong – Seoul’s Trendy Heritage Neighborhood
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| rendy cafés and shops nestled in Seoul’s old hanok lanes. ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-김지호 |
Ikseon-dong blends the architecture of old hanoks with the energy of modern Seoul. Inside these renovated wooden houses are cafés, restaurants, and small design stores that give the neighborhood a unique, bohemian charm. When the sun sets and lights flicker on along the alleyways, Ikseon-dong transforms into one of the most atmospheric areas in the city — perfect for evening strolls and photography.
Cultural Experiences in Jongno – Feel Korea, Don’t Just See It
- Hanbok Rental: Choose your favorite design and walk through the palace grounds in traditional attire.
- Tea Ceremony Experience: Learn Korean tea etiquette in a quiet Insadong teahouse.
- Craft & Calligraphy Workshops: Try pottery, brush painting, or fan making at local studios.
Where to Stay in Jongno and Insadong
Jongno offers a wide range of accommodations — from traditional hanok stays to stylish boutique hotels. All are centrally located and highly rated on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Agoda.
| Type | Accommodation | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hanok Stay | Rakkojae Hanok Stay | Authentic hanok experience with tea ceremony included |
| Boutique Hotel | Nine Tree Premier Insadong | Modern rooms, great location in central Insadong |
| Mid-range | Orakai Insadong Suites | Spacious rooms with kitchen, ideal for families |
| Guesthouse | Bukchonmaru / Hanok Guesthouse 202 | Quiet alley setting, traditional atmosphere |
When searching, try using keywords like “traditional hanok stay in Seoul” or “Insadong boutique hotel” for more accurate and AdSense-friendly results.
Who Will Love Jongno and Insadong
- Travelers who want to feel Korea’s history and heritage
- Couples or families looking for a slow-paced Seoul itinerary
- Art lovers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts
- Visitors seeking calm, authentic experiences away from the crowds
Conclusion
Before visiting Jongno, you might think of it simply as a place to see Korean culture — but once you walk through its streets, that perception changes. In the quiet alleys, beneath tiled roofs and the faint scent of tea, you’ll sense how Korea’s past continues to breathe in the present.
A Jongno and Insadong trip isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about immersion. It’s where Seoul’s identity reveals itself through history, hospitality, and timeless charm. If you want to experience Seoul beyond its skyscrapers, take a slow walk through Jongno — and let the city’s soul unfold around you.
For official travel info, see Visit Seoul.
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