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Jongno & Insadong

Seoul

The historic heart of Seoul around Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, with Bukchon's hanok houses and Insadong's craft shops and tea houses.

Best for First visit · Families

Transport
4/5
Sights
5/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
4/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$115/night · 10 min to City Hall

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Jongno & Insadong on the map

Why stay here

  • Palaces and Bukchon within walking distance
  • Hanok guesthouses for a traditional stay
  • Calm evenings and tea houses

Who should stay here

  • First-time visitors interested in history
  • Couples
  • Families

Not ideal if…

  • You want nightlife
  • You want big shopping streets on the doorstep
  • You want to be near Gangnam

What it's like

Jongno is where the Joseon kings built their palaces. Gyeongbokgung faces Gwanghwamun Square, Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden lie to the east, and between them the hillside lanes of Bukchon are lined with traditional hanok houses. Insadong's main street and alleys sell crafts, tea and antiques, and Ikseon-dong's hanok cafés are a few minutes away.

It's the most atmospheric base for sightseeing, with a few hanok guesthouses for a traditional stay, and Cheonggyecheon stream for evening walks. Nights are calmer than in Myeongdong or Hongdae, and parts of Bukchon are residential, with visiting hours for tourists.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Insadong-gil

    Craft shops, galleries and tea houses.

  • Ikseon-dong

    Narrow hanok alleys full of cafés and small restaurants.

  • Bukchon

    Hillside of hanok houses between the two palaces.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Anguk (Line 3), Jongno 3-ga (Lines 1, 3 and 5), Gyeongbokgung (Line 3) and Gwanghwamun (Line 5) stations.
To City Hall
About 10 minutes
From Incheon International Airport
About 70 minutes: AREX to Seoul Station, then Line 1 to Jonggak or Jongno 3-ga, or an airport limousine bus.

Nearby attractions

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace

    The main royal palace; entry is free if you wear hanbok.

  • Changdeokgung & Secret Garden

    UNESCO-listed palace with a guided-tour-only garden.

  • Bukchon Hanok Village

    Lanes of traditional houses; visit quietly during the set hours.

  • Jogyesa Temple

    Headquarters of Korean Zen Buddhism, in the middle of the city.

Where to eat and drink

  • Insadong tea houses

    Traditional teas and sweets in old houses.

  • Gwangjang Market

    Bindaetteok and mayak gimbap at the food stalls, a short walk east.

  • Ikseon-dong

    Hanok cafés, bakeries and wine bars.

Where to stay in Jongno & Insadong

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Why we like it: Tower hotel by Gwanghwamun, a short walk to Gyeongbokgung.

Typical luxury rate in Jongno & Insadong: ~$325/night

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Boutique pick

Rakkojae Seoul

Why we like it: Traditional hanok guesthouse in Bukchon.

Typical mid-range rate in Jongno & Insadong: ~$115/night

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Best value

Orakai Insadong Suites

Why we like it: Suites with kitchenettes off Insadong's main street.

Typical mid-range rate in Jongno & Insadong: ~$115/night

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Hotels in Jongno & InsadongMid-range from ~$115/night

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