Insadong & Ssamziegil

Full transcript

Annyeong, yeoreobun! Yul here, and welcome to Insadong, Seoul's street of art, tea and old treasures. Fun fact first: the name is a combo! It comes from two old Joseon-era neighborhoods, Gwanin-bang and Daesa-dong. In plus Sa equals Insa.

Now, why are there so many antique shops here? Here's the twist. During the Japanese colonial period, many wealthy families living in this area were forced to move away and sell their belongings. Shops began trading those treasures, and Insadong became the biggest market for antiques and artwork in Korea. A sad beginning, but it gave this street its soul: calligraphy brushes, hanji paper, pottery, and galleries everywhere you look.

Then, in 2004, something new arrived: Ssamziegil. It's a craft complex with more than seventy small shops, and instead of normal floors and stairs, a gentle walkway spirals up around an open courtyard. So you don't climb a building, you walk up a street!

Oh, and keep your eyes open for the Starbucks here. Its sign is written in Korean letters, Hangeul, instead of the usual English, to match the traditional feel of the neighborhood. Instant photo spot. Daebak!

Yul's tip! Slip into a traditional tea house down a side alley and try a warm jujube or ginger tea. Pick up a handmade souvenir, like a hanji notebook or a little ceramic cup. And don't rush; the tiny back alleys are the best part of Insadong.

Next, just a short walk away, a hidden hanok neighborhood built by a secret hero of real estate. Kaja!