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Insadong is a dong, or neighborhood of the Jongno-gu district of the South Korean city of Seoul. The main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district. more...

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Art market

Insadong has been at the heart of the nation’s capital for 600 years and it has been the center of culture since the time of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This is also where the Ministry of Art was once situated. Insadong usually refers to the area from Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park in Jongno 2(i)-ga, past the Insadong Intersection. The notable features of Insadong are the countless alleys that branch out from the main street. Insadong was once known as ‘Mary’s Alley,’ and is a favorite shopping spot among foreigners.

Over forty percent of the nation’s antique stores are in Insadong. The antiques sold tend to be more valuable than those sold on other art streets in Korea. The prices range from 10,000 won to hundreds of millions (1USD is about 950 SKW). Most of the stores sell old books, pictures and calligraphy. Among the antiques are old pictures, pottery, wooden containers and jewelry. There are a variety of art works from earthenware of the Unified Silla Era to white pottery of the Joseon Era. Insadong is visited by many foreign visitors from Japan, China, France, the United States, and other countries. Insadong is visited year round, reaching the peak of its popularity in Spring and Autumn.

The price range differs greatly depending on the customers and items. Old books are usually popular among Japanese and Chinese tourists whose cultures also use Chinese characters. As they are often quite expensive, Japanese tend to purchase these more than the Chinese. Buyers of old books vary from history professors to antique collectors. Archeology and history books are the most popular books. One representative store, Tongmungwan, sells old books and has been run by the same family for three generations. This bookstore was opened by the grandfather of the current shopkeeper. Many consider it a living proof of Insadong’s long history, and find it a place worth visiting even if they do not intend to make a purchase.

Much of the art sold in Insadong - and the most popular selling item for tourists - is traditional Korean ceramic ware. It has practical uses, and is also considered decorative by many. Ever since Queen Elizabeth II of England visited Insadong in April 1999 and praised its beautiful artwork, many tourists have sought out the area. The prices may vary from 10,000 won to some 10 million won. The most popular piece of ceramic ware is pottery in the shape of a gourd bottle, which can cost from 100,000 won to 200,000 won.

Famous shops include ‘Park Young Suk Yo’ where Queen Elizabeth paid her visit and ‘Haedong Godoja.’ Main art works are common porcelain ware that are recrafted and pots of the Joseon Era. ‘Haedong Godoja’ is known for selling the best quality ceramic ware.

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