Seoul is a vibrant city, full of areas to discover and to get lost in but in Nòmades we would like to talk about our favorite one Insan-dong.
Insadong is a popular neighborhood in the heart of Seoul that is often visited by locals and tourists wanting to experience traditional culture of Korea. Streets and narrow back alleys are lined with art galleries, wooden tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling arts and crafts.
After the Korean War, many art galleries moved in, making this part of the city a unique cultural hub. Today, there are around 100 unique art galleries in the area which focus on traditional Korean art including paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, pottery, porcelain, and more. However, you can also find some independent art galleries focused in contemporary art, where you can discover the work of talented new Korean artists as well as admire the classics in Gallery Hyundai (http://www.galleryhyundai.com/en/ where we could admire the work of Lee Sangbeom I Byeon Gwansik, the two leading figures in ink painting.
Walking through these narrow streets you will find The Shin Old Tea House, a traditional Korean tea house, where you can experience the pleasure to taste regional specialties in a cozy atmosphere.
And finally, for shopper’s lovers Ssamziegli is the place to go. Famous for its unique spiraling outdoor courtyard walkway, Sssamziegil is home to over 70 stores where you can buy a nice souvenir. Our fauvorite one is @pppobi, just by the stairs in the fourth floor where you can get a mini me as cool as this one.
If you are interested in South Korean Culture, we recommended to read “The Vegetarian” by Han Kang, one of their most recognized writers. Two other books more focused in history are the epic “Pachinko” by Min Ji Lee and “White Crysanthemum” by Mary Lynn Bracht, the heartbreaking history of Korea is brought to life in this deeply moving and redemptive debut that follows two sisters separated by World War II.
