Insadong

I will be showing you guys some of the lovely sights you can catch in Insadong- namely at Ssamziegil 쌈지길 and Jogyesa 조계사.

Ssamziegil

Insadong is the area to be if you are into traditional crafts, antique art and traditional tea houses alike. The main street of Insadong is vehicle-free and you will be able to spot many vendors peddling their goods. 

Directions:

To get to Ssamziegil: Head on to Anguk Station (Line 3) exit 6, just a 5 mins walk into the main street. ( spot the GS 25 Convenience Store on your right, shown below) to mark the start of the Insadong-gil.

Some of the alleyways housing traditional tea houses. It was a pity I had eaten too much and was too full to patronize the tea houses there... 

 Walking down you will see many shops selling traditional paintings,crafts... 

Just a few minutes down the main road, on the left, you will spot Ssamziegil! A place to shop for unique accessories, clothing, crafts and souvenirs. This is a place patronized by many tourists so you can expect prices to be slightly more expensive. There is a Tax Refund centre there and if I remember correctly, with a minimum spending of 20,000Won at any store, you will be entitled to a tax form, from which you can get claim your spendings taxfree, in cash from the Incheon Airport. 

Some of the pretty shops in Ssamziegil.

Even the decorations along the walls of the complex are artistic...

Tada! Overview of this 4 storey building.

 More cute shops spotted, selling accessories. 

Walking along the corridors, visitors are greeted by pretty decorations inspired by nature...

 Walking to the roof top level, you will be greeted by another surprise! 

Walk closer and you will find these couple tags, similar to the Namsan's couple lock concept. Korea focuses alot on couple culture, so it's really a wonderful place to be with your loved ones. very cute. 

More couple tags..... so sweet la...

So you are getting hungry? There's a really cute snack over here in Ssamziegil: 똥빵 which literally translates to as ' Dung Bread' 

 In fact , they were warm and crispy on the edges, filled with red beans. Yummy! Cost only 1000won per piece~~~ Do try it when you are there!

If you are still hungry exit from Ssamziegil and a few street down, you will spot this very very popular dumpling shop, with a long queue. However this stall is not on the main street, it's in one of the small lanes on the left. 북촌손만두 Bucheon Shon Man Du is the name of the shop. I tried their fried dumpling and is deliciously filled with chives and meat. You should try their steamed dumplings and it would be best if you can get a seat in the eatery itself. However, when I was there it was fully packed and so I have to takeaway. 

And.... there is the famous dragon beard candy in Insadong~~ ^_^

 I wanted very much to visit Jogyesa, a Buddhist temple located in the city centre, instead of the mountains. 

Located within walking distance from Ssamziegil, look out for the Insa Art Centre on the right whereby you will come across this lamppost with different signages.

 On first glance, Jogyesa seems rather small scale and looks hidden by the surrounding buildings. Do look out for it. 

The rooftop paintings.

The reason I came? To see these bright colorful lanterns!!!! Thank god I was in luck. The Buddha's birthday was scheduled to be in a few weeks later and the temple was in preparation for the celebrations. 

The magnificent sight of the lanterns and the main hall made a perfect contrast and lovely sight. I did not go into the main hall temple, but if you would like to, you can enter. ^_^ 

Devotees mainly pray inside the main hall.

To immerse yourself in full experience, book a temple stay at Jogyesa Temple. 

 The ahjumas are hand-making lanterns. I was given a English guided tour around the temple which was useful. 

Walk around this stupa for blessings and chant your wishes.