Opened in Insa-dong in 2004, Ssamzie-gil is a new traditional culture and shopping complex. An iconic Korean street, Insa-dong is famous as the most traditional street, lined with a large number of antique shops and folk art galleries. Ssamzie-gil is a place that continues the traditions of Insa-dong while complementing it with modern convenient facilities. For instance, Ssamzie-gil’s footpaths run alongside the shops like a spring around a courtyard, reminiscent of an alleyway in Insa-dong. Meanwhile its book cafés, galleries and traditional experiences help create a cultural complex.Follow a traditional path in a modern setting Long considered to be Seoul’s iconic traditional street, Insa-dong is one of Seoul’s must-see attractions for overseas visitors, and Ssamzie-gil is Insa-dong’s latest attraction. Newly opened in 2004 it is inspired by the distinctive character of Insa-dong. * A shopping venue in a spiral shape* Ssamzie-gil is a place that blends modern styles with the traditions of Insa-dong. Entering Ssamzie-gil, the visitor follows a footpath that runs for 500 meters from the first floor to the rooftop, circling around the courtyard like a spring. Lining the path are around 70 shops, including small workshops slightly over 10 square meters. Of particular interest are 12 shops on the first floor which are original workshops from Insa-dong even before Ssamzie-gil was opened. * Display-window of a craft workshop in Ssamzie-gil* The Ssamzie-gil courtyard* The unique interior design of a handicraft shop* An interesting sign for Ssamzie-gil Ssamzie-gil, an enjoyable crafts village The first floor features designer art shops and restaurants based around a central courtyard, offering an opportunity to envisage a Korean traditional market. * The central courtyard* The Art Sense The second floor houses various traditional handicraft shops, which range from master craftsmen designated Intangible Cultural Properties of Seoul, to work by college students with distinctive ideas. Featured shops include Chalcak, a sticker- studio, and Pattern Craftshop that deals in orgel (a music box) made with traditional Korean colors. * A studio, Chalcak* Pattern Craftshop* Pattern Craftshop* Pattern Craftshop The third floor features fashion clothing and accessories. In particular, the Art Sense is Korea’s one and only fan shop exclusively producing and selling fans. However, the shops do not only deal in traditional Korean handicrafts. Sonagi Optician’s offers glasses with distinctive designs, and Shin Yeongmi Artgal sells scarves and neckties with Eastern and Western traditional patterns designed in beautiful colors. * Sonagi Optician’s* Shin Yeongmi Artgal The fourth floor features places to relax, such as Galpi, a book café and Sky Garden, and Gallery Sum, a crafts exhibition hall. In the basement, there is an experiential workshop, restaurants and Gallery Bob, which holds temporary and solo exhibitions. * Galpi* Galpi* Sky Garden* Gallery Bob The staircase at one side of the building features a huge rose stem which is set in the stairwell and climbs skywards from the basement to the rooftop. Above this, various interior items are placed all over Ssamzie-gil, offering pleasurable sights. * Cute murals* Artificial lotus flowers adorn the ceiling* Cute murals* A huge rose stem set in the stairwell Ssamzie-gil Experiential Workshop program Various experiential workshop programs for overseas visitors, such as hanji (traditional Korean paper) and mother-of-pearl craft, are provided in the basement. A group experience program for foreigners is available, and a guide service in English and Japanese is provided. * Experiential Workshop* A view of Insa-dong Street Ssamzie-gil is situated in Insa-dong, Seoul’s iconic street for traditional culture, featuring a wide range of shops and cultural venues, such as traditional tea houses, antique shops, art galleries and craft workshops, and alleys lined with traditional restaurants. Nowadays, traditional workshops and galleries, such as Gana Art Space, Kyungin Museum of Fine Art, Mokin Museum and Beatiful Tea Museum, stand in harmony with each other.Ssamzie-gil | About Opened in Insa-dong in 2004, Ssamzie-gil is a new traditional culture and shopping complex. An iconic Korean street, Insa-dong is famous as the most traditional street, lined with a large number of antique shops and folk art galleries. Ssamzie-gil is a place that continues the traditions of Insa-dong while complementing it with modern convenient facilities. For instance, Ssamzie-gil’s footpaths run alongside the shops like a spring around a courtyard, reminiscent of an alleyway in Insa-dong. Meanwhile its book cafés, galleries and traditional experiences help create a cultural complex. Hours of Operation open 10am ~ close 8:30pm Holiday Closed on New Year’s Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) Holidays