Ssamzigil Insa-dong 2026: Seoul's Spiral Craft Market

Ssamzigil in Insa-dong

Top Things to Do in Jongno

It had been a while since my last visit to Ssamzigil in Insa-dong 🇰🇷

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While it might not be an everyday stop,

checking it out every once in a while reminds me why it's one of the best things to do in Jongno.

The mix of sights, activities, and vibrant energy always makes for a great day out.

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Before heading straight to Insa-dong,

I took a quick detour to explore the cafes in nearby Ikseon-dong.

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If you're exploring the Jongno area and love wandering through quaint alleyways filled with uniquely themed cafes, Ikseon-dong is an excellent starting point for your itinerary!

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1. Essential Ssamzigil Visitor Info

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📍 Visitor Information

• Location: 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• Hours: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM

(Closed only on Seollal and Chuseok holidays)

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Returning to Insa-dong felt like catching up with an old friend.

While the crowds might ebb and flow compared to years past, the street still retains

its welcoming, artistic charm.

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✅ And here we are at Ssamzigil—where the paths meet!

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2. Exploring Ssamzigil: The Spiral Architecture

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If you visit on a weekend, expect a bustling crowd.

But here's the genius of Ssamzigil's design: its open-air, spiral architectural structure

means it never feels claustrophobic, just delightfully vibrant.

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From the ground floor all the way up to the 4th-floor rooftop garden, there are no stairs in the main walkways!

It’s one continuous, gentle ramp, making it incredibly accessible and perfect for a slow, leisurely stroll as you window-shop.

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3. Ground Floor Fun & Games

Ssamzigil Insa-dong - Top things to do in Jongno

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The first floor is usually buzzing with pop-up events and activities.

It’s a fantastic spot if you're traveling with kids or family, as there are always interactive things to participate in.

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You can try your hand at the famous Dalgona (honeycomb candy) challenge, or grab a treat from the Turkish ice cream vendors

(getting playfully tricked by them is practically a rite of passage, haha).

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You'll also spot cute seasonal decorations scattered around, like the large "Ssam" (쌈)

characters adorned with New Year blessings.

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I even captured a quick video of the lively atmosphere! :)

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4. A Hub for Artisan Crafts

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At first glance, I thought these were real flowers, but they're actually handcrafted accessories.

Look at these colorful, knitted blooms! 🌸🌸

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As you wind your way up to the higher floors,

you'll discover the true identity of Insa-dong. The complex is packed with designer shops and artist workshops that offer a modern twist on traditional Korean crafts.

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What makes this place truly special is that almost everything here is handmade

rather than mass-produced. It's the ultimate spot for picking up unique, high-quality souvenirs.

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5. Rooftop Views & Basement Workshops

Ssamzigil Insa-dong - Top things to do in Jongno

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Browsing through the shops naturally led me all the way to the top floor.

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The view looking down into the courtyard of Ssamzigil is pretty iconic.

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I suggested a spontaneous pose for an obligatory proof-shot,

and I'm actually quite happy with how it turned out! ୧ʕ•̀ᴥ•́ʔ୨

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After wrapping up here, we found a fantastic local Gopchang (grilled beef intestines) spot for dinner nearby and headed back into

the heart of Insa-dong.

Pro Tip: Don't miss the "Ssamzigil Workshops" in the basement! They offer incredible one-day classes where you can try metalworking, leathercrafting, and ceramics. I highly recommend it for a unique date idea or a hands-on activity with the kids.

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📍 Ssamzigil
44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

That wraps up my 2026 guide to Ssamzigil in Insa-dong! Happy exploring! :)