Insadong is a cultural district that gives off a very rustic and old-school vibe. Located within the Jogno-gu district, it is popular among tourists as it is a walking distance to other tourist attractions such as Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gyeongbokgung Palace. In fact, you can head over to Insadong first to rent a set of hanbok so that you can role-play as court lady back in Joseon Dynasty as you tour around the compound of the palace. You also earn a free entry to any of the palaces if you wear hanbok. After you’re done visiting the palace and head back to return the hanbok, you can continue to explore Insadong.
The traditional ambience makes it good for an afternoon stroll. On weekend, the main street is closed from traffic (2pm to 10pm on Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sunday). The main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to twisting alleys on both side, so don’t forget to explore those alleys too! Within these narrow alleys are hanbok galleries, traditional restaurants, tea houses, and cafes. Insadong is also a great place to do all your traditional souvenir shopping – metal chopsticks, magnets, hanbok, colourful table cloth and brightly coloured korean gift bag!
To take a break and rest from all the walking, I recommend 47 Avenue Tea House.
It is located at the alley on the right, a few minutes walk away from Exit 6 of Anguk Station. Look out for its stand at one of the junction- you won’t miss it!
walking into the tea house, you will feel like you have been transported back to the past as the tea house is located in a hanok (korean traditional house). It has traditional, rustic background and lush greenery, which let you up your Instagram game 😉
The serenity of the place definitely makes it a good place to sit back, relax and enjoy an afternoon snack.
Sneak peek of tea and snacks available
Customers have the choice to for modern setting of chairs and table or traditional setting of sitting on the floor. As the floor was heated and it was a cold winter, we opted to sit on the floor. It was soooooo warm. And also because it seems apt to enjoy traditional tea in a hanok whilst seating on the floor.
The interior is really pretty, isn’t it?
Even the toilet is pretty with dressing table!
I was taken aback not just by the interior design and deco of the tea house, but by this row of huge glass jars too! The tea served here are homemade and prepared in-house at the tea house itself.
Once we got our table, we were ready to order. Lets take a look at the menu!
We had 1 of set meal 1 as we wanted to try yakgwa, Korean traditional honey cookie. We also ordered 2 additional glasses of tea and the rice cake.
The drinks for the set meal were served in a really huge cup! And the 2 additional teas were served in a bowl.
The cup is almost as big as my face!
We also heard the traditional tea served have health benefit. The warm tea also feels so good on a cold, winter.
My family took our time with the snack, laze around looking out of the window and just taking in the tranquility and enjoying the moment 🙂
The 47 Avenue traditional tea house is definitely a cosy place for a short respite and I recommend to anyone visiting Insadong to try this experience.
I’m also putting up maps for some of the places listed in the table.
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