Let's Go on a Visit

The Beauty and Harmony of Ssamziegil Street

As you know, Insa-dong in Seoul is one of the places where Korean culture has been protected well. There are old buildings, numerous stores, and an antique auction is held on the 15th of every month. Many foreigners visit to see and experience Korean traditions and culture.

In December 2004, Insa-dong entered a new phase with the opening of a new 500 meter-long street called Ssamziegil Street. The "street" is actually a distinct building that consists of sloping alleys rather than floors. That is, you can go up from the first floor to the top level sky garden without stairs. More than 70 unique shops can be found mingled together along the sloping spiral ramp. Because all the shops have unique products, it is a hard place to resist.
Ssamziegil Street was designed to show Korea's culture with harmony between the traditional and the new. Since it opened, it has become a popular tourist attraction known as the "New Insa-dong within Insa-dong."

Since shops are not situated on distinct floors, each shop's location is expressed as being on either the Basement Alley, the Ground Level Alley, the Second Level Alley, the Third Level Alley, or the Fourth Level Alley. Shops on each alley all sell similar products. Kitchen products and paintings by young rising Korean artists are located in the basement's gallery hall. You can see artworks and visit SSAMZIE Art Mart on the ground level located in front of the main gate every weekend. There are souvenir stores that are popular with tourists on the second level as well as stores selling modern products. These mode products contrast with the third level's traditional products. In addition, if you want to buy something, you can negotiate the price with the owners directly. Lastly, you can visit a traditional restaurant with views of Mt. Bukhan and Mt. Nam on the fourth level and eat Korean-style food.


Stores owners think that the most traditional things are the most international things, and produce their products with this in mind with pride. Ssamziegil Street is becoming a famous multi-cultural place in Insa-dong from its several displays, performances and events. I strongly recommend Ssamziegil Street to people who want to see the amazing beauty and harmony between the traditional and the new. Admission is free. If you want more information, you can visit the web site: www.ssamziegil.co.kr.