CONTINUED... Many of the buildings are art galleries. During the 50's and 60's, Insadong served as Seoul's Place du Tetre, or Seoul' s Centre des Arts. Although artists and their art frequented Insadong, there was still no real venue where their art could be exhibited. This was remedied through the Hongik University's very prestigious art school, moving nearby. The erection on the well known Dongdeok Gallery in 1970 served to cement Insadong's destiny as Seoul's Art Centre. There are now 64 exhibition centres in Insadong.

Bits and Bobs, Arts and Crafts are liberally peppered all over Insadong.

I heard from friends that Insadong was home to a small teahouse, where birds flew freely overhead as one enjoyed their tea. afterwalking in the street leisurely for over an hour, a nice piping hot cup of 'Rosie Lee' seemed just the thing. Down a wayside alley we saw two or three traditional style teahouse. One called 'The Old Tea Shop' had an old stone fountain near it's entrance and a tiny doorway that showed adobe surrounds and thatched awning modestly. We ascended its tiny and very creaky staircase and entered the teashop that was perched quietly above the alley. On entering we were taken back in time, ambiance eminated from every corner of the small chajib. The light was dim, the decor illdefined, cluttered and yet traditional, their were antiques on every shelf, and even the customers contributed to the overall ambiance, calmly and quietly chatting in small intimate groups. We ordered Plum tea, which was served with small sweet rice cakes and pinenuts. While talking and looking around, drinking our delicious tea, we saw birds, all congregated around the only window, that was littered with assorted perches looking out on a traditionall korean tiled roof. The birds, most of which were pure white finches, then began to darted around the teahouse, flying from the window to the doorpost an dthen back to the window again.

A view of a window to a traditional style Chajib or Teahouse.

When we left the teahouse, it was late afternoon and the sun was quickly descending behind Namsan, bathing Insadong in an intense dusky hue. the crowd that had been their earlier was now largely disbanded, save a view that were visable behind the windows of restaurants and chajib at Insadong's northern end. We walked to the top of the street, and entered Anguk subway station. It was time to leave. I knew that I would visit again, even for just a stroll and another cup of plum tea.

A woman stands under a large calligraphy brush.

Insadong Crafts offer a veriatble visual feast.

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