Seoul(Jongno-gu)
, Insadong・Jongnon
Located at the Jongno-bound entrance of the Insa-dong main street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Insa Gallery specializes in Korean traditional mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts. Popularly known as “Najeonchilgi” in Korean, the term, which refers to mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts, is shared in Korea, Japan, and China through Chinese characters. Various decorative items are embellished with mother-of-pearls and lacquered in various colors and glazes. Insa Gallery sells all kinds of mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts, including jewelry boxes, picture frames, plates, name card cases, hand mirrors, key chains, and other portable accessories. The products on sale range from traditional motifs to modern designs, such as wine stand. The store also carries specialized Korean tourism products that make for great gifts or collector’s items.
Located on the first floor of Daeil Building, Insa Gallery is part of the shopping mall “Insa Korea,” which houses a number of stores specializing in traditional products. Thus, when locating Insa Gallery, visitors might find the address alone confusing. First, enter the shopping mall and look straight ahead toward the end of the central hallway, and you will find the store filled with glittering mother-of-pearl lacquer products.