Outdoor Caricatures at Insadong Ssamziegil: An Autumn Studio Journal
From our September 19, 2026 studio journal. After the hot summer, cooler mornings and evenings made it easier to enjoy a slow walk through Insadong and Ssamziegil. Around that time, Beautiful Caricature Insadong reopened its outdoor pop-up on Ssamziegil's first floor.
We usually welcome visitors at the second-floor store. On days with pleasant weather, drawing outside has a different charm. People stop to watch the artist, look at completed portraits and ask, “Can you draw us right here?” Some then sit down for their own picture.
A little portrait break in the autumn breeze
At the outdoor pop-up, the atmosphere of Insadong becomes part of the experience. Watch the people passing through Ssamziegil, enjoy the breeze and take a short break for a drawing. Solo travellers, couples on dates and families with children all stopped by.
Passers-by sometimes gather to watch the artist at work. When the finished portrait is revealed, even the people watching nearby join in the laughter. That lively, shared moment is a special part of drawing outdoors.
An unplanned stop can become a favourite memory
Not everyone arrives with a caricature on their itinerary. Many discover the pictures while exploring Ssamziegil and say, “Shall we try it too?” A drawing made on a whim can later bring back the whole day. In the original journal, a portrait was described as taking around five minutes per person. The anticipation while waiting to see the result is part of the fun.
Couples leave with a picture of the two of them, families smile over their children's portraits and friends enjoy comparing their drawings. They came to Insadong for different reasons, but they all take home a picture of the people who shared the day with them. A hand-drawn portrait has its own way of bringing back that atmosphere later.
People who cannot join you can be in the picture too
You can show us a photo on your phone of a family member, partner or friend who could not come along. A favourite photograph can become a drawing, or a thoughtful gift. The artwork can also be made into items such as keychains, phone grips, mugs and tumblers.
As summer gives way to autumn, it is lovely to wander through Insadong's alleys. If you spot us drawing at Ssamziegil, feel free to stop and have a look. An unexpected portrait may become the keepsake that helps you remember this autumn in Seoul. Outdoor operation depends on the store's schedule and conditions; check before making a special trip for the pop-up.
Visit Beautiful Caricature
- Beautiful Caricature, Ssamziegil entrance, second floor, 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (인사동길 44 쌈지길 입구 2층).
- Access: approximately 3–5 minutes on foot from Anguk Station, Exit 6.
- Hours listed in the original articles: 10:30–20:30; closed on Seollal and Chuseok day. Confirm current opening hours and any outdoor pop-up schedule before visiting.
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