Of all the parts of Seoul that we frequent, we visit Insadong the most. Maybe it is the street performances by shaman priests, or the eclectic shops that line this arts district, but we always find ourselves returning to the area. Insadong has many blog-worthy aspects, but for this post we will focus on one of the funnier things you might see walking down the street. WARNING: This post contains items shaped like the letter “J.”

insadong

Near many of Seoul’s historic palaces and hanok houses lies what many consider to be the arts capital of the city, Insadong. One of the most vibrate and heavily trafficked areas of this neighborhood is rife with shopping, artisans, and oddities. Insadong is one of our favorites places to not only find traditional souvenirs and high end art, but it is a spectacular place for people watching and hunting for strange and unique things. Some of the most interesting and confusing street foods often debut in Insadong such as this awkward idea for an ice cream cone redesign.

Literally none of this cone’s design makes sense to us. Long, flesh toned, and slightly ribbed… Watching people try to eat this treat dumbfounds us every time we see it. It eventually became necessary to try one ourselves. We have taken covert pictures of people eating their inappropriate treats numerous times, so it was our turn. For scientific purposes, of course.

korean icecream

The ice cream is similar to soft-serve back home, and people call the cone a “puff cone.” The crunchy cone is almost like the puffed corn in breakfast cereals. We can’t even begin to ponder the reason for the shape, though. After you purchase the cone, an ice cream technician uses a pump to fill the cone from both ends with a small amount protruding from each opening, then you’re ready to humbly go about your day.

korean icecream

The line wasn’t too long on our last visit, so we bought one and made this video. We hope you enjoy it and the next time you’re in Insadong you should give it a try, too!

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