Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic village dating back almost 600 years to the Joseon Dynasty which features hanok or Korean traditional houses. Bukchon means “northern village.” The quaint residential village lies in a hilly neighborhood north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and between two royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace.
A hanok is an traditional wooden house that were at a time found all over Korea. Over time, the old style buildings have been replaced by newer concrete structures. Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the only places in the country where the traditional history of Korea can be found.
During the Joseon Dynasty, royal families, aristocrats, wealthy citizens, and government officials lived in many of the hanok residences in the village.
In the 1960s, the area was set for renovation, which would have meant the destruction or relocation of many of the hanok buildings.
Thankfully, locals who beloved the area protested the areas renovation. The area was spared by the government. While many other areas in Seoul are packed with high rises and new construction, the Bukchon Hanok Village has stayed surprisingly untouched with mostly low rise buildings.
There are about 900 hanok buildings in the area today, many which have been restored to their former glory using traditional designs and materials.
Today, Bukchon Hanok Village is a fascinating collection of restaurants, tea houses, cultural centers and more providing visitors with a rich Korean traditional culture experience.
There are also a wide variety of interesting museums and cultural centers located in the area including the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center, Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, Donglim Knot Museum, Gahoe Museum, Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum, Bukchon Asian Art Museum, and Owl Museum.
Those who want to reach the Bukchon Hanok Village by foot can leaven Anguk Station and walk north for about 10 minutes.
Table of Contents
8 Bukchon Views
View 1: Panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace
View 2: Wonseo-dong Gongbang-gil
View 3: 11 Gahoe-dong area
View 4: Hillside area at 31 Gahoe-dong
View 5: Downward alley in Gahoe-dong
View 6: Upward alley in Gahoe-dong
View 7: 31 Gahoe-dong
View 8: Stone steps in Samcheong-dong
Hanok Guest Houses
Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the best places in Seoul to experience staying overnight in a traditional wooden hanok house. Many of the hanok in the area have been converted into guest houses. These guest houses provide locals and tourists with a unique traditional experience found nowhere else.
Anguk Guesthouse
This charming wooden guesthouse features single, double, twin, and family rooms. Rooms have private toilets and no televisions. Breakfast is not included.
Rates: 50,000-65,000 (single), 60,000-78-000 (double), 70,000-91,000 (twin), 200,000 (family)
Address: 72-3 Anguk-Dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
Bukchon Guest House
Room amenities include TV, Wifi, air conditioner, hair dryer. Other amenities computer, refrigerator, water, iron, washing machine. Includes Korean style breakfast.
Rates: 50,000 (single), 70,000-80,000 (twin), 90,000-100,000 (double), 120,000-130,000 (triple)
Address: 72 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tea GuestHouse
Room amenities include private shower, toilet, heater, air conditioning, tv, computer, and wifi. Other amenities free breakfast, include traditional Korean tea and mineral water, refrigerator, and microwave.
Rates: 70,000 (single), 80,000-100,000 (double), 100,000-120,000 (deluxe double), 150,000 (family room
Address: 131-1 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
Bukchon Hanok Village Hours
The area is open 24 hours a day but please be quiet and respectful of residents living in the area.
Admission
FreeHow to get to Bukchon Hanok Village
Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 2).
After exiting, continue straight for about 300 meters.
Map
Additional Resources
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Last Updated on May 25, 2024