Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village 북촌한옥마을, a historic village in Seoul where you can admire traditional Korean architecture, shop, and cafe hop. Bukchon Village is so cute, I've visited on every one of my 10 trips to Seoul!
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One of my favorite things to do in Seoul, South Korea, is wander around the historic districts of Insadong, Ikseondong, and Bukchon-dong 북촌한옥마을.
The 3 cultural centers are located very close to each other, near Gyeongbok Palace, and all are worth visiting, as they all have a slightly different character. (Click the respective links to see photos and find out more about each place.)
If you're traveling with seniors with mobility issues, note that Insa-dong is pedestrianized on certain days (i.e. your car/ taxi will not be able to drive in to pick you up, and you may have to walk a distance to get to the vehicle.)
Today, we'll be exploring the traditional village, Bukchon, which translates to Northern Village. It's a residential neighborhood which dates back over 600 years to the Joseon Dynasty. During that time, the Korean aristocracy and nobility lived there.
Today, it has turned into a tourist attraction visited by tons of people thanks to its beautiful small alleyways where you can find many traditional houses (hanok- over 900!)
Whilst the area immediately outside Bukchon is very modern, and the main street has a lot of cosmopolitan cafes and tea houses, the tiny side streets with the traditional Korean homes are so quaint, you'll feel like you've gone back in time.
Since it's a residential area, there's free entry, but please so respect the residents' privacy and keep the noise levels down.
Bukchon is so close to Gyeongbokgung, you can take a guided tour of both areas. It's pretty easy to walk around Seoul, so you don't have to pay for a guide, but it's worth it if you want to find out more about Korean culture and history.
Top Attractions
- Bukchon Traditional Culture Center: Open 7 days a week, Bukchon Cultural center is located in a hanok, and is a good place to start your visit, if it's your first time here. There's usually a volunteer who can answer you questions and you can also get a free map of the area. (Handy, since Google doesn't work!) PLUS there are restrooms inside! From time to time, they hold events such as lessons, workshops, and concerts too! It's located at 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. To get there, take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and leave by Exit No. 3. Walk for around 5 minutes, towards Gye- dong, and it will be on your left. (Free entrance)
- Gyedong-gil: To get the most out of your time in Bukchon, you have to not be afraid of getting lost! (If you are, consider booking a tour of Bukchon.) However, some streets have more to see than others, such as Gyedong-gil. This long street runs from the top to the bottom of Bukchon village, and is lined with shops and cafes.
- Bukchon-ro 11 ga-gil: Located at the top of the village, this is where you can get the view of all the rooftops of the traditional Korean houses. (Great spot for a photo if not too crowded.) It's one of the most famous streets in the area
- Bukchon-ro: One of the most popular things to do in Seoul is cafe hop, and you can find 2 of the most famous Seoul cafes around here: Layered and Anguk 153.
- Gahoe-dong Hanok Gallery: Gahoe Museum (가회민화박물관) showcases Korean folk art, and has an impressive collection of over 2,000 folk paintings and craftworks. You can even take folk painting lessons at the museum! (Entry fee)
- Simsimheon: Translating into "house where the heart is found," Simsimheon is a modern hanok constructed without a single nail. (The wooden pieces were fitted together like a big wooden jigsaw puzzle!) You get a beautiful view out of all the windows: from the pine tree in the yard, to the cityscape with Namsan behind it. (Entry Fee.)
- Songwon Art Center (송원아트센타): one of the newer art places in Seoul (dating to 2006), this is where you can spot up-and-coming new artists
- Dong-lim Knot Museum
Changdeokgung Palace/ Changdeok Palace: While not directly in the traditional Korean village, this nearby UNESCO World Heritage site is a worth visiting for its historical significance and stunning gardens and palace grounds. However, if you've already been to Gyeongbokgung and only have a few days in Seoul, 2 palaces may feel like too much.
Best Things to Do
- To really get into the spirit of historical Korean dramas, you can rent some traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) to take photos as you explore the area. To get the best shots of yourself in this historic area, you can even hire a photographer!
- If you're not a great walker, why not hire a pedicab to tour Bukchon? This is like a modern trishaw- the person in front rides a bike, instead of running- where someone does the hard work of cycling and you just sit at the back and enjoy!
- Learn to make Kimchi at the Kimchi Academy, which is housed in a traditional Korean wooden house. They offer 2 types of classes: regular and professional. (I took the latter- it's definitely not a professional course, but you get to make rarer types of kimchi, such as Oyster Kimchi. Click for a full review.)
- Take part in a traditional tea ceremony or visit a traditional tea house
The best souvenirs are handmade! Bukchon is quite the craft center, so why not take a craft class and make your own Korean handicraft items? You can make a stone magnet, create a pice of traditional Korean mother of pearl lacquerware...
Where to Eat
- One of my favorite restaurants is actually right outside Bukchon-dong, and not inside the village. It's a Korean restaurant which still makes its own tofu for its soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew.)
- O Sulloc Tea House (오설록 티하우스 북촌점): this is a bit like a Korean Starbucks in my opinion (it has several branches.) It does give you a great view of the hanoks though!
- London Bagel Museum 런던베이글뮤지엄 SEOUL: I'm on the fence about this place but since it was recommended by the hanok hotel in Bukchon, I thought I'd include it in the list. There's usually a long queue! The interiors are cute and rustic, and there's a wiiiide variety of bagels, but it's not worth a 2 hour wait to me! (If you really want to try it, they have other outlets in Seoul.)
Where to Stay
Bukchon is the perfect place to stay in a traditional Korean house.
There are a number of hanok hotels in the area. However, if you're traveling with a senior, note that the traditional Korean way is to sleep on the floor, so make sure he or she is fit and flexible enough to get up!
Top Tips for Visiting
- Visit early in the early morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds: you'll also get much better light which translates into more picturesque photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes. If you have large feet, please bring a spare pair as it's almost impossible to get Women's shoes in larger sizes in Korea. (You can try ABC Mart in Myeong Dong.)
- Carry a map or download the Naver or Kakao map app: the winding alleys of Bukchon-dong can be a bit of a maze, but discovering hidden gems in these alleys is part of the fun of a walking tour in Seoul.
- Always have cash on hand as some of the smaller, traditional shops or eateries may not accept credit cards.
- Ask for permission before photographing residents or their properties. This gesture of respect goes a long way.
- Be mindful of your surroundings, ensuring you don't obstruct pathways or impede on private spaces. (And remember to keep the noise level down.) Bukchon-dong isn't just a historical landmark; it's home to many.
- Venture into the side streets: some of the best things are hidden there and you'll get much better photos away from the crowds!
- Bukchon got its name "Northern Village" because it's North of Cheonggyecheon Stream, which is a lovely place to take a walk. (see below.) When you've finished exploring Bukchon, you may want to head there for a wander.
Getting There
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동) | 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
If you're taking the subway, stop at Anguk Station (Seoul subway line 3, exit 2- this is the same station for Insa-dong) and walk for 10 minutes. If not, you can take a cab (relatively inexpensive in Korea.)
Don't forget to print out the Korean name and address to show the cab driver or in case you need to ask for directions!
Any questions about visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul? Let me know in the comments!
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