Bukchon Hanok Village is a quaint area of Seoul with narrow streets lined with traditional Korean houses – or “Hanoks.” Reflecting the traditional building styles of the Joseon Dynasty, this tourist attraction is a celebration of Korean culture and attracts 10,000 visitors every day.
Bukchon Hanok Village
There are multiple traditional villages in Seoul. What makes Bukchon Hanok Village unique, is that it’s a fully functioning residential area – unlike other similar locations that are staged to look residential, but are purely tourist attractions. These particular homes were once used to house the ultra-wealthy in the Joseon Dynasty – including nobles and royalty. As a residential area, there are signs throughout the village reminding guests to be respectful of the residents.
The buildings on their own are incredible – and the village’s location offers a cool contrast between traditional and modern architecture. Although as you get further into the village, it’s hard to believe you haven’t been transported to a different time period. The houses are well-kept and have preserved all of their traditional charm.
Located right at the entrance of Bukchon Hanok Village are multiple Hanbok rental boutiques – and we saw multiple people walking around in Hanboks. Since we had just rented Hanboks earlier that day to wear around Gyeongbukgong Palace, we passed on the chance to rent them again – although if we ever make it back we might just take the opportunity.
In addition to being a fun visit to celebrate Korean culture, Bukchon Hanok Village is also an amazing place for family pictures. Our friend at Missy Moore Photography has done some incredible work photographing families and couples within the traditional village. And if those pictures don’t just scream “Korea” then I don’t know what would!
We visited the Hanok Village after a very long day of running around Seoul. The kids were exhausted and ready to head back to the hotel, and honestly so was I. If we make it back up to the village, we’ll arrive first thing in the morning – to take in the sunrise and spend those calm early-morning hours in the peaceful village. Still, regardless of what time you visit, it’s worth checking out the next time you’re in Seoul.
’til next time…
Ash
Tips for visiting Bukchon Hanok Village
Directions: Paste 서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 into Naver and it will take you to the Bukchon Hanok Village. Before we arrived, I thought there would be an official entrance to the village, but there isn’t really. You turn down a street and start up a hill and, before you know it, you’re surrounded by the traditional buildings and fully emersed in the Joseon Dynasty. I recommend parking and taking public transportation to the village. Or, if you prefer to drive all the way in, there are a few parking garages near the village that accept AMEX credit cards.
Cost: FREE
Amenities: There are restaurants, cafés, clothing shops, and gift shops as you are entering and exiting the village. We also saw a sign for a public restroom close to the entrance of the village, but were unsuccessful in actually locating it.
