Bukchon Hanok Village stands out as one of Seoul’s premier destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into Korea’s rich traditional charm.
This village has been a place where the noble class resided for 600 years, and even today, actual residents live there, preserving the hanok village. Bukchon Hanok Village holds significant historical assets, and its charming streets with beautiful hanok make it a captivating tourist destination.
On This Post
- General Information
- Things to Do in Bukchon Hanok Village
- Where to Eat in Bukchon Hanok Village
- How Long Does It Take to Walk Bukchon Hanok Village?
- Map of Bukchon Hanok Village
- History of Bukchon Hanok Village
- Bukchon Hanok Village in Kdramas and Korean movies
- Attractions Nearby
Information about Bukchon Hanok Village
1. Address and Map of Bukchon Hanok Village
37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. How to Get to Bukchon Hanok Village
Take Subway line 3 and get off at Anguk Station (안국/328). Take exit 2 and walk northbound.
3. Admission (Entrance Fee)
Free
4. Bukchon Hanok Village Hours
- Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 17:00
- Sun: Closed
5. Contact
- Phone: +82-2-2148-4161
6. What is the Korean name of Bukchon Hanok Village?
Bukchon Hanok Maeul (북촌한옥마을) is what Koreans call this authentic village. ‘Bukchon’ means ‘north town,’ reflecting its location north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno area. ‘Hanok’ refers to traditional Korean houses, and ‘Maeul’ means a village.
7. Respect Residential Areas
Remember that this village is a residential area. Be mindful of noise and respect residents’ privacy.
Things To Do in Bukchon Hanok Village
1. Take pictures, pictures, and pictures
Bukchon Hanok Village is the ideal spot to capture the essence of Korean culture in your photographs. Take selfies with beautiful hanok as your backdrop. Or, climb elevated points for panoramic views of the traditional rooftops against the modern city backdrop.
*THE Photo Spot in Bukchon Hanok Village
The photo spot of the two pictures above is probably the most famous and popular location in the area. The address for the location is “53 Bukchon-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.” You can Google-map it.
One thing you need to keep in mind is, though, the place can be very, I mean, very crowded (see above.) You can also simply find your own spot, take amazing pictures, and make great memories.
2. Explore the Alleys of Hanok
Wander through alleys and explore well-preserved traditional Korean houses. Let yourself get lost through alleys to discover the charm of traditional Korean architecture.
3. Wear Hanbok
Rent a Hanbok, traditional Korean attire, for a cultural experience and take photos. It’s easy to find Hanbok rentals in the area.
Don’t forget that you can enter nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace for free when you wear hanbok.
4. Enjoy Tea in Traditional Teahouses
In Bukchon Hanok Village, teahouse experiences offer a tranquil journey into Korean culture. Set within traditional hanok houses (or a sleek modern building with a beautiful garden), teahouses provide a serene escape with wooden architecture and picturesque views. Visitors enjoy traditional Korean tea, served with delicate snacks, in a calming ambiance.
Here are a few teahouses in Bukchon Hanok Village:
- Chamasineun Teul (차마시는 뜰)
- Osulloc (오설록) Teahouse in Bukchon
- Hangyeongheon (한경헌)
- Gallery The Square (갤러리 더 스퀘어)
- The Hanok Bukchon (더한옥 북촌)
5. Visit Cultural Centers
Explore cultural centers showcasing history, traditional crafts, art, and workshops. You can visit several cultural facilities in Bukchon Hanok Village including
- Bukchon Hanok Center for History (북촌한옥역사관): 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Mondays) Instagram
- Bukchon Traditional Crafts Center (북촌전통공예체험관): 10:00-18:00 (Mar.-Nov.) / 10:00-17:00 (Dec.-Feb.) website
- Bukchon Traditional Culture Center (북촌문화센터): 9:00 – 18:00 (Weekdays) / 9:00 – 17:00 (Weekends) website
6. Explore Traditional Hanok Houses
You can visit a couple of well-preserved historical Korean houses.
- Baek In-je House (백인제가옥): 9:00-18:00 (Closed Mondays) Baek In-je House is considered to be highly valuable in means of both architecture and history. The original owner Baek In-je is the founder of Baek Hospital, one of the major hospital systems in South Korea.
- Baeryeom House (배렴가옥): 10:00-18:00 (Closed Mondays, Sundays, and holidays) Baeryeom House is the hanok where the Korean painter Master Baeryeom resided and is currently operated as a public hanok in Seoul.
7. Shopping Never Gets Boring
Throughout the alleys, you will find numerous retail stores from renowned K-beauty shops like Sulhwasoo to small mom-and-pops.
Where To Eat in Bukchon Hanok Village
This popular area is full of restaurants, food kiosks, and snack bars from Korean cuisine, for sure, to the hottest trendy bagel shop.
Here is a list of a few restaurants in Bukchon Hanok Village you may want to try:
1. Miryang Sonmandu (밀양손만두)
Manduguk (dumpling soup) and dumplings are selling fast here. FYI, this is not the same restaurant as “Bukchon Sonmandu.” This place was featured in a popular Korean TV show, “I Live Alone.”
2. Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang (백년토종삼계탕)
Samgyetang is a Korean chicken soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube, garlic, and ginger. The restaurant is in the Michelin Guide.
3. Myeongpum Samcheongdong Tteokbokki (명품 삼청동 떡볶이)
This is how you enjoy Korean street food. Please note that there is no seating available.
4. London Bagel Museum
Okay, this might sound unusual, but one of the hottest restaurants in this historical area is the London Bagel Museum. It’s a Korean restaurant with four locations in South Korea. Be prepared for a long line.
5. A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃밥에 피다 /kkotbabe pida/)
The Michelin Guide-selected restaurant pursues being eco-friendly. You can find menus for vegans here as well.
6. Kkangtong Mandu (깡통만두)
Another popular spot for dumpling soup, dumplings, and jeon (Korean pizza).
How Long Does It Take To Walk Bukchon Hanok Village?
The duration of a tour in Bukchon Hanok Village can vary based on your preferences and interests. On average, visitors often spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the traditional hanok houses, enjoying cultural experiences, and taking in the scenic surroundings.
However, the time can vary on the level of exploration, photography, meals, cafe-hopping, and participation in any cultural activities.
Map of Bukchon Hanok Village
Download the map of Bukchon Hanok Village provided by Seoul Hanok Portal. The map is in English.
History of Bukchon Hanok Village
The history of the place dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from the late 14th century to the late 19th century.
1. Joseon Dynasty Era (1392–1897)
The village was established during the Joseon Dynasty as a residential area for high-ranking officials and nobility. The hanoks were constructed using wooden frames, clay walls, and tiled roofs. The layout of the village reflects the Confucian principles of the time, emphasizing hierarchy and order.
2. Japanese Occupation (1910–1945)
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, many changes occurred in urban planning and architecture.
The first modern real estate developer in Korea, Jung Se-gwon, is the reason the current Bukchon Hanok Village exists. At that time, there were many houses in Bukchon offered by influential figures due to the challenges brought about by the Japanese invasion. Jung Se-gwon, aiming to preserve the area for Koreans, ventured into private housing construction projects with Korean construction companies.
By dividing the large lands and lots owned by influential figures and yangban (nobility) into numerous small-scale hanoks, he secured residential areas for Koreans and prevented the loss of their unique housing style.
3. Post-Korean War Period
After the Korean War (1950–1953), Seoul underwent rapid modernization, and many traditional neighborhoods were replaced by modern buildings. However, Bukchon largely retained its historical charm due to its preservation efforts.
4. Preservation and Restoration (2000s Onward)
In the early 2000s, there was a renewed interest in preserving and restoring historical sites, including hanoks. The government, along with local organizations, initiated projects to maintain the cultural heritage of Bukchon. Many hanoks were renovated, and the area became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Today, this destination stands as a living museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Korean architecture and culture within the bustling metropolis of Seoul. The village is a harmonious blend of history, art, and modern urban life.
Bukchon Hanok Village in Kdramas and Korean movies
Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul has been a popular filming location for various Korean dramas and movies. Here is a list of K-dramas and Korean movies filmed in the village:
- True Beauty (여신강림)
- Our Beloved Summer (그 해 우리는)
- Lovestruck in the City (도시남녀의 사랑법)
- Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (도깨비)
- You Are the Best! (최고다 이순신)
- Nine (나인: 아홉 번의 시간여행)
- Twinkle Twinkle (반짝반짝 빛나는)
- A Thousand Day’s Promise (천일의 약속)
- I Need Romance (로맨스가 필요해)
- Personal Taste (개인의 취향)
- High Kick Through the Roof (지붕뚫고 하이킥)
- Winter Sonata (겨울연가)
- XO, Kitty (American Drama Series)
- The Handmaiden (아가씨)
- Assassination (암살)
Attractions Nearby
Bukchon Hanok Village is conveniently located for easy access to several nearby attractions. First, let’s take a look at some points you may miss in the village.
Neungseong Wi Palace Site (능성위궁 터)
This is a house site where Princess Hwagil, the youngest daughter of King Yeongjo, and his son-in-law Guminhwa lived. It has a history of 200 years.
LG Sangnam Library
LG Sangnam Library is South Korea’s first digital library. The place was originally a private residence of Koo Cha-Kyung, the honorary chairman of the LG Group.
Constitutional Court of Korea
The Constitutional Court of Korea is the highest court in South Korea responsible for interpreting the Constitution.
Artistic Anguk Subway Station
Once you finish your own tour of the village, a myriad of options are waiting for you.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: A short distance away, Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden): Another palace nearby, Changdeokgung, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Secret Garden within the palace grounds is especially famous for its scenic beauty.
- Jongmyo Shrine: Dedicated to the memorial services for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a peaceful cultural attraction.
- Insadong: A vibrant neighborhood known for its antique shops, art galleries, traditional tea houses, and street food. It’s a great place to explore Korean arts and crafts.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: A modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul, Cheonggyecheon is a pleasant area for a leisurely stroll along the stream.
- National Folk Museum of Korea: Located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the museum offers insights into traditional Korean life and culture.
- Jogyesa: This is a prominent Buddhist temple in Seoul, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cultural significance, and as the headquarters of the Jogye Order, a major Buddhist sect in South Korea.
These attractions are within a reasonable walking or short ride distance from the village, making it convenient for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of Seoul.
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