The following afternoon after a late night of partying in Gangnam, I decided to check out Bukchon Hanok Village after lunch. I wandered Hongdae for a bit and ended up having lunch in a small underground Japanese restaurant before catching the subway.
Hongdae
Lunch
Donburi
I actually ended up stopping by the nearby Unhyeongung Royal Residence located south of the subway stop. It served as the home of young Gojong, who later became Emperor during the Joseon Dynasty.
Unhyeon Palace
I then continued the search for Bukchon. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. There are lots of alleys which are well preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment.
Alley
I took the subway to Anguk Station, Exit 2. I used general directions which stated to walk straight and you’ll see the village. It actually took me awhile to find it. I had no idea where it was exactly. I finally found it after walking towards the top of the hill along Gyedong-gil. Make sure to grab a map at the Bukchon Cultural Center.
Walk All the Way Up the Hill
First Area I Recognized
Help Yourself
Vegetables and Bitter Melon
Buddhist Shrine
Today, many of these hanoks operate as guesthouses, cultural centers, restaurants and tea houses. Visitors have the opportunity to learn and experience Korean traditional culture.
Top of the Hill
While walking around, I saw many tourists and local wearing traditional Korean dresses called Hanbok. There are a few shops in the area where you can rent them. I saw lots of locals dressed up and doing photo shoots around the village with their friends.
Traditional Hanbok
You’ll notice many signs informing visitors to be mindful and quiet. Unlike other Hanok villages, Bukchon is actually a real residential area with real residents. It’s not just empty structures for show.
I only covered a small area and I was feeling a bit run down thanks to the lack of sleep from the day before. It was really nice and worth seeing. Grab a map and wander on your own or you can make a reservation for the walking tour on the website. The tour takes 2-3 hours.
Bukchon Hanok Village
37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
– Open All Year Round
– Free Admission
– Walking Tours Available
