The village of Bukchon Hanok is situated on a picturesque hill between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces and is one of the most beautiful places in Seoul.
Book a stay in a traditional hanok house
Bukchon Hanok is a typical example of historic Korean architecture. Traditional houses, called "Hanok" in Korean, are dotted with narrow alleys and staircases winding up steep slopes. Here and there, beautiful views of the distant Namsan Peak with its TV tower or the nearby Bukhansan Mountains flash between the houses.
The village breathes an ancient, peaceful atmosphere and is an extreme contrast to the bustling modern centre of Seoul. Literally on every corner you'll come across a stylish cafe or small restaurant, and you'll also find a few souvenir shops on the main streets.
Historic downtown Seoul
Although the village of Bukchon Hanok is located on the outskirts of the city, it can also be described as the center of Seoul, at least the historical one. In fact, Bukchon Hanok is by far the largest area with preserved traditional Korean architecture from the 14th to 18th centuries, the period when Korea was ruled by the famous Joseon Dynasty.
Most of the houses have been completely renovated, but in the traditional style. The current appearance of hanok houses is thus consistent with that of the 14th century.
The vast majority of the houses in Bukchon Hanok still serve as residential houses where ordinary people live. Even though the village is very touristic, it still retains an air of authenticity. That is why you will come across signs on the main streets of Bukchon Hanok asking for peace and quiet, which please respect.
Where to go in Bukchon Hanok?
The winding streets will confuse and mislead many a tourist to wander, but this is actually not a bad thing. Get lost in Bukchon Hanok. The district isn't so big that you won't find yourself again in a few minutes, and you'll see the backstreets that exude the tranquillity and atmosphere of yesteryear.
The main tourist alley is called Bukchon-ro 11ga-gil and you'll find it right here.
We recommend the following walking route:
- Exit Gyeongbokgung Palace by the National Folk Museum.
- Take Samcheon-ro Street towards the centre of Bukchon Hanok. Wherever possible, turn right down the many staircases.
- This will take you to the highest part of Bukchon Hanok, where you will have beautiful views of the surrounding area.
- Wander through the alleys and take the main tourist Bukchon-ro 11ga-gil down to the main street of Bukchon-ro.
- From here, head a little north and turn right again along Bukchon-ro 12-gil to a much quieter and equally romantic part of the village.
- Follow the street south down the hill to Changdeokgung Palace.
For inspiration, here's a tip for a walking route on the map to cross Bukchon Hanok.
Accommodation in Bukchon Hanok
Want to see what a traditional hanok looks like from the inside? And experience the atmosphere of a historic Korean town with all the trimmings? Stay in one of the lovely guesthouses right in Bukchon.
- Yeong Dang Guesthouse - Traditional-style accommodation with a mattress on the floor and private modern bathroom, prices from 55 eur per night
- Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse - A great-value guesthouse, again in traditional style, with prices from 70 eur per night
Transportation to Bukchon Hanok
If you don't use the walking route between the two palaces described above, then the village is easily reached by metro and there are several bus routes to the village centre.
- Metro - Anguk station of the orange line 3 (use exits 1 or 2), located on the southern edge of the district
- Buses - green bus line 11 goes to the western part of the district from the main station or City Hall metro station, green bus lines 01 and 02 go through the central part of the district, for example from Anguk metro station
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