It had been a long time since my last visit to  Bukchon Hanok Village.

Ever since I was a child, the Jongno (Seoul) district has held a special place in my heart. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and countless traditional eateries, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve explored this area, especially since I started blogging.

Among Jongno’s many gems, Bukchon Hanok Village stands out as a quintessential traditional Korean neighborhood and a must-visit spot for international travelers. No matter when I go, it’s always bustling with tourists, yet I find myself drawn back time and time again.

To reach the village, take Exit 2 from Anguk Station. The Hanok-lined streets extend both left and right along Bukchon-ro. The western side has a higher concentration of traditional Hanoks, while they are less common in the east.

As you ascend, you’ll pass by well-known Korean brands like Osulloc (a famous tea brand) and Sulwhasoo (a luxury skincare brand).

At the Bukchon Cultural Center, you can pick up a map of the village. Heading left from there will take you deeper into Bukchon Hanok Village, where the Hanoks become more prominent.

While Bukchon is a major tourist attraction, it is also a residential neighborhood, which means visitors should be mindful of the locals. Many international tourists may not be aware of this, but as Koreans, we should at least make an effort to be respectful while exploring the area.

A little further along the road, you’ll reach an alley known as Bukchon Scenic View 5 and 6.

As I made my way up the scenic route, I noticed several tourists dressed in Hanbok (traditional Korean attire), eagerly waiting for their turn to take photos. Many Koreans also travel from different parts of the country just to experience the charm of Bukchon.

Scenic View 6 offers a stunning vantage point at the peak of Scenic View 5. The symmetrical layout of the Hanoks creates a striking visual, and despite the haze, I could still make out Namsan Tower and the Jongno district in the distance, adding a distinctively Korean aesthetic to the backdrop.

If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend coming on a weekday when the crowds are smaller, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience.

The curved rooftops of Hanok homes are said to be inspired by nature, blending harmoniously with the surrounding mountains and creating a sense of tranquility. Foreign visitors are often amazed at how well-preserved this cultural heritage is in the heart of a bustling city.

Beyond Scenic Views 5 and 6, Bukchon is full of hidden alleys waiting to be discovered. The deeper you wander, the more breathtaking the scenery becomes.

As I descended toward Samcheong-dong, I caught a glimpse of Inwangsan Mountain in the distance. With its proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Samcheong-dong, and Seochon, Bukchon Hanok Village is easily accessible on foot from Seoul’s city center, making it the perfect place for a leisurely day of exploration.

Though it had been a while since my last visit, Bukchon Hanok Village remained just as charming as ever. It captures the essence of traditional Seoul and is undoubtedly one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the city.

Having traveled extensively within Korea and abroad, I can confidently say that Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. If you plan to visit, try to go on a weekday rather than the weekend to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time there.

 

Address : Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-2148-4151

Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 10:00 - 17:00

Website : hanok.seoul.go.kr/

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/osb524/223042559487

Writer : OH SEBON (osb524)

Special thanks to OH SEBON (osb524)

 

bukchon hanok village seoul samcheong-dong anguk-dong