Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic neighborhood located in Seoul, South Korea. The village has been inhabited for centuries, and its traditional houses date back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The area was historically a residential neighborhood for Seoul’s aristocracy and scholars, even today it still remains a residential area where people live and work. Bukchon village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, known as Hanoks, which offer a glimpse into the country’s architectural and cultural heritage. Walking through the narrow streets of Bukchon provides a contrast to the surrounding modern Seoul cityscapes.
Highlight of the trip: Have a break at the Bukchon Observatory and Tea House with the most scenic rooftop terrace. After you get lost strolling through the narrow streets, the crowds, and have had many memorable photos and selfies, this Tea House is the oasis you would much need. With a cup of traditional Korean tea in hand(hot or cold, many options, some flavours you may have never tasted before), head straight to the rooftop terrace. What a view – The Hanok village rooftops with Seoul cityscapes in the far background. At that moment, you would be amazed by the sight that a traditional village like Bukchon and a modern city like Seoul can coexist so naturally and so harmoniously, just beautiful!
How to get there: If you stay in an Insadong area hotel, you can walk to Bukchon Village, or subway to Anguk station and walk. I downloaded a Korean app called NAVER (English version) for walking since Google Maps’s Walk function doesn’t work in Korea.
Where to stay: Amid Hotel Seoul. This hotel is within walking distance to Bukchon Village and minutes away from subways. I like that the hotel has a nice bakery/cafe in the lobby and a police station across the street(a plus for solo female travellers, also I have never seen a police station building that is so nice and modern).
