Bukchon Hanok Village

Introduction

The neighborhood grew as the residential quarter for Joseon officials and sits between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, in what was the royal part of the city. Many of the hanok were built in the early 20th century, though some date to the late 19th century. Unlike folk villages staged for tourists, Bukchon is a working residential area; a number of houses have been converted into guesthouses, tea houses, craft workshops and small museums. The lanes climb across hillsides, with views over tiled roofs toward the palace grounds and the modern city beyond. Walking is the only practical way around, the alleys are narrow and several compounds are private, so keep voices low and do not enter closed gates. Anguk Station on line 3 is a 10-minute walk, and early morning is quietest.