A Day in Bukchon Hanok Village - Discovering Seoul's New Charm in Tradition

A Spontaneous Walk in Bukchon

One Saturday afternoon, exhausted from the daily grind after the holidays, a friend suddenly suggested, "Want to visit Bukchon Hanok Village?" To be honest, I've passed by Bukchon a few times but never really explored it. Recently, it's said that many foreign tourists visit because of 'Kedeheon', which made me even more curious.

We started walking from Exit 3 of Anguk Station, and I was surprised at how close it was. It took about 5 minutes on foot? The hanoks started to come into view right away.

The first alley leading from Anguk Station to Bukchon. It's so serene that it's hard to believe it's in the middle of the city.

Alleyways Where Time Seems to Stand Still

As soon as we entered Bukchon-ro, the atmosphere changed dramatically. I couldn't believe how quiet and serene it was in the middle of the city ㅠㅠ

The first place we visited was the area around Gahoe-dong 31, one of the eight scenic spots of Bukchon. The photos we took here were amazing! The view of the overlapping hanok roofs felt like stepping into a time machine.

The hanok roofs viewed from Gahoe-dong 31, the most famous of Bukchon's eight scenic spots. Truly breathtaking!

Walking along the alleys, I discovered that every spot is a photo zone. Stone walls, hanok gates, tiled roofs... Every angle gives you a perfect shot. Especially when the warm light of the setting sun seeps into the hanoks, it's truly magical.

Walking along the stone wall path is quite enjoyable. Every angle looks like a painting.

Hidden Cafes and Galleries

While walking, I noticed many cafes and galleries converted from hanoks. Among them, I visited a donut cafe called 'Knotted Anguk'. It's said to be just a minute from Anguk Station, and it really is close!

The modern exterior of Knotted Anguk. It blends the hanok mood with a modern touch perfectly.

I ordered a matcha donut and an Americano here, and the donut was surprisingly deliciousㅋㅋ The interior also had a modern take on the hanok mood, making it a great spot for photos.

The interior of a cafe converted from a hanok. The space where tradition meets modernity is so impressive.

Another hanok cafe I stumbled upon, called 'Ichae', was also impressive. It retained the feel of a traditional hanok, making it a great place to bring foreign friends.

A Special Space Where Tradition and Modernity Meet

The biggest charm of Bukchon is how modern cafes, galleries, and workshops naturally blend in between the traditional hanoks. While walking, I noticed many places offering hanbok experiences and traditional craft workshops.

Traditional hanoks where people still live. The sense of daily life makes it feel even more endearing.

Especially while walking around the Gahoe-dong area, I felt that the residents genuinely live in these hanoks. Laundry was hanging, and there were flower pots... The sense of daily life made it feel even more authentic and pleasant.

A Photo Zone Paradise, but with Cautions

Bukchon is beautiful no matter where you take a photo. Especially the famous points of Bukchon's eight scenic spots are truly breathtaking:

• Gahoe-dong 31: A viewpoint where you can see the overlapping hanok roofs
• Gahoe-dong 11: A serene alley view
• Gahoe-dong 38: Hanok scenery harmonized with Changdeokgung

The detail of a hanok's tiled roof. Each one is like a work of art.

But what's important here is that there are actual residents. There are signs everywhere saying 'Please view quietly'. When taking photos, it's important to keep your voice down and be respectful in front of private homes.

Different Charms by Season and Time

We visited in early August, and summer in Bukchon had its own charm. The combination of green trees and tiled roofs looked really refreshing. However, it was hot, so we had to take breaks at cafes in betweenㅋㅋ

According to my friend, it's even prettier in the fall with the autumn leaves, and in winter, the snow-covered tiled roofs are a spectacular sight. It seems like you can experience different charms each season.

I highly recommend visiting around sunset! The warm glow of the sunset seeping into the hanoks completely changes the atmosphere. We went around 4 PM and stayed until 6 PM, experiencing different vibes at different times.

Bukchon Hanok Village at sunset. The glow of the sunset seeping into the hanoks creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Nearby Connected Courses

Bukchon Hanok Village is in a great location. There are so many places to explore nearby that you can spend the whole day wandering around:

• Gyeongbokgung: 10-minute walk, even better if you wear a hanbok
• Changdeokgung: 15-minute walk, the rear garden is really beautiful
• Insadong: 10-minute walk, a traditional cultural street
• Samcheong-dong: 5-minute walk, famous for its cafe street

After exploring Bukchon, we moved on to the Samcheong-dong cafe street, and the transition was really smooth. It's the perfect distance to explore in a day.

Practical Visiting Tips

Discovering Beauty in the Details of Hanoks

Even the door handle of a hanok is a work of art. Discovering these small details is quite enjoyable.

What impressed me most while walking through Bukchon were the small details of the hanoks. Even a door handle or the pattern of a paper window is so delicate and beautiful. It made me realize once again how exceptional our ancestors' aesthetic sense was.

Honest Overall Impression

Bukchon becomes even more serene as evening falls. I was completely captivated by this atmosphere.

Bukchon Hanok Village was truly beyond my expectations! It was amazing to feel such a serene atmosphere in the heart of Seoul. The photos turned out great, and it was perfect for chatting with a friend while strolling.

The only downside is that it's become so popular lately that there are quite a lot of people. Especially on weekends, there are many tourists. But if you venture deep into the alleys, there are still many quiet spots, so take your time and walk leisurely!

I want to visit again in the fall. I'm really curious about the hanoks with autumn leaves. And I definitely want to go wearing a hanbokㅎㅎ

If you want to experience the traditional beauty of Seoul with friends or a partner, I highly recommend Bukchon Hanok Village. It's not just about sightseeing; you can visit cafes, take photos, and experience traditional culture, making the day feel truly fulfilling!