The most popular ‘Hanok Village’ that is architecturally preserved and live-able is ‘Bukchon Hanok Village’ located between the two main palaces, Gyeongbok and Changdeok Palaces and near to the Anguk Station. The 600-year old traditional village is right in the smack of Seoul city centre and located to nearby main historical attractions.
Now, our home away from home in Seoul—Charm Hanok House is located of course in Bukchon Hanok Village. I really felt lucky to be able to live between the locals for 5 days, in a traditional hanok house and in a traditional hanok village that dates back to the supremacy of the Joseon dynasty. High government officials and royalties live in the area as well.
So on our first day in Seoul, Dutchman and I checked out our new yet ancient neighbourhood. Many hanok houses in Bukchon have recently been converted into museums, restaurants, hanok hotel stays and ateliers. But many are still residential houses owned by moneyed Koreans.
I am glad that the locals protested against the demolishing of the old traditional houses back then. Bukchon Hanok Village nowadays is a preserved institution and a cultural pride in Seoul. It is the only hanok village that has a large concentration of hanok houses in the city. It has become a major Seoul tourist attraction.
Everytime we step out of the small alley from our hanok house to the main street, we see tourists pouring in and snapping away pictures of the surroundings. It feels good to know we are temporarily staying in the most sought after village.
Japanese tourists in schoolgirl attire.
If you would like to visit the village, I suggest that you go to the (i) information centre located along the main street first. They will give you a free map with a recommended route for the tour of the village. Be patient with your English though and speak slowly because English is rarely spoken and understood in the city.
More information about Bukchon Village here below:
Official Site of Korea Tourism
Wikipedia
Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Bukchon – Jongno-gu (Seoul Old City Centre), South Korea
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