Bukchon Hanok Village: What To See, Where To Go & What To Do + A Map!

Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most visited areas of Seoul, Korea. The neighborhood of Bukchon is special due to the numerous traditional Korean homes, or Hanoks, that are located there. The neighborhood was originally home to high-ranking government officials and nobility so you would be right in assuming that these Hanok estates are rather nice.

Bukchon is a neighborhood that sits to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace in the capital city of Seoul, and west of Changdeokgung Palace, known for its gorgeous secret garden. The neighborhood to the west of the main palace, while not as traditional in architecture, is also a great spot to find things to do. Bukchon Hanok Village is also very close to the popular Insadong district which is a must visit if you need to stock up on souvenirs and gifts. Check it out after visiting Bukchon.

Whether you live here or are just visiting, there is bound to be something in Bukchon that you should see. In this guide, I will be focusing on the Bukchon Hanok Village and the places to go, what to see, and what to do.

The village is STILL a residential neighborhood and that is very important to note as just walking up into homes is not cool. While some Hanoks have been converted into cafes, restaurants, and museums, NOT all of them have. Do be respectful of residents, be quiet while you’re walking the narrow alleys, and don’t just walk into doors unless it explicitly says it allows visitors.

PS. If you want to visit a lesser known but beautiful Hanok Village, check out the Eunpyeong Hanok Village and then don’t miss the golden Suguksa Temple too.

Want to skip around? Here’s what you can find in this post:

• How To Get To Bukchon Hanok Village
• What To Know About The Bukchon Hanok Village
• Where To Stay In The Bukchon Hanok Village
• Experience Programs & Tours
  • OneDay Hanbok Rental
  • HANSIK Space E:eum (한식문화공간이음)
  • Kum Bak Yeon: Gold Leaf Printing (금박연)
  • Rice wine tasting at the only distillery in Seoul
  • Traditional Korean Tea Institute
  • Bukchon Traditional Culture Center (북촌문화센터)
  • Gahoe Museum (가회민화박물관)
  • Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)
  • Ikseon Boutique Korean Retro Clothing Rental
  • Mulnamoo Dabang (물나무다방)
• Must Visit Cafes
  • O’Sulloc Tea House Bukchon (오설록 티하우스 북촌점)
  • Greenmile Coffee (그린마일커피 북촌점)
  • Hoard (호아드)
  • Cha Masineun Tteul (차 마시는 뜰)
  • Layered (레이어드)
  • The Coffee Mill (커피방앗간)
  • Onion (어니언 안국)
• Art Stops

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

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How To Get To Bukchon Hanok Village

By subway: Anguk Subway Station, exit 3. Walk straight out of the exit and turn left at the first street.  Walk a bit up and you’ll find the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center on the left which is a great spot to start any tour in the area. There are also maps there to pick up to follow.

This side of Bukchon is a bit less popular so it’s great to get photos. You could also go out of Anguk Subway Station, exit 2 and walk straight to find the more popular side of the Hanok Village. To use the subway, make sure you have your T-Money card.

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What To Know About The Bukchon Hanok Village

This is a residential neighborhood: Though this is a big touristic draw in the city, do understand that this is still a residential neighborhood so visitors should be respectful and not walk into the homes unless there are obvious signs letting you know you can come in.

Remember to be quiet as you walk through the alleyways and don’t leave trash on the ground. Much like the Ihwa Mural Village, the village became touristy and there are now signs to remind visitors to respect their neighbors and surroundings.

NOTICE: As of November 1, 2024

Because Bukchon is a residential area, there have been restrictions put into place in order to safeguard the peaceful living of local residents. From November 1, 2024, visitors can only enter a portion of the Bukchon Hanok Village between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm.

It’s important to note that this is NOT the entire area. There are signs posted where you cannot enter. If you do enter during restricted hours, there are fines of W100,000 assessed. Please respect the locals.

FREE Entrance: The village is a residential neighborhood and as such is free to come and go. There is no admission to walk down the preserved alleyways though there may be fees for the various experiences in the area.

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Where To Stay In The Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the best places in the city to stay if you want a traditional experience. Many tourists headed to Seoul will opt to stay in a traditional Hanok house for a couple of nights along with a few nights in a more modern hotel so they can take full advantage of the experiences at hand.

Here are some of the best spots to stay in the Bukchon Hanok Village if you’re looking for that traditional experience.

Bonum 1957

This gorgeous traditional house is a boutique stay which means it’s been updated with the amenities that you’d appreciate like beautiful bathroom facilities and the touches are a bit more high end than you’ll find in other stays.

The rooms here are just beautiful and there are options for floor sleeping as well as large beds. I’ve walked through this boutique stay and it is a stunning. I’d definitely recommend it to any visitor that comes to stay. You can book a stay here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com

Stay 256

Stay in this more traditional Hanok building with a beautiful courtyard. This is a more cozy atmosphere on a street with cool cafes and restaurants. In the winter take advantage of the traditional ondol (floor) heating to warm up and in the summer, use the AC which has been added for comfort.

The owner is very friendly and helps out any guests with recommendations for where to go and what to see. You can book a stay here on either Booking.com or on Airbnb.com

Chiwoonjung

This former Korean president’s historic villa has been opened to the public but keeps that traditional charm. There’s also a jjimjilbang, or traditional Korean sauna, for guests to use in the evenings. The decor is traditional and beautiful with classic Korean touches.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the meal time on site and eat like a king… or a former president. You can book a stay here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com

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Experience Programs & Tours

When you visit Bukchon Hanok Village, there are a variety of tours and experiences that you should take part in to really get the full traditional village experience. Of course, you could just walk around the traditional alleyways and take pictures, but there is more to do than that so take part!

HANSIK Space E:eum (한식문화공간이음)

HANSIK Space E:eum is really a space that invites visitors to get involved. Opened in 2022, the space merged the existing cultural establishments of the Hansik Gallery from Mugyo-dong, and the korea Food Grand Master Center and Sool Gallery from Yeoksam-dong.

Now, there is a small gallery of information, quite engaging exhibitions, but the biggest opportunity here is to partake in classes and tastings. It’s a more encompassing experience from information to action.

• Address: 18 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 북촌로 18)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
• Admission: Free

Kum Bak Yeon: Gold Leaf Printing (금박연)

This experience is a unique way to enjoy and learn about the Bukchon Hanok Village. Sit in a traditional Hanok house and learn about the tradition of gold leafing application on to silk. You can choose from various options including a sash, bag, and bookmark. Partake in this delicate experience under the guidance of some experts.

I have done this experience and taken tourists there and have loved it each time. This is my number one recommendation in the area for experiences. The staff is knowledgeable and patient and no matter what you choose to do, you’ll walk away with a great keepsake from the area.

• Address: 24-12 Bukchon-ro 12-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로12길 24-12)
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am ~ 3:00pm
• Website: https://www.kumbak.com

Rice wine tasting at the only distillery in Seoul

If you’re interested in Korean alcohol and want to have a pretty fascinating experience, there’s a great Airbnb experience that takes visitors to the Samhaesoju Brewery & Distillery. It’s the only distillery in Seoul and run by master Taeksang Kim who has been crafting Korean liquors for decades. He is considered one of the best masters of the distilling process in Korea and it’s truly a unique experience to meet him and join a tour.

Learn and taste your way through traditional Korean rice wines. You can join the tour here.

Traditional Korean Tea Institute

Visit the institute to be led through a traditional tea ceremony and learn about Korean culture in a fun and interesting way. The experience includes the tea ceremony in which visitors take part as well as a tea food making course and a green tea hand and foot massage.

Learning the delicate art of tea brewing is a really great way to learn about the culture in this historic village and to enjoy a rather calming experience. Book your tea experience here.

• Address: 50 Yulgok-ro 1-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로1길 50)

Bukchon Traditional Culture Center (북촌문화센터)

This center is usually where I suggest people go to start their walk in the area. Walk in the open Hanok here to learn about the structure and why they’re shaped the way they are. This is a self-guided space and the walls of the Hanok are labeled with information. When you’re headed out, you can pick up a great walking map of the area too.

This is a FREE stop and just offers great information on what else you can find in and around the alleyways of the neighborhood. If you’ve never been in a Hanok house and what information on their architecture, this is a great spot to learn more about that too!

• Address: 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37)
• Hours: Weekdays: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm

Gahoe Museum (가회민화박물관)

This traditional Hanok house which may look small from the street view houses over 1,500 relics from Korea’s past. This is one of the very first places I visited on my very first trip to the area way way back. Folk paintings adorn the walls and a curator will easily explain the colors and symbolism there within. Walk through the small L shaped building and then sip on green tea as you listen to the explanations.

Did you know that fish were traditionally painted on screens to be in a person’s bedroom because fish have eyes that never close so they are seen as an animal that will watch over you and protect you? Yeah, that’s something I learned on my first trip here. The museum also offers hands on experiences like T-shirt or fan painting, amulet stamping and wood block rubbing for a small fee.

• Address: 17 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로 52)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

Dong-Lim Knot Museum is a great little stop that a lot of people walk right by. Though small, there is a lot inside to see. There are a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories and more than that, you can take a seat and make your own knotted design.

• Address: 10 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로12길 10)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Experiences:
  • One-time lesson making a dragonfly shaped cellphone chain OR bracelet: W7,000
  • One-time lesson making a necklace: W10,000
  • Regular knot course, two hours per week for four times: W100,000. Beginner to advanced courses available.
• Website: http://www.shimyoungmi.com/

Ikseon Boutique Korean Retro Clothing Rental

One of the most popular experience for young locals and tourists-in-the-know is to rent retro Korean clothing. Dress in clothing that pays an homage to the 50s and 60s. While Hanboks are a quintessential experience when visiting Korea, wearing retro clothing became big after the K-drama Mr. Sunshine made waves.

Clothing ranges in size from S to 2XL and children can even join in and wear school uniforms. Rent with Klook to get a discount.

• Address: 3rd Floor, 38 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 종로구 낙원동 돈화문로 11길 38)
• Hours: 9:00am ~ 7:00pm

Mulnamoo Dabang (물나무다방)

This stop in the Bukchon Hanok Village is a new one for me but a very interesting one. The owners use vintage cameras to take portraits of those that come in. The prices are reasonable and the vintage photos are gorgeous. There is a long retro looking bar of sorts on the main floor where you can get coffee or tea when you stop in for photos.

The building itself stands out in the area as it is NOT a Hanok but definitely an older building that was gutted and renovated a bit. Definitely a must visit and a great place to take a photo after you’ve rented those Hanboks so you’ll have a lovely keepsake to take back with you.

• Address:  84-3 Gyedong-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 84-3)

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Must Visit Cafes

There are cafes up, down, and all around the Bukchon Hanok Village, and Seoul for that matter. Whether you’re looking for a coffee or a more traditional tea, there is something for everyone. For this post, I want to focus on the cafes that are either in a Hanok or provide some gorgeous Hanok views.

O’Sulloc Tea House Bukchon (오설록 티하우스 북촌점)

One of the newest O’Sulloc tea houses in Seoul. The Bukchon tea house opened in 2022 and is not only beautiful but they also offer special signature dishes that you can only get here. Try their rice dessert plate with four dipping sauces or green tea waffles.

This is the prettiest O’Sulloc tea house in Seoul if you ask me and has views out over the Hanok houses of the Bukchon Hanok Village. There are three floors and they have special classes in some of the spaces. Get there when they open to enjoy the tea house design, or go a bit later to take advantage of the upscale barstyle space.

• Address: 45 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 북촌로 45)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

Greenmile Coffee (그린마일커피 북촌점)

Greenmile is definitely an Instagrammers dream. If you’re looking for a spot to get a pic with Hanok tiled roofs in the background, this is the cafe for you. Drinks and snacks are only allowed to be eaten inside so the rooftop is just for that photo. Live it up though folks. The coffee is good, the snacks delicious and the photo-appeal gorgeous. Wear your Hanbok for an ultimate Korea-inspired shot here.

If you like the view of traditional buildings and want even more, make sure you head out of Seoul to visit the historic city of Andong. There are really some beautiful traditional villages around the country and one of them is there.

• Address:  64 Bukchon-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로 64)
• Hours: Weekdays: 8:00am ~ 9:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm

Hoard (호아드)

Another picture perfect cafe sits just next to the Seoul Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art and features a beautiful glass window that overlooks a section of the museum with a traditional building in view. While the cafe is a bit more modern and the gallery open, the traditional aesthetic additions and view cannot be missed.

The cafe and gallery are a little disconnected. There is also a restaurant here too so when you go in, keep your eyes peeled for the various doors. The entrance to the gallery is actually through the outside corridor and behind the cafe and restaurant.

• Address: 54-3 Yukgok-ro 1-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로1길 54-3)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm

Cha Masineun Tteul (차 마시는 뜰)

A beautiful spot to have tea in the area that cannot be overlooked is Cha Masineun Tteul. Set in a traditional Hanok House, most seating is on the floor save one private room that features a table with chairs. The seating looks out windows to view Gyeongbokgung Palace.

This is one of the best tea houses in the area and has some very delicious teas made in house. They have a really substantial list of teas too. To learn more about the numerous Korean tea options, read this guide to Korean teas. This is the cafe I take all of my own visitors to. There is something for every tea lover.

• Address: 26 Bukchon-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로11나길 26)
• Hours: Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 9:30pm

Layered (레이어드)

Layered is a  popular bakery in the area. Set in an old converted Hanok house, the central courtyard has been covered so that light can still enter and brighten up the space, but now there’s more indoor area for people to sit while they dine on sumptuous pastries that have been baked in house. A great spot if you like English style baked goods such as scones and cakes.

Get some coffee and you’re good to go. This is definitely a spot that you’ll want to hit early as it does fill up. We rocked up at 10:00 a when they opened and upon leaving just after 11:00 the spot was pretty busy. Great place to start a walk in the area.

• Address: 2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로2길 2-3)
• Hours: Weekdays: 8:00am ~ 10:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

The Coffee Mill (커피방앗간)

The Coffee Mill is an old Hanok house that now houses a very cozy cafe. The owner of said cafe is also known to sit and draw the people that come by. Stop over to purchase a coffee and a drawn headshot for a little fun in the area. While many places in this neighborhood have undergone a lot of changes recently, this cafe is tried and true.

This cafe is near the end of the route that I usually suggest to people in the area. Get your afternoon pick-me-up in this hot spot only the locals can find. There’s also some great street art that is on the cement walled paths around this cafe so keep your eyes peeled.

• Address: 8-11 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로5가길 8-11)
• Hours: Every day: 8:30am ~ 11:00pm

Onion (어니언 안국)

Onion is a cafe that first opened up in the hip Seongsu-dong, or Brooklyn of Seoul, and after much success with their renovated space, they’ve expanded into Bukchon. They gutted and opened up an old Hanok house and have done it in rather stunning fashion.

Where walls once stood, windows have been placed and now you can see completing through so that you can completely enjoy the Hanok tiled roof and wooden inner structure. If that weren’t enough, the coffee and bready treats are legit! It’s a must stop if you’re a hipster or like where hipsters hang.

• Address: 5 Gyedong-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 5)
• Hours: Weekdays: 7:00am ~ 9:00pm; Weekends: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm

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Art Stops

One of the best things about the area is that there are numerous art galleries and museums and most of them, if not all, are FREE. Want to do something budget friendly in the area? Hop from gallery to gallery. I cannot possibly name them all and exhibitions are every changing so I’ll name just a few spots that you can shoot for but by all means keep your eyes open for anything with “gallery” on the side and walk right in.

Songwon Art Center (송원아트센타)

The Songwon Art Center was founded in 2006 and is a spot to check out from inside and out. The building was designed by Kisu Park of Mass Studies and the space is both a culture and art space. There are five floors with multicultural spaces and they exhibit art of young and upcoming artists.

• Address: 75 Yunposun-gil, Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 윤보선길 75)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm

PKM Gallery (PKM 갤러리)

PKM Gallery is a newer space that leads from the Hanok Village toward the Blue House, or the President’s house. It’s spacious and is a good spot to shoot for to get a bit off the beaten path in the area.

• Address: 40 Samcheong-ro 7-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 삼청로7길 40)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm

Arario Museum in Space (아라리오뮤지엄 인 스페이스)

This modern art museum was established by Arario Corporation’s chairman Chang Il Kim. The building was designed by famous architect Kim Swoo Geun and until the 1980s it was his office and home. Today, the museum houses a rather interesting collection of artistic pieces, some not suitable for children so people 10 and under are not permitted entry.

If you do have children, still head to the area to visit the cafe that’s in the courtyard. It’s a great little Hanok space with a pagoda to sit around. If you do go inside, follow the maze of hallways and staircases to see everything and then get some coffee in the courtyard from Fritz Coffee and sit where a temple pagoda rests.

• Address: 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 83)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm

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