The Hanok Village You’ve Probably Never Heard About In Seoul: The Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Everyone knows about the beautiful Hanok homes that make up Bukchon Hanok Village but have you heard of the Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을)? Considering Bukchon residents are looking to limit the number of tourists in and out of their area so they can enjoy more of a residential feel, I thought it high time to let you know about a little spot I found years ago.

Actually, I first came upon this area many years back after the hiking club I was with came down off of the Bukhansan Mountain range. At the time only a few Hanoks were standing but it was clear, this was going to be a pretty cool village of traditional Korean homes. Today, Eunpyeong is home to a beautiful and less tourist Hanok village that is calling your name if you’re in Seoul, Korea.

Plan a trip to Eunpyeog Hanok Village:

• How To Get There
• What To Know
• Must See Cafe
  • 1인1상
• What To See
  • Jingwansa Temple (진관사 (서울))
  • The Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum (은평역사한옥박물관)
• Other Hanok Villages to see in Korea

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How To Get There

Address: 127-27 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (서울 은평구 진관동 127-27)

By Subway/Bus: From Seoul Station, take bus 701 headed north. The bus goes 23 stops and takes about 41 minutes and drops off right in front of Eunpyeong Hanok Village. OR From Gupabal Station, go out exit 4 to bus stop 12112 and take bus 7723. The bus goes 7 stops and takes about 10 minutes and stops right in front of Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

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What To Know

The difference between the Bukchon Hanok Village and the Eunpyeong Hanok Village is that the Seoul City planned this area to be developed as a historical, cultural and tourist site. That doesn’t mean it’s quirky and too touristy though. Exactly the opposite to be honest. This has been one of our favorite spots to enjoy some quiet time, walks, and there are some great cafes to check out here too as well as walking paths to nearby temples and up into the mountain.

As a planned community of Hanoks, you can also be assured that there are no residents hanging signs or protesting the onslaught of visitors. The Eunpyeong Hanok Village is located at the food of Bukhansan Mountain. Compared to other Hanok villages, this one is much less touristy and you tend to find other Korean locals just enjoying the traditional surroundings.

This village is actually part of a larger project that Eunpyeong-gu is rolling out in order to attract more tourists. They have six new project proposals underway and this is one of the projects. Eunpyeong-gu actually aims to be the number 1 district for Korean cultural experiences. You’d think the Bukchon and Jongno areas had that under lock and key, but Eunpyeong-gu is making moves ladies and gentlemen.

Some of the Hanok homes are residences, but residents are well aware of what they’re moving into. There are 158 Hanoks in this village. Some Hanoks will be open to visitors to live in and experience a Hanok, partake in different traditional handicrafts, and more.

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Must Visit Cafe

1인1상 

This cafe looks like a regular cafe if you enter on the first floor, but go up to their top floor and you’ll be greeted with more traditional seating as well as an outdoor area to walk out and have a gorgeous view of the Hanok village from above. This is by far the most popular cafe in this Hanok Village.

If it’s too hot or too cold, you can still get that great view from inside through the large windows that all of the seats face. The upstairs viewing area has a break time in the middle of the afternoon, though flash a friendly smile and they might just let you up anyway… as they did with us. To get upstairs, you actually have to exit the building and walk around to an elevator entrance on the side of the building. 

• Address: 534 Yeonseo-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (서울 은평구 연서로 534)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm

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What To See

Jingwansa Temple (진관사 (서울))

Just up a clearly marked road, an easy walk for those that are less inclined to hike and stroller friendly for those with kiddos, sits Jingwansa Temple (진관사 (서울)). It is one of four major temples in Seoul. The other three are Bulamsa, Sammaksa and Seunggasa.

This temple was originally dedicated to Preceptor Jingwan in 1010BC by King Hyeongjong, the 8th King of the Goryeo Dynasty. The temple was destroyed during the Korean War but has been restored and rebuilt over the past fifty years to be what it is today.

This is the only temple in Seoul to serve Suryukje, a Buddhist ceremony to provide food and the Buddhist teachings to spirits and starved demons who wander the land and sea. The ceremony is performed every leap year for 49 days. The temple is really gorgeous. We visited once again on Children’s Day in order to get away from the chaos of most locations centered on children and happily met monks greeting the few children coming to the doors with small gift bags of treats and gifts. It was a lovely surprise.

Speaking of surprises, there’s a golden temple, the only one in Seoul called Suguksa Temple. It’s also a must see if you’re out in the Eunpyeong-gu area.

The temple also hosts a temple stay program for those that want to experience a bit of Korean Buddhism. The programs include a relaxing meditative type perfect for adults and families. There is a more Buddhist and cultural type and a group option as well. This is a beautiful temple complex and since it’s so easy to get to from the Hanok Village, why not head up to see what is there?

As a side note, this is temple has some very friendly Buddhist monks on the premises. We came here for Children’s Day hoping to steer clear of the crowds and the Buddhists here were handing out little goodie bags for the very few children that were walking around with their parents. It’s was a great surprise for our little one.

• Address: 73 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (서울 은평구 진관길 73)

The Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum (은평역사한옥박물관)

This three story museum towers over the area and isn’t easy to miss. Visitors will find a toy library, pond and rest area on the first floor. There is a history hall and library on the second floor to learn more about the cultural heritage of the area and the third floor houses a special exhibition hall and Hanok exhibition hall. There are installations outside and a rooftop area for Hanok village viewing as well. 

• Address: 8 Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (서울 은평구 연서로50길 8)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: W1,000

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Other Hanok Villages to see in Korea

If you can’t get out to this Hanok Village, there are others around Seoul and Korea that are totally worth visiting. You can join tours to other villages to get more out of them too. Here are some great options:

• Namsangol Hanok Village + Hanbok Experience + Kimchi & Gimbap Cooking Class with Klook
• Yongin Folk Village + Everland with Klook
• Jeonju Hanok Village + a Red Ginseng Spa Hot Spring with Klook
• Visit the Andong Hahoe Folk Village in a private tour with Trazy
• Visit the Korean Folk Village where Dae Jang Keum was filmed and get a discounted ticket through Klook.
• Take a private van tour to the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the Korean Folk Village with Trazy.

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