Traditional culture meets modernity at Bukchon Village in Seoul, South Korea.
Bukchon Village has a special place in my heart because I’m a sucker for the rows and rows of hanoks, or traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty. The beauty of those hanoks gets to me every single time!
There’s also tons of museums and cultural centers, where you’ll get to learn about traditional Korean culture and history.
It’s extra special stepping into those beautiful hanoks and finding a hip, modern business inside.
In this guide to the Best Things To Do in Bukchon, we’re going to go over the best spots in this charming neighborhood to sightsee, eat and shop.
A little introduction first…
Why should I take your advice?
My name is Rhaime (“rhyme”), and I’m a Korean American who grew up in Seoul. While I live in NYC full-time now, my whole extended family still lives in Seoul, and I visit them every year.
I’m here to share my guide on the Best Things To Do in Bukchon based on my heartfelt memories, and based on research that includes reading Korean encyclopedias and books.
What’s the history behind Bukchon?
Bukchon has a 600-year old history! During the Joseon Dynasty, the king and his highest ranking government officials lived in Bukchon.
How did Bukchon get its name?
Bukchon is called “North Village” because it’s north of the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno District.
Namchon, on the other hand, is located south of the Cheonggyechon Stream.
While the nobility lived in Bukchon, Namchon was where the descendants of the nobility who didn’t quite make it lived. Interestingly, Namchon became a popular residential area among Japanese people during the Japanese colonial era.
How do I get to Bukchon?
You can take the 3 train on the Seoul subway line (it’s the orange line) and get off at Anguk Station.
Best Things To Do in Bukchon
Best Sightseeing in Bukchon
1. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is made of 1500 traditional houses designed in the architectural style from the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 1392 until 1910.
Most of the hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village were built in the 1920’s. Interestingly, these hanoks have a unique architecture that actually incorporates elements of Western architecture. For example, the windows are made using glass, instead of Korean paper (called “hanji”).
This historic village is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace (aka Gyeongbok Palace) and Changdeokgung Palace (aka Changdeok Palace).
Pro Tip: The most photogenic spot to capture the old hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village is 31-1 Gahoe Dong alley!
Address: 31-1 Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Unhyeongung Palace
Check out the birthplace and living quarters of King Gojong, the last leader of the Joseon Dynasty (last king of Korea actually!).
Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, Unhyeongung Palace is a genuine, traditional hanok house with long-pitched roofs.
The palace is HUGE. There’s separate living quarters for the king, his wife and his father as well as different quarters for entertaining guests.
Address: 464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Museums & Culture in Bukchon
3. Gahoe Museum
Check out the Korean folk paintings at Gahoe Museum, then roll up your sleeves to create a min-hwa of your own!
During the Joseon Dynasty, artists typically without formal training created min-hwa paintings that depicted the everyday lives, dreams and agonies of commoner Koreans. Minhwas are typically colorful and include imagery of greenery, mountains and wildlife, such as rabbits and tigers.
The entrance fee is 5,000 won (~3.70 USD). The classes are around 12,000 won (~8.90 USD), and range from creating a min-hwa on a tote bag to painting on a tumbler.
Pro Tip: Gahoe is actually pronounced more like “ga-hweh.”
Address: 52 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Dong-Lim Knot Museum
Learn how to create Korean decorative knots at the Donglim Knot Museum!
During the Joseon Dynasty, decorative knots adorned spaces during special ceremonies and to garnish clothing and even traditional instruments. For this reason, knots are a recognized Korean National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 22.
Give the knots a try yourself. There’s a few different traditional workshops available at Donglim Knot Museum, from creating dragonfly keychains to creating chrysanthemum bracelets. The workshops typically cost around 12,000 won (~8.90 USD).
The Dong-Lim Knot Museum opened in 2004 with funding from the city of Seoul.
Address: 11-7 Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Bukchon Traditional Culture Center
Come learn about the history of Bukchon and traditional hanoks at the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center. The Bukchon Cultural Center is situated in a traditional hanok built in 1921 that is worth visiting even if for its own sake, as it’s a Korean National Registered Cultural Property.
There’s an exhibition inside, and there’s a whole section where you can rest and relax. There’s tons of free cultural programs and events, but make sure to sign up ahead of time! The events titled in English are for foreign visitors.
Address: 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Restaurants in Bukchon
6. Kongji POTJi (콩지POT지)
Head over to Kongji POTJi for delicious Italian with beautiful panoramic views of Bukchon Hanok Village. I would highly recommend getting a table on the second floor, where you’ll be able to look down onto the rows of tiled roofs of hanoks.
Try the Shrimp Oil Pasta, which is a garlic-y delight (28,000 won, ~20.80 USD). If you’re ready to splurge, the Signature 1++ Korean home-grown beef strip steak is DELICIOUS (83,000 won, or ~61.65 USD).
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Bukchon-ro, 21-15 1/F-2/F
7. Kkangtong Mandu
Kkangtong Mandu has been gracing the mouths of Koreans with their amazing dumplings and noodles since opening in 1988.
The secret behind their delicious food? The noodles and the dumpling dough are crafted in-house and hand-pulled fresh every morning. Plus their bone broth is brewed for over 12 hours.
Don’t miss out on their Jjin Mandu, or dumpling set featuring meat, seafood and kimchi mandus (10,000 won, or ~7.40 USD). The Bibim Guksu, or spicy and tangy noodles with thin beef slices, are a must try (11,000 won, or ~8.20 USD). If you need to warm up your belly, try the Kal Mandu, or noodles with mandu (10,000 won, or ~7.40 USD).
Address: 5-6 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Coffee Shops in Bukchon
8. Low Roof
Modern meets history at Low Roof, a four-story modern cafe with traditional hanok seating outdoors.
The sweets and coffee are tasty here. Try the walnut scone, which melts and crumbles gently in your mouth.
An Americano will set you back 5,000 won (~3.70 USD).
9. OSulloc Tea House Bukchon
This three-story cafe is inside a hanok. It’s the perfect classy getaway, where you can sit, chat and lounge for hours in an elegant yet comfortable setting.
OSulloc is a tea brand with the same parent company as the Korean skincare brand Sulhwasoo (which you might’ve spotted at Sephora).
It’s worth heading downstairs and walking through the beautiful Sulhwasoo display!
Address: 45 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Are you a cafe lover like me? Don’t miss these 20 Best Coffee Shops in Seoul!
Best Shopping in Bukchon
10. Pyunkang Yul
Check out the three-story flagship store of the skincare brand, Pyunkang Yul, which incorporates ingredients used in Korean herbal medicine.
The store is inside a hanok and feels like a spa, complete with calming wooden elements, stone fixtures, and doors made with hanji, or traditional Korean paper.
You can enjoy a small exhibition on the first floor. They also have a rooftop terrace on the top floor and bathrooms as well.
A tub of black tea enriched cream will cost you 45,000 won (~33.40 USD).
Address: 25-1 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
11. In Our Mansion
In Our Mansion boasts a super cute collection of stationary and small gifts, including stickers, erasers, keychains, magnets and more. It’s a great spot to pick up authentic gifts for friends back home!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Gyedong-gil, 63 1/F
Best Things To Do in Bukchon (Conclusion)
Bukchon is a traditional Korean neighborhood that overflows with history. It’s the perfect place to experience Korean culture and check out trendy shops at the same time. I’m excited for you to check out this beautiful village.
Here’s a summary of the Best Things To Do in Bukchon:
- Best Sightseeing in Bukchon
- Best Museums & Culture in Bukchon
- Best Restaurants in Bukchon
- Best Coffee Shops in Bukchon
- Best Shopping in Bukchon
Thanks for checking out my guide to the Best Things To Do in Bukchon!
For more ideas on cool neighborhoods to check out, here’s my honest guide to the 5 Best Neighborhoods You Need to Visit in Seoul!
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