Bukchon Hanok Village & Insadong Street, Seoul

Date Visited: 23rd March 2014

Not far away from Changdeokgung Palace, we found that we are not far away from Bukchon Hanok Village by looking at the street map. This district is packed with more than nine hundreds Korean traditional houses known as "hanok".

#1: Bukchon Hanok Village, not far away from Changdeokgung Palace 

The meaning of Bukchon literally means Northern Village, came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant of Seoul landmarks, the Cheonggyechoen Stream and Jongno. This is probably the ideal place to experience and see the truly Korean traditional houses. It's widely claimed as the living museum preserving much of Seoul's tradition and culture. Of course you are not allowed to access any of these hanok unless you booked with any of these hanok which had been converted into guesthouses.

But before we continue to stroll and visit any of these restored traditional homes, I came upon a small tiny restaurant that serve my favourite Korean cuisines - jjim dalk, a huge plate of steamed chicken with sweet and sour sauce based. (Sorry to say that I don't know the name of this restaurant as it's in Hangul and even the exact location too. Probably too hungry) 

#2: Original jjim dalk served with potatoes and veggies over a bed of glass noodles 

#3: Hot curry jjim dalk 

#4: An old antique looking Choong Ang High School at the corner of Bukchon 

As time goes by, majority of these hanoks has been converted into cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, tea houses and souvenir shops to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. 

#5: Cute little souvenir shop along Bukchon 

However as there are majority of Korean residents still staying in these hanoks, hence it is advisable to respect them by keeping your volume down. Visitors are only allowed to visit this district from 10 am to sunset.


#7: It was traditionally the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty. 

#8: Buckhon Hanok Village is open for visiting from 10 am until sunset. 

#9: Most of these hanoks have undergone minor repairs and restoration 

#10: In case you are lost, do look for these volunteer guides

My family and I were actually wandering around aimlessly without any city map on hand. Most of the times, I just brought along my printed itinerary which indicates the station but not the map cause I believed there are plenty of street maps all over the places around South Korea. And because without any single map on hand, we were continue to walk and walk and soon we came into Insadong Street without we realised it. I noticed if you are in any big cities of developed countries like Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and even South Korea, there are plenty of walking required. 

#11: Crowded and packed of Insadong Street 

Eventhough I came and visited Insadong Street before with my friends three years ago, somehow I found out there are variety of new things for me to venture around. Plus, this is one of my favourite street to hunt for wide array of souvenirs and handicrafts and therefore, I don't find here is boring anyway. 

#12: Starbucks in Insadong is the one and only outlet using Hangul for their signboard 

#13: Jipangyi - Seoul cane ice-cream 

#14: I can't help myself but bought quite a lot of these colourful Korean pencil box and pouches

My Old Post: Insadong Street (2011) 

How To Get To Bukchon Hanok Village
Anguk Station - Exit 2. Walk straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village

How To Get To Insadong Street
1. Anguk Station - Exit 6; or
2. Jonggak Station - Exit 3; or
3. Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 1