Bukchon Hanok-gil:Timeless street in Seoul

Known as ‘Bukchon (북촌)’ since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), 600 year of Seoul’s history are proudly reflected in this quaint little area filled with hanok. One of the unique characteristics of this particular town is that it is a “living hanok neighborhood,” where people still live and carry out business in these beautiful traditional houses. Chock full of museums, craft studios and art galleries, this area is the perfect place to take a leisurely walk and savor the spirit of the past. DIRECTIONS Start your journey from Anguk Station, Exit #2 (Subway Line 3) and walk one block straight ahead (approx. 50m) until you get to the Tourism Information Center, where you can pick up a map of Bukchon. [Note: Travelers hoping to visit Unhyeongung Royal Residence and/or the Bukchon Cultural Center are advised to do so before beginning the walking course, as these stops are not included in the route. To start the walking course, turn right at Persona coffee house and continue straight, until you reach Seongsim Arts & Crafts (성심예공원). ‘Seongsim Arts & Crafts’ is a residence of a “Master of Hanok” who has been designated as an official “Intangible Cultural Asset.” This area is also the location of Rakkojae (락고재) Hanok Experience Center where you can learn more about life as it was pre-industrialization. After your visit to the park, continue walking in the same direction as you were before, until you come across a boulevard where you will turn left onto ‘Gyedong-gil (계동길).’ This relatively large walkway has a variety of vintage shops and coffee houses that date back to the 1980s. After you explore, walk until you see Choongang Middle and High School (중앙중.고등학교). Right near the high school you will find a souvenir shop for Hallyu stars like Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo.

Once you reach Choongang Middle and High School, turn left and continue down the street, turning left at the first main side street. As you continue walking, you’ll see a Hanok village and a number of museums including Donglim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관), and The Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum (한상수자수공방). When the street comes to an end, turn to your left and continue until you reach the crosswalk. After crossing the street head to your right and turn left down the first alleyway. Walk uphill until you see a house with an old Korean spindle tree. Continue following the main road to the right, walking along the brick wall. Take the first left across from the hanok garage (Gahoe-dong 31st St.) where there are a number of beautiful Hanok residences, a landmark place in Bukchon. The place is a perfect photo zone for visitors and has a terrific view of downtown Seoul, including N Seoul Tower. As seen from the map, walking down the street and making a left turn will not only lead you to Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance (북촌생활사박물관), World Jewelry Museum (세계장신구박물관), and the Tourist Information Center by Jeongdok Library (정독도서관), but also a number of small shops that sell numerous items ranging from clothes, shoes, hats and accessories.

Exit #2 of Anguk Station (안국역), Subway Line 3 → Tourist Information Center (Get a Bukchon Map) → ‘Persona’ Coffee house → Myeongin Museum (명인박물관) → Rakkojae (락고재) Hanok Experience Center → Seongsim Arts & Crafts (성심예공원) → Choongang High School (중앙고등학교) → Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum (한상수자수공방), Donglim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관) → Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance (북촌생활사박물관) (left) → World Jewelry Museum (세계장신구박물관) (left) → Tourist Information Center (in front of Jeongdok Library (정독도서관))

Bukchon Hanok Village * Bike rental services are available throughout most of the year (from April to October). Rental fees are ₩1,000 for every three hours and bikes may be rented anytime from 10:00 to 17:30 * Tourist Information for Bukchon: 02-731-0851 (Korean only)