Bukchon

Why Bukchon is special ?

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok[1] and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.

The area of Bukchon, which consists of neighborhoods: Wonseo-dong, Jae-dong, Gye-dong, Gahoe-dong and Insa-dong, was traditionally the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty. It is located north of Cheonggye Stream and Jongno, hence named Bukchon, which means north village.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

What to explore at Bukchon?

Preservation of the past is paramount here and so the area’s recently opened western-style restaurants and clinics were all established inside hanoks, maintaining the traditional exteriors.

Rakgojae - a hanok guesthouse

Rakgojae is a guesthouse for international visitors. Unlike other Bukchon hanoks, Rakgojae is surrounded by walls and has a spacious courtyard. The inside of the house has all the modern facilities which overseas guests would expect whilst outside in the courtyard is a beautiful tranquil garden of pine trees and bamboo.

The traditional liquor brewery

At the brewery, visitors can learn about the brewing process of a type of soju called “samhaeju,” a type of liquor once served at palace functions. Samhaeju, which is colorless, is matured several times at a low temperature giving it an intense flavor and a very pleasant aftertaste.

Gahoe Museum

At Gahoe Museum, visitors can explore the role of symbol-bearing talismans in the lives of Koreans. The museum also houses a variety of landscape and folk paintings.

The Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum

Here you can see the embroidered patches which were worn on the chest and the back of the official uniforms of kings and high-ranking officials. Designs would reflect the importance of the wearer, incorporating animal imagery such as dragons, giraffes, lions and peacocks. There are also displays of embroidered bed linen, folding screens and embroidery kits.

Museum of Korean Art (former Museum of Korean Buddhist Art)

The Museum of Korean Art houses more than 6,000 Buddhist artworks including paintings, sculptures, crafts and ritual items. Of special artistic value are Buddhist paintings and statues of the Buddha from the Joseon Dynasty which have given experts some very useful insights. The museum also organizes a program of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.

Source: http://www.visitseoul.net

How to get to Bukchon?

Subway

Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.

Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bus

Local line(green bus) : 7025

Arterial line(blue bus) : 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 272, 601

Airport Bus : 602-1