Gourmet Food and Filming Location Tours that Stir the Travel Spirit in Seoul / How to Explore Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village (Bukchon Hanok Maeul) is a popular tourist spot located in Seoul, South Korea. It is full of charm, with traditional Hanok houses that give a sense of history, stylish cafes, lunches where you can enjoy Korean gourmet food, and tours of filming locations. Since this area is located in the heart of Seoul, it is also very accessible. This time, we will introduce the highlights and attractions of Bukchon Hanok Village.

1. Access to Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is an area where traditional Korean houses called “hanok” from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) are densely clustered. Although it is currently a residential area, it remains popular not only among tourists but also among locals, as it preserves the atmosphere of the days when nobles once lived there. It is also famous as a filming location, having been featured in dramas such as Winter Sonata and Playful Kiss.
To get to Bukchon Hanok Village: From Seoul Station, take Subway Line 1 and transfer to Line 3 at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, then get off at Anguk Station. From Myeong-dong Station, take Subway Line 4 and transfer to Line 3 at Chungmuro Station, then get off at Anguk Station. From Exit 2 of Anguk Station, walk about 200 meters north. After crossing the first traffic light, you will find an information center, which is a good starting point for sightseeing.

2. How to Explore Bukchon Hanok Village

First, it is recommended to get a guide map from the information center. There are also pamphlets with sightseeing spots and gourmet spots listed. Following the recommended sightseeing route on the guide map will help you explore efficiently. However, Bukchon Hanok Village has many slopes and stairs, so don’t push yourself too hard. Since there are cafes, it’s a good idea to take breaks when needed. The scenery is picturesque wherever you go, so enjoy taking photos.

3. Highlights of Bukchon Hanok Village

There are many highlights in Bukchon Hanok Village.
The first is visiting the Bukchon 8 Views (Bukchon Palkyeong). These are eight spots selected by the city of Seoul in 2008 as the places where you can most appreciate the charm of Bukchon Hanok Village. It takes about two to two and a half hours to visit them all. Even with a guide map, the alleys are intricate, and it’s easy to get lost. However, since there are many tourists, you can also ask them for directions.

The Bukchon 8 Views are:
• Bukchon View 1: Panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace
• Bukchon View 2: Workshop Street in Wonseo-dong
• Bukchon View 3: Museum Street in Gahoe-dong
• Bukchon View 4: Hill at 31, Gahoe-dong
• Bukchon View 5: Alley downhill in Gahoe-dong
• Bukchon View 6: Alley uphill in Gahoe-dong
• Bukchon View 7: Around 31, Gahoe-dong
• Bukchon View 8: Stone Steps in Samcheong-dong

All the views are beautiful, but View 5 is especially recommended—it’s worth seeing in person.
The second highlight is for Korean drama fans: filming location tours. The café “BOOKS COOKS” is also famous as a drama filming site and attracts many fans.

4. Renting a Korean traditional dress in Bukchon Hanok Village

There are shops in Bukchon Hanok Village where you can rent a chima jeogori (traditional Korean dress). One such shop is Onul Haru Hanbok. The beautiful hanok streets of Bukchon match perfectly with the chima jeogori. Walking through Bukchon Hanok Village in this attire will surely become a wonderful memory—it will feel like you’ve slipped back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. Rental fees start from 14,000 won for four hours (as of March 2019). You can also choose accessories and bags that match the chima jeogori, as well as get your hair styled, which is a nice touch.

5. Recommended Lunch Spots Around Bukchon Hanok Village

After walking a lot while sightseeing in Bukchon Hanok Village, you’ll surely get hungry. There are many delicious restaurants in the area.
The first is “Jae-dong Mettul Sundubu,” located at the southern end of Bukchon Hanok Village. It specializes in mild sundubu (soft tofu stew) made with Korean-style oboro tofu. It is popular among locals as well as foreign tourists. Popular menu items include Chodang Sundubu (soft tofu) and Haemul Sundubu (seafood soft tofu). (Photos are for illustration purposes)

The second is “Chim & Chok Samcheong Branch.” This restaurant serves its own unique jjim dak (braised chicken) with flavors such as cheese, garlic, curry, jjajang, and aged kimchi (mukeunji). The melty cheese makes it very hearty. Recommended menu items include Cheese Jjim Dak (chijeu jjim dak) and Andong Jjim Dak. Enjoying a Korean specialty after strolling through the hanok streets is truly delightful.

◎ Note on Visiting Hours in Bukchon Hanok Village

Tourist access in Bukchon Hanok Village is limited to 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, access to the alleys is restricted all day. This is due to worsening issues with noise, litter, and privacy violations from photography by tourists visiting day and night.
This concludes the introduction to Bukchon Hanok Village. When visiting this charming area full of beautiful hanok, filming locations, and gourmet delights, remember to follow the rules and visiting hours, and enjoy your time.

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Gourmet Food and Filming Location Tours that Stir the Travel Spirit in Seoul / How to Explore Bukchon Hanok Village