Hanok Village

Bukchon hanok

Bukchon, once a residential area for nobility during the Joseon period, underwent significant transformation starting in the 1920s, particularly in the 1930s with the expansion of Seoul’s administrative districts. Housing management companies began purchasing land and constructing medium-sized hanok (traditional Korean houses). These hanok were renovated using modern materials, like glass doors and galvanized iron roof extensions, while retaining traditional characteristics.

The construction of Bukchon’s hanok utilized standardized wooden materials from timber mills to meet the high demand for housing. Although they differ from traditional hanok in features such as roof inclination and spacing between columns, they preserve the essence and beauty of traditional architecture. Ultimately, these adaptations resulted in a new urban housing type that addressed the challenges of urban density and anonymity while maintaining traditional aesthetics.

The west side of Gyeongbokgung Palace

The west side of Gyeongbokgung Palace, nestled between the palace and Sajikdan Altar, has been historically significant since ancient times, known for scenic spots and as a residential area for royalty and influential families during the Joseon dynasty. It features a mix of urban hanok, modern houses, and multifamily dwellings, alongside traditional markets, galleries, and cafes. This area preserves old waterways and alleys, reflecting daily urban life, and is celebrated for its cultural activities and community, making it an attractive residential location due to its proximity to the city center and affordable rents.

Ikseon-dong

Ikseon-dong is a key area in the four main gates, surrounded by Jongmyo Shrine and Unhyeon Palace, which have been used as the royal palace of Joseon for 261 years, and is geographically located in the center of Jongno-gu. If you come out of Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station and go north along the alleyway, you can see Hanok Island and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, which is located in the city where there are many Korean-style houses on the street. Ikseon-dong is a key area in the four main gates, surrounded by Jongmyo Shrine and Unhyeon Palace, which have been used as the royal palace of Joseon for 261 years, and is geographically located in the center of Jongno-gu. If you come out of Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station and go north along the alleyway, you can see Hanok Island and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, which is located in the city where there are many Korean-style houses on the street.

Insa-dong

Located in the center of Seoul, Insa-dong was named after two Joseon towns whose names included the syllables ‘In’ from Gwaninbang of Hanseongbu (present-day Seoul) and ‘Sa’ from Daesadong. As the Dohwaseo (Painting Bureau) was established in the area in the early Joseon period, it became the heart of Korea’s arts activities. In the 1930s, many antique shops were established in the area, followed years later by numerous ateliers, antique furniture shops and Korean folk crafts shops in the 1980s, transforming it into a famous byword for Korean traditions and cultures. Nowadays, traditional craft shops and tea shops exist alongside modern-style buildings in Insa-dong, which still preserves some historic traces of the old Korea.

Namsangol Hanok Village

Namsangol Hanok Village is located in Bi-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where the valley and Quanyu Pavilion of the Joseon Dynasty are still preserved, and it is a summer resort. In 1989, the restoration work of the South Valley was promoted, and it was officially opened to the public in 1998.

Experience activities for learning Korean etiquette, cultural schools, traditional culture lectures, etc. are held here, and there is also a traditional tea shop
Exhibit the works of artisans designated as intangible cultural assets at the Traditional Crafts Museum
Various events where you can experience folk customs

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