Travel Korea (3) Bukchon Hanok Village: Experience Traditional Korean Living in the Heart of Seoul

 

사진: Unsplash의Y K

🏯 Travel Korea (3) | Bukchon Hanok Village: Experience Traditional Korean Living in the Heart of Seoul

Thanks for joining us again on the Travel Korea series!
This time, we're stepping away from the busy streets and diving into a peaceful neighborhood full of history and tradition.
Let’s explore Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can experience the charm of Korea’s past right in the heart of Seoul. 🇰🇷🏯

---

📍 What is Bukchon Hanok Village?

Located in the heart of Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a picturesque neighborhood that offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life. Home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses), this area preserves the architectural style and ambiance of the Joseon Dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks serve as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Korean heritage.

---

🚇 How to Get There

• Subway: Take Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 3. From there, it's about a 7-minute walk to the village.

• Walking Route: Start from Anguk Station and head straight along Bukchon-ro. Turn left onto Bukchon-ro 11-gil before the Nature Republic store. This path leads you to the most photographed stretch of the village, offering views of the iconic N Seoul Tower.

---

🕒 Opening Hours

• General Access: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Restricted Hours: From 5:00 PM to 10:00 AM the following day, entry is restricted to residents, guests, and shoppers. Visitors during this time may face fines starting March 2025.

---

💰 Admission Fee

Free – Exploring the village itself is free of charge. However, some cultural workshops or experiences within the hanoks may require a fee.

---

📸 What to See & Do

• Photo Spots: Don't miss the iconic photo spot where Bukchon-ro 11-gil meets the alley leading to the village's upper section. The backdrop of hanoks with the N Seoul Tower in the distance is perfect for photos.

• Walking Courses: Consider following the "Classic Course," which includes eight scenic photo stops throughout the village. Alternatively, the "Gourmet Course" takes you through the lower half of Bukchon, known for its Michelin-rated restaurants and trendy cafes.

• Cultural Experiences: Participate in traditional Korean craft workshops, tea ceremonies, or calligraphy sessions offered by various hanoks.

---

🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink

• Knotted Anguk: A cozy café known for its donuts and pastel-colored décor. Located at 6-3 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last order at 8:30 PM).

• Hwangsaengga Kalguksu: Famous for its knife-cut noodle soup (kalguksu), this restaurant offers a taste of traditional Korean comfort food.

• London Bagel Museum Anguk: A unique café that combines a bagel shop with a museum experience, showcasing various bagel-related artifacts.

---

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

• Hanbok Rentals: Experience wearing traditional Korean attire by renting a hanbok. Many shops along Bukchon-ro offer rentals, and wearing a hanbok grants free admission to nearby palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

• Craft Shops: Explore local shops selling handmade crafts, pottery, and traditional Korean textiles.

---

🏨 Where to Stay

• Hanok Guesthouses (Traditional Korean Houses)

1. Rakkojae Seoul
   💰 ~$250–350 USD/night
   📍 5 min walk
   A luxury hanok guesthouse offering a peaceful, authentic Korean traditional experience with elegant, beautifully restored buildings.

2. Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse
   💰 ~$70–100 USD/night
   📍 10 min walk
   A budget-friendly option for guests who want to experience living in a traditional Korean house without breaking the bank.

🚶‍♂️ Travel Tips

• Respect the Residents: Bukchon is a residential area. Keep noise levels down and be considerate of the local residents.

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The village's hilly terrain and cobblestone paths can be challenging, so wear comfortable footwear.

---

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: A short walk from Bukchon, this grand palace offers a glimpse into Korea's royal history.

• Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden: Another nearby palace known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance.

• Samcheong-dong: A trendy neighborhood adjacent to Bukchon, filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and cafés.

---

Thanks for joining us on our first stop in the Travel Korea series!
Next, we’ll head to another cultural gem. Stay tuned! 🇰🇷✨

Travel Korea (2) | Gwangjang Market: Explore Seoul’s Iconic Street Food Paradise

 

사진: Unsplash의(っ◔◡◔)っ Clement 🇰🇷

 

Thanks for joining us again on the Travel Korea series!
This time, we're leaving the palace walls behind and diving straight into the lively heart of Korean street life.
Let’s explore Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and most delicious markets in Seoul. 🇰🇷🍜

---

📍 What is Gwangjang Market?

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea, originally opened in 1905. While many tourists visit modern malls and cafés in Seoul, Gwangjang offers something you can’t find elsewhere: authentic Korean street culture, mouthwatering traditional food, and a vivid glimpse of everyday life.

It’s a place where the air is thick with the smell of garlic and sesame oil, and the sounds of sizzling pans, shouting vendors, and clinking bowls surround you. Every corner feels like a scene from a Korean drama or travel vlog—but this one is real.

---

🚇 How to Get There

• Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1 or 5) – Exit 7
• Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2 or 5) – Exit 4
  🗺️ Just a 2–5 minute walk from either exit.

Opening Hours

• Street food: ~8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Hanbok & fabric stores: Usually 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Some shops open 24/7 (mainly textiles)
  ⚠️ Closed or limited on Sundays

---

🍽️ What to Eat – Street Food You Can’t Miss

Famous worldwide and featured on Netflix’s Street Food Asia, Gwangjang is a paradise for food lovers:

• Bindaetteok (빈대떡) – Crispy mung bean pancake (~₩5,000)
• Mayak Gimbap (마약김밥) – Addictive mini rice rolls (~₩4,000)
• Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy rice cakes (~₩5,000)
• Kalguksu (칼국수) – Knife-cut noodle soup (~₩6,000)
• Sundae (순대) – Korean blood sausage (~₩5,000–6,000)
• Yukhoe (육회) – Korean beef tartare (~₩12,000–15,000)

👉 Most stalls are cash-preferred, but many accept cards.
Don’t be shy to sit beside strangers—it's all part of the fun!

---

💬 The Atmosphere

Vendors shouting. Oil sizzling. Locals slurping noodles elbow to elbow.
Gwangjang is raw, loud, aromatic, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a slice of Korean life.

---

🛍️ Beyond Food

• Hanbok rentals & shops
• Traditional textiles & wedding gifts
• Vintage clothing arcade on the 2nd floor

Fashion lovers and culture seekers will both find hidden treasures here.

---

🧭 Nearby Attractions

• Cheonggyecheon Stream – Peaceful walking path
• Jongmyo Shrine – UNESCO World Heritage site
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – Futuristic architecture & exhibits

Perfect to combine with your market visit!

---

🏨 Where to Stay Near Gwangjang Market

Here are great places to stay for every budget:

1. Moxy Seoul Insadong (by Marriott)

💰 ~$90–130 USD/night
📍 15 min walk
Trendy and stylish, with rooftop views and modern vibes.

2. Hotel PJ Myeongdong

💰 ~$80–120 USD/night
📍 12 min walk
Spacious rooms, quiet neighborhood, shuttle service available.

3. Grid Inn Hotel

💰 ~$50–70 USD/night
📍 8 min walk
Budget-friendly, simple, and very walkable.

4. Orakai Daehakro Hotel

💰 ~$100–140 USD/night
📍 15 min walk or short taxi
Modern and peaceful, with great amenities.

5. Hostel Haru (Solo/budget travelers)

💰 ~$30–50 USD/night
📍 10 min walk
Minimalist and clean, with great views and communal vibe.

👉 Most hotels in this area are well-connected to subway lines and attractions. Booking early is smart!

---

🧳 Travel Tips

• Bring cash (₩), especially for smaller stalls
• Try to go on a weekday to avoid crowds
• Learn a few Korean phrases: “Hello” = 안녕하세요, “Thank you” = 감사합니다
• Look up stall reviews or maps beforehand if you’re picky with food

“Thanks for joining us on our first stop in the Travel Korea series!
Next, we’ll head to another cultural gem. Stay tuned! 🇰🇷✨”

Travel Korea (1) -Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most iconic and historically significant palace in Korea

 

사진: Unsplash의Daniel Bernard

 📍 Welcome to the Travel Korea series!

This blog series introduces must-visit destinations across South Korea. In our first post, we’re heading to the heart of Seoul—Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most iconic and historically significant palace in Korea.

---

🏯 What is Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Its name means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.” Destroyed and restored multiple times over the centuries, it stands today as a proud symbol of Korea’s royal heritage.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Majestic architecture with colorful roofs
• Tranquil lotus ponds and gardens
• National museums
• Daily Royal Guard Changing Ceremonies

It’s the perfect blend of history, beauty, and culture.

---

📍 Location

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

---

🚇 How to Get There

• Subway: Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station → Exit 5.
• Bus: Use local buses to Gyeongbokgung or Gwanghwamun stops.

---

💰 Admission Fees

• Adults (ages 19–64): ₩3,000
• Youth (ages 7–18): ₩1,500
• Children (under 6) / Seniors (65+): Free
• Free Entry if you wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress)!

---

🕐 Opening Hours

• 09:00–18:00 (Last admission: 17:00)
• Closed on Tuesdays

---

🎯 Top Things to Do

• Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
  Every hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the main gate.
• Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
  A lakeside banquet hall used by kings—great for photography.
• Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
  A peaceful garden island within the palace walls.
• National Palace Museum & Folk Museum
  Learn about Korean traditions, kings, and everyday life during Joseon.
• Wear a Hanbok
  Hanbok rentals nearby cost about ₩10,000–₩20,000, and let you enter for free!

---

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

☀️ Breakfast Spots:

1. Tartine Bakery Seoul (Gwanghwamun)
   American-style café with buttery pastries and good coffee.
   [5 mins walk] 
2. Café Mamas
   Known for fresh ricotta salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
   [7 mins by foot]

---

🍜 Lunch Recommendations:

1. Tosokchon Samgyetang
   Famous ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang). Rich and hearty.
   Very popular—go early to avoid lines!
   [Located 3–4 mins walk from the palace]
2. Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang
   A quieter alternative offering equally delicious samgyetang.
3. Gogung (Insadong)
   Famous for traditional bibimbap—a well-balanced Korean dish.
   [10 mins walk]

---

🍖 Dinner Options:

1. Maple Tree House
   Upscale Korean BBQ with excellent beef and attentive service.
   Great for groups and evening dining.
   [10 mins walk]
2. Jinokhwa Halmae Dakkhanmari
   Spicy chicken hotpot—local favorite with a communal feel.
   Located in nearby Dongdaemun (15 min by taxi).
3. Insadong Yetchatjip (Traditional Tea House)
   For dessert or a calm tea-time experience with hanok ambiance.

---

🏨 Hotel Recommendations Nearby

1. Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun

• 4-star hotel with modern amenities, breakfast, and a central location.
• Walkable to the palace (~7 mins)
• Approx. ₩120,000–₩180,000 per night

2. Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong

• Excellent value hotel with hanok-style touches, near shopping & dining.
• Ideal for travelers who want comfort and convenience.
• Approx. ₩100,000–₩150,000 per night

---

📸 Photography Tips

• Arrive early (before 10 AM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
• Bring a wide-angle lens for full gate and pavilion shots.
• If wearing a hanbok, consider booking a photo session for keepsakes.

---

📝 Final Tips for Visitors

• Tuesdays: Closed! Plan accordingly.
• Bring water and sun protection in warmer months.
• Restrooms and maps are available at the entrance.
• Combine this visit with Bukchon Hanok Village or Gwanghwamun Square for a full day experience.

---

Thanks for joining us on our first stop in the Travel Korea series!
Next, we’ll head to another cultural gem. Stay tuned! 🇰🇷✨