Best Things to Do in Bukchon Hanok Village

Hanok means a house built in traditional Korean style. And ‘Bukchon Hanok Village’ is the most famous place in Seoul.

It is a perfect type of residence in Korea to solve the hot and cold weather of the Korean Peninsula. First, they used a floor heating system called Ondol to make it warm during the winter season. Secondly, Maru(living room) has an open structure to the yard, kitchen and other rooms so that people can easily communicate. Lastly, in my personal opinion, the most beautiful part of Hanok is Giwa(Roofing tiles) and Dancheong(Painting to protects woods from rain and pests). It’s architecturally beautiful and practical.

Before we go further, if you have to carry your luggage or bags during the sightseeing, take a look at our post, “Luggage Storage Services in Seoul” to travel light. And you can check all the detailed information about the subway storage near you HERE.

 

What does ‘Bukchon’ means?

Bukchon literally means ‘Northern Village’ of Cheonggyecheon and Jongno. Originally, it was a high-class residential area for Yangban(traditional ruling class back in the old days). So, there is the Bukchon Yangbang Life Culture Exhibition Hall and the Bukchon Hanok Village symbolic artifact where the Gahoe-dong Traditional Village Festival is held so you can see the life of the old ancestors of Korea.

Check out the best deals on Bukchon walking tours!

Things to keep in mind before visiting Bukchon Hanok Village

• From November 1, 2024, visitors are asked to avoid late-night visits to Bukchon Hanok Village under a new rule aimed at reducing disturbances to residents.
• Respect the locals: Many hanoks are still private homes, so keep noise down and avoid peeking into windows.
• Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon is quieter and better for photos.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The village has hilly, uneven paths.
• Combine with other stops: Plan half a day for Bukchon and then visit the palaces or Insadong nearby.

How to get to Bukchon Hanok Village?

Subway is the best way to Bukchon Hanok Village. You can easily access the village through Anguk subway station exit no.2 of Seoul subway line 3(Orange line).

This is the village sign(북촌) just before you go out from exit 2 of Anguk station.

When you walk down the street you can see several souvenir shops and cafes like this. And after a few minutes, you can start your journey to the Bukchon Hanok Village.

I recommend getting a map from the visitor information center or taking a picture of the walking route map before you start your journey because there are so many small alleys in the village.

See Bukchon Hanok Village by pedicab — no long walks needed!

Things to do at Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village Hanbok Rental

There are tons of Instagrammable photo spots in Bukchon Hanok Village and that’s why it is loved by many people. Photos wearing a beautiful Hanbok can be one of the best pictures you’ve ever been in. You can easily find many Hanbok rental shops when you walk along the street. Normal Hanbok rentals with small accessories cost 13,000~20,000 KRW and usually run for 4 hours.

It would be convenient if you can purchase a rental voucher at a discounted price before you get there.

Go to see a Hanbok Rental Voucher

 

Visit Gahoe dong alley and the 8 views of Bukchon

 

1. Panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace

This is the first photo spot that we recommend taking a picture from because it has a background view of Changdeok Palace behind the stone walls.

2. Wonseo-dong Gongbang-gil

Walking along the stone wall of Changdeok Palace in Wonseo-dong, there is a second photo spot at the end of the alley, after passing by the Buddhist Museum and Yeon Gongbang.

3. 11 Gahoe-dong (Gahoe-dong Museum Alley)

There is a third photo spot in Gahoe-dong 11, where visitors can enjoy the inside of the Hanok on the way down the embroidery museum.

It would be good to visit gongbangs(workshops) of artists during your exploration.

4. 31 Gahoe-dong – Hillside

Personally this is one of my favorite photo spot of Bukchon because you can see the surrounding areas at one glance ontop of a hill.

5. Gahoe-dong Alley – Downhill

This is the fifth photo spot at 31 Gahoe-dong alley, the most well preserved Hanok area in Bukchon.

6. Gahoe-dong Alley – Uphill

Go up the 31 Gahoe-dong lane, and you can see the sixth photo spot at the end of the hill.
The scenery of Seoul city, which is visible through the roofs of Hanoks, is breathtaking.

7. 31 Gahoe-dong

You can enjoy the simple and calm atmosphere of Hanok from the 7th view point of Bukchon.

8. Stone steps in Samcheong-dong

You may think why did they designate these stone steps as the 8th view of Bukcho? But it shows an unique alleyway view of a staircase made entirely of a large rock.

Visit Bukchon Cultural Center (북촌문화센터)

• Address: 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37)
• Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri: 09:00–18:00 \ Wed: 09:00–20:00 \ Sat–Sun: 09:00–17:00 \ Closed: Mondays
• Inquiries: +82-2-741-1033
• Fees: Free (experience programs may have a fee)

Housed in a beautifully restored hanok, the Bukchon Cultural Center was created to help visitors experience Korea’s traditional culture up close. Here, you can join programs like the Korean tea ceremony, handicraft workshops, and gugak (traditional Korean music) sessions. The center also features a Public Relations Exhibition Hall that introduces the history of Bukchon and the architecture of hanok houses. For a break during your walk, the center offers a cozy rest area and a pavilion where you can simply relax and take in the atmosphere.

Discover Art Galleries and Craft Shops

Bukchon is also a hub for local artisans. You’ll find small galleries, pottery studios, and workshops selling handmade jewelry, paper crafts (hanji), and paintings. Some shops let you try your hand at making your own souvenirs, perfect for a more personalized memory.

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Bukchon Hanok Village

After a long walk, you may want to eat traditional Korean foods. There are many nice restaurants and cafes in Bukchon.

Kkangtong Mandu(Dumpling)

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• Address: 5-6 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
• Caution: People always wait outside in line.

If you love dumplings, this little spot is a must. Kkangtong Mandu makes fresh mandu every day, and the place is so popular you’ll usually see a line out front. The vibe is cozy with traditional seating, and the menu has all the dumpling goodness, steamed mandu, shrimp mandu, dumpling soup, and even mandu noodle soup. Nokdu Jijim( Mung Bean Pancake) is also a popular dish. It’s simple, authentic, and totally worth the wait.

Bukchon Sonmandu (Handmade Dumpling)

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• Address: 10 Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno District, Seoul

Run by the same family for three generations, this legendary mandu spot has been serving handmade dumplings for over 70 years. The menu covers everything from steamed and deep-fried mandu to shrimp and galbi mandu, all made fresh with care. You can order them by piece or go for an assorted platter. Dumplings pair perfectly with noodles here, try them with hot noodle soup (the top pick!) or cold buckwheat noodles in a refreshing kimchi broth.

Bukchon Dodam

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• Address: 9 Bukchon-ro 1-gil, Jongno District, Seoul

This modern hanok-style restaurant opened in 2017 and is just a short walk from Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village, perfect for a meal break while exploring. The vibe is bright and cozy, and the menu hits all the right spots with dishes like hearty kimchi stew, tender bossam, and spicy stir-fried octopus that’s amazing mixed with rice. Don’t forget to try it with a glass of makgeolli for the full local experience.

Green Mile Coffee

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• Address: 1F 64 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 북촌로 64 1층)
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00 / Sat 10:00–20:00 / Sun 10:00–19:00 (last order 30 mins before closing)

If you’re hunting for the perfect coffee spot with a view in Bukchon, Green Mile Coffee is the place. It’s nothing fancy at first glance—the counter’s on the ground floor, but once you climb up, the rooftop will steal the show. From the 3rd floor you get one of the best angles of the hanok rooftops, perfect for photos or just relaxing.

Their handmade tiramisu is a local favorite (and goes dangerously well with coffee), and you can even pick the kind of beans you like, bright and tangy or deep and bold. Not into coffee? No worries, they’ve got tea and sodas too.

Coffee Mill

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Address: 8-11 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno District, Seoul

This cozy hanok café in Samcheong-dong has a retro vibe with antique décor and coffee roasted right on-site. You can sip on anything from drip coffee to mochas, or go for juice and ice cream if you’re not into caffeine. A fun extra, sometimes the owner will sketch a quick portrait of you, making the visit even more special.

 

Free Guided Walking Tour

Here is a good tip for you! “The Seoul Guided Walking Tour” is an absolutely FREE program offered by the city of Seoul designed for tourists. The knowledgeable tour guides will be with you during walking tours and they are all volunteers. you also have a chance to meet some great fellow travelers here too! This free tour is packed with information and covered the entire site from Korean history. 

If you had a great time, then you can easily move on to the other sightseeing spots near the village.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung, Samcheong Park, and other tourist spots are quite close.

 

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