A place story by Momo
Heritage site
About this place
Hanok lanes and everyday neighborhood life—take care to keep the peace 🤫
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Bukchon Hanok Village is a neighborhood where people still live, and its Red Zone is off-limits to visitors from 17:00 until 10:00 the next day. Check the time before you set off! Between Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo, Bukchon takes its name from being north of Cheonggyecheon and Jongno 😮
The hanok lanes carry a story of change. In the 1930s, housing companies divided large plots and built clusters of smaller hanok homes. They kept traditional house forms while adding newer materials, such as glass doors in the main hall and sheet-metal awnings beneath the eaves. Residential areas such as Gahoe-dong 11 and 31, and Gye-dong 135, took shape in this period 🧐
Hanok came under threat, but preservation and rebuilding efforts have continued since 2001, supported by a registration system. Gahoe-dong Han House, Yun Boseon House and Lee Jun-gu House are among the homes preserved and cared for, alongside hanok used by traditional workshops and artisans. Remember, this is a lived-in neighborhood: keep your voice down, and avoid trespassing, unauthorized photography and littering 🙂
How hanok changed
Built in clusters during the 1930s, Bukchon’s hanok developed into modern urban homes while retaining traditional house forms 🏠 Preservation efforts based on a registration system have continued since 2001. As you walk, look for traditional forms alongside newer materials.
Respect residents
Bukchon is a residential neighborhood 🤫 Keep your voice down, and avoid trespassing, unauthorized photography and littering. Groups must visit with a guide.
Hours and getting around
Visit from 10:00~17:00; the Red Zone is closed to visitors from 17:00 until 10:00 the next day ⏰ The village is open year-round and free to visit. There’s no parking, so consider walking or using public transportation.
TripNaru photos
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00–17:00
- Closed days: Year-round