Introduction
Bukchon was originally established as a residential district for the upper class in the Joseon dynasty. It experienced change after 1930 when Seoul’s administrative districts were reorganized, and the city structure changed in modern ways. Lots of residence management companies bought a vast flatland in Bukchon and collectively constructed medium and small Hanok. This is how the conservation of Hanok area, such as Gahoe-dong 11 and 31 district, Samcheong-dong 35 district, and Gye-dong 135 district was established. You can get a map introducing a course to walk along the alleys of Bukchon for 1-2 hours (Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon Hanok Village).
Notice
* Allowed time of tourism: 10:00 - 17:00 (Weekdays and Saturday)
* Sunday is “Breaktime of tourism.” So, the alleys are closed every Sunday.
* You should not make too much noise. Keep in mind that it is residential area.
* The “Break of tourism” is only applied to 100m section of Bukchon-ro 11-gil, near Buckchon Oriental Culture museum.
* Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon Hanok Village have no signs. However, there is copperplate in the road signifying each scenic view.
• Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon Hanok Village •
1. Panorama of Changdeok Palace
This is the starting point of the Bukchon Hanok Village. You can see the inside of Changdeok Palace over a stone wall from the road. It appears when you leave the Bukchon Cultural Center and climb the hill of Bukchon-gil. This view is one of the most outstanding views of Bukchon. Over the wall, there is a view of the newly restored Kyujanggak and Old Seonwonjeon. You can also see the side of Injeongjeon at the back.
2. Wonseo-dong Workshop Road
Walk along the stone wall road of Changdeok Palace then go down forked road. Then you can see the Wonseo-dong Workshop road. This village was for commoners who worked for the Changdeok Palace’s people. The reason this village is called “Workshop Road” is because it used to have many workshops in the Joseon Dynasty. Pass by the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, and there is a laundry place where people working in palace and commoners used together. Also, there is Bukchon Dancheong workshop where people can experience traditional Dancheong.
3. Whole area of Gahoe-dong 11 district
The House of Go Huidong, who was the first Western-style painter in Korea, is located here. If you have any difficulties finding it, then find the Bukchon Hanok Office. This area is in front of Bukchon Hanok Office!
In addition, there is the Chungang High school near this area. Chungang High school is famous as a fi lming locations for many Korean drama such as Winter Sonata (2002), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016). If you want activities, then you can take a look at the many workshops in this area, where you can experience various traditional cultures.
* About House of Go Hui-dong
- Tour time: Every week Tuesday to Sunday 10:00- 18:00 (Last entry is 30 minutes before closing)
- Closure: Every Monday, January 1, Korean New Year’s Day, Chuseok
- Admission fee: Free
* Chungang high school is closed the publics on weekdays.
4. Hill of Gahoe-dong 31 district
Gahoe-dong 31 district’s hill is also known as Bukchon observatory. Standing near the iron fence, you can see splendid view full of Hanok’s roofs. The Bukchon East Asian culture museum is also well known for good scenery. By paying 5,000 won, you can use the terrace connected to the 2nd floor cafe. On the Terrace you have a magnificent view of the Hanok village. In the museum, there is an exhibition about Asian tea and collection related to Asian culture.
* Tips! This area is very hard to find: Walk down from 5th View of Bukchon Hanok Village, then turn right by the Hanok standing beside a big tree. By climbing the hill, you can see stairway with an iron banister. There is signboard for Bukchon-ro 11-na gil at the end of the stairway.
5. Uphill road and Downhill road of Gahoedong alley
5th and 6th Views of Bukchon Hanok Village is a good photo-taking place of Bukchon Hanok Village. The roofs of Hanok is lined up on both sides of the road, so it is called the most Korean style road in the village. By looking at the same road upward, connecting Cheongchunjae and gallery named MIUM, it is called the 5th View. By looking downward, it is known as the 6th View. Many tourists want to take photos with the mixed background of Namsan tower, Hanok, and skyscrapers.
6. Secret alley of Hanok Village and Stone Stair road to Samcheong-dong
Coming down form the 6th View, there is alley turning left. You can see similar view to the 6th View, but it is relatively less known and uncrowded.
In addition, very steep stone stair way is located between 7th View of Bukchon Hanok Village and Bukchon living history museum. Because the stairway is very steep, you can see the square structure of Hanok roof. The end of this stairway is linked to modern Samcheong-dong café road, which is quite contrasting from traditional Hanok Village.
By Lee Pulip, Junior Reporter / elllight@konkuk.ac.kr