HS Bukchon Hanok Village
Various Cultural Experiences
Since last year, Seoul City has been hard at work to develop cultural programs to showcase Bukchon area's distinct and historical side. The program is also a part of the city's efforts to preserve the part of the city that reflects the city's tradition and history.
The Bukchon Traditional Culture Center hosts traditional culture events during the fourth week of every month. The center also hosts night classes for those busy at work during the day and offer traditional cultural experiences that allow visitors to try their hands on making hanji and traditional liquor among others.
In order to preserve the areas traditional homes, Seoul City has purchased approximately twenty hanok homes and has transformed them into traditional homes to cultural spaces for Seoulites.
Bukchon Meets IT
The city has also developed a informational system in which those interested will be able to browse through traditional relics in the area through multimedia programs. The city will also use the program towards its efforts to preserve the area's traditional elements and to market the beauties of the area overseas.
The landmarks and businesses in the area are to be marked on a digital map using a GIS. The digital map is to connect with contents to provide a detailed and easy to access informational system. Stories about the area's history, tradition and famous residents will be retold using flash animation.
Bukchon Hanok Area to Expand
The city planners had expanded the preservation zone to include the neighboring Samcheong-dong and Palpan-dong to the original Bukchon area. Under the preservation rule, current owners of hanok in the area and those planning on building new hanoks can apply for a support fee of up to 30 million won from the city as well as a loan of up to 20 million won.
Construction in the area has also toughened with a limit on the construction of any new buildings except for traditional hanok-style homes.