Right way to visit Bukchon: Quiet hours, hidden paths, cultural etiquette
Bukchon Hanok Village stands as a living testament to the centuries of history that shaped the capital of Korea. Located between Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace, the two main royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), this neighborhood has served as the traditional heart of Seoul for over 600 years. In the Joseon era, the area was a residential district for aristocrats and high-ranking government officials. These elite residents chose it for its ideal location, as it sits on the southern slopes of Mount Bugak, a spot traditionally believed to bring great energy and prosperity. While the rapid modernization of Seoul in the 20th century led to the loss of many traditional structures, Bukchon has managed to preserve its unique identity through the dedication of its residents and the city government. Today, it remains one of the few places where visitors can walk through a dense neighborhood of hundreds of traditional Korean houses known as hanok. But this is no open-air museum. Bukchon is a living, breathing neighborhood — one that now welcomes visitors with clearer boundaries
