북촌한옥마을

Welcome to Bukchon, the literal 'North Village' of Seoul. Situated geographically and politically between the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace to the west and the UNESCO-crowned Changdeokgung Palace to the east, this area has been…

Our exploration of Bukchon's history begins at its southern perimeter, at Unhyeongung Palace. Despite the title of 'palace,' this was originally a private aristocratic residence—the home of Heungseon Daewongun, the fiercely…

Moving north from the palace, we enter Gyedong-gil, a vibrant street that perfectly encapsulates the living history of Bukchon. The street is a fascinating palimpsest of time, where traditional sesame oil shops and old-school…

A short walk westward brings us to the Baek In-je House, built in 1913. This is not a humble urban dwelling; it is a magnificent, sprawling mansion that offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th-century…

We now ascend into Gahoe-dong, specifically Bukchon-ro 11-gil, the undisputed visual climax of the neighborhood. This steep, winding alley is home to the most famous of the 'Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon'—Views No. …

Navigating toward the northeastern edge of Bukchon, at the terminus of Gyedong-gil, we encounter a formidable, castle-like structure that starkly contrasts with the low-slung Hanoks: Choong Ang High School. Established for the…

For our final section, we descend toward the eastern boundary of Bukchon, along the serene Changdeokgung-gil. This road hugs the formidable stone walls of Changdeokgung Palace. …

As we conclude our journey through the winding, historic alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, we are left to ponder the complex paradox of this extraordinary neighborhood. Bukchon is arguably the most successful preservation project…