After a quick stop at Insadong, off we go to Bukchon Hanok Village. We walked several block to go there. Yup, it was another walkathon for us! Once you are near the village there are several tourist assistance people who can guide on where to go when exploring the village.
Situated between the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, the Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of hanoks or traditional Korean houses that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Due to its proximity to the two grand palaces, this is usually where high-ranking officials of the Joseon dynasty and their families live back then. As time changes, not only people of nobility came to live in this village. Commoners also began inhabiting the village especially during the late Joseon era and after the war. With urbanization, a lot has changed in the village. Somewhere torn down or left to rot since most urbanites started leaving the village and live in high-rise apartments. Thanks to the conservation efforts, those hanoks left were restored and taken cared of for the new generation to see. Today, the village still serves as a residential area but some business like cafes, restaurants and shops also flourished.
Here are some of the sights from our Bukchon Hanok Village tour:
