Budget Travel Korea | Seoul | Bukchon Hanok Village via Samcheong-dong Part 2


Hanok is the Korean traditional house. The Bukchon Hanok village in Seoul has existed for 600 years along with the palaces around Seoul. It is located in between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, and used to be the neighbourhood of aristocrats as well as high-ranked government officials back in the day. 

Amazingly, the houses are still being occupied today so visitors are advised to keep their voice down along the tour to avoid disturbing the residents. 


So this tour is about walking around the hilly neighbourhood of ancient traditional Korean houses (could be the Beverly Hills of Joseon Dynasty lol) whilst admiring the exteriors =D

 

Some of the hanoks are turned into galleries, museums, tea houses and for other cultural experiences so you are able to appreciate the interiors if you go to any of those houses.

During our trip, we found a hanok turned into a private holiday villa. The owners only come back to Korea annually so for the rest of the year this villa is opened to the public for a chance to appreciate the details in architecture and interior design from up close. This is also to support the campaign for 'silent tour' around the neighbourhood as visitors do create some noise as they walk in the alleys. I guess a tour in this private vacation home may somehow 'keep some of the visitors off the alleys' haha =D.

The entrance from inside - we had to keep off the grass and 
only allowed to step on the stones to get to the house 
The house
  
The immaculately maintained lawn - entrance gate is 
on the left side

The entrance fee is 10,000 won per person and you’ll be taken for a tour around the house by a guide who will explain all the fascinating features and details. 

Fun fact: the tour guide used to work in Malaysia for 2 years :D
Very modern kitchen 
A study area in the bedroom
Traditional duvets for sleeping tucked away in the closet.. 
very K-drama :P
Dining room
Why not.. 
Fun fact: the details on the surface of this dining table 
is hair-strand sized pearls laid out one by one by hand. 
Comfy sofas next to the window overlooking the lawn 
Outside on the balcony - though it's not Japan, I did 
imagine the samurais tip-toeing on these roof tops lol 
Why not..  =D
Decor in the garden

 At the end of the tour you’ll be served with a warm cup of plum tea. I’ll say that’s a perfect way to end a hanok tour ;)







Getting here:
Angguk Station Line 3 (Orange), Exit 3. Upon exiting, just walk straight along the main road uphill until you reach a big crossroad. Go straight, cross the road and walk another 100m further. You may find visitor crowds going into a small junction to the left and tourist buses parked on the roadsides. The junction takes you uphill into Bukchon Hanok neighbourhood; just follow the crowd =D.

If you plan to come from Gwanghwamun Square/Gyeongbokgung Palace via Samcheong-dong, check out Part 1 of this post.

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