Alleys Flowing with 600 Years of Fun Stories

To truly see Bukchon, it is best to follow the Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon. Looking east from the Photo Spot of View 1 in front of Wonseo Building near the eastern end of Bukchongil, you can admire the tiled roof ridges of Changdeokgung Palace and the curved branches of an old Chinese scholar tree. Walk along the palace wall from the old washing place to the area around Rakkojae Hanok guesthouse, taking in the traces of Seoul's old central culture and the elegance of the antique streets.

Along the way

1. 1
   Bukchon Cultural Center

   북촌문화센터

   Bukchon Cultural Center is a hanok established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for citizens to enjoy culture. Opened as a cultural space for residents, it provides various opportunities to experience Korean traditional culture. Built on the site of 'Min Jae-mu-gwan's House,' a powerful figure in the late Joseon Dynasty, the Seoul Metropolitan Government purchased the place—also well known as the 'Gye-dong Lady's House'—and opened it on October 29, 2002, after completing exterior renovations. MoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon

   북촌 8경

   Originally, it was a place name referring to the neighborhood north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. The neighborhood south of Jongno, corresponding to present-day Namsan Mountain, was called Namchon. In Bukchon lived the royal family and powerful noblemen of the Joseon Dynasty, while lower-ranking officials lived in Namchon. In recent years, the hanok village between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace is called Bukchon. Across the Bukchon alleyways, where the charm and atmosphere of hanok remain alive, are the Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon. Photo spots are provided here for visitors. You can have an enjoyable time exploring and taking photos at the Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon, which best capture the colors and ambiance of hanok.MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Samcheongdong-gil Road

   삼청동길

   Samcheongdong-gil Road creates a unique atmosphere distinct to Samcheong-dong, where the traditional beauty of antique hanok buildings harmonizes with modern galleries and cafes. Quiet walking trails, galleries, museums, and antique shops are nestled between the alleys, full of cultural charm. Samcheongdong-gil Road, with its diverse attractions and foods, and the street in front of Cheong Wa Dae, where you can feel the quiet leisure of the city center, are charming streets that capture visitors' steps, measuring 2.9 km in length with great accessibility. MoreLess

   

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4. 4
   Samcheong Park

   삼청공원

   Samcheong Park is a park located in the center of Seoul. With convenient transportation and many nearby art galleries and specialty restaurants, it is loved as a walking trail for citizens. At Samcheong Park, visited by many thanks to its quiet walking paths and beautiful surrounding scenery, there is a sijo (traditional poem) monument dedicated to Jeong Mong-ju, a loyal subject of Goryeo, and his mother, as well as a natural mineral spring in the middle of the park. The autumn foliage is beautiful in the fall.MoreLess

   

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5. 5
   Insadong-gil Road

   인사동길

   Insa-dong is designated as a pedestrian-only street every Saturday and Sunday, reborn as a cultural space shared with citizens. On these days, along with existing shops, the street is filled with traditional performances, exhibitions, taffy sellers, and elderly fortune-tellers reading saju and marital compatibility. Those finding joy amidst this are foreign visitors from all over the world. Foreign tourists visiting to experience Korean traditional culture browse antique items or purchase ancient artworks at traditional shops. They also buy taffy on the street and eat traditional pajeon (scallion pancakes). You can also see many foreigners captivated by the traditional charm felt in the city center.MoreLess

   

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6. 6
   Ssamzigil

   쌈지길

   A new street of about 500 meters was created in Seoul's warm and inviting Insa-dong, where every alley holds a story. Opened on December 18, 2004, <Ssamzigil> is a shopping complex specializing in crafts and has become a tourist attraction known as "a new Insa-dong within Insa-dong." At <Ssamzigil>, you can find top-quality traditional craft items made by Korean Living National Treasures (Human Cultural Assets), modern craftworks, and design products infused with Korean style. In addition, you can taste representative Korean foods such as 'Jeonju bibimbap', 'bulgogi', and 'bindaetteok', as well as traditional Korean tea.MoreLess

   

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