Discover Seoul's Hidden Charm

Buckchon (the 'North Village') is the natural starting point for any visit to Korea. Why? Three simple reasons.

Bukchon is in the centre of Seoul, located between Gyeongbuk Palace and the Secret Garden, just north of the city's traditional arts and crafts Insadong district. Where better to start than the middle of the nation's capital city?

Bukchon is Seoul's historical heart where, for hundreds of years, Korea's ruling elite - relatives of the royal family, high public officials and other important families - built their traditional 'hanok' houses. Today, Bukchon is one of the few places in Korea where these original hanoks have been preserved. Wander its streets and take a delightful step back in time.

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Bukchon is now a thriving centre of traditional and contemporary Korean arts, culture, fashion and food. Visitors can drop into the many galleries, museums, crafts workshops, and fashion outlets, or refuel at some of the city's most delicious restaurants dotted along the atmospheric streets.

So why is Bukchon not yet listed as one of the top ten places to visit in Korea? Good question. Until recently, Bukchon seems to have been overlooked by almost all English-speaking tours and is not listed on major tour guide websites or lists of 'top 10 things to do in Seoul'. (Thanks to Korean TV dramas such as Winter Sonata Bukchon seems to have been on the Japanese tour radar for a few years.)

We are here to help change that. Share this site with anyone interested in visiting, or simply knowing more about Korea.

We are also very happy to share any new and interesting places you discover, so send us your experiences and travel stories by email or sign our guestbook. We are also delighted to answer your questions.

We are particularly keen to hear about great places you find or can recommend. New ones are popping up all the time! We encourage you to submit a site in our directory.

Above all, when you visit Korea, start at Bukchon.

See you there! Hanok Girl