Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Seoul. Known as a living museum, the historic village shows a glimpse into Korea’s past. Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, it is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘hanok’ that date back to the Joseon Dynasty.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of Bukchon Hanok Village and recommend some activities to make your experience even more special!
All About Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The name “Bukchon” literally means “north town.”
Once a hub of the Joseon Dynasty’s politics, administration, and culture, it is now a village that contains about 860 Korean traditional houses called ‘hanok.’ Today, many of these hanoks operate as art galleries, cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, providing an eye-opening opportunity to experience, learn, and immerse yourself in Korean traditional culture.
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These traditional houses line small winding alleys, creating a bubble of history among Seoul’s towering modern skyscrapers. With a panoramic view of Seoul, including the Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower), it can be hard to believe you’ve not been transported to your favorite historical K-drama!
Traditional DIY Activities in Bukchon
There are small and boutique traditional workshops located in the alleyways of Bukchon Village where you can experience craftworks such as folk painting, gold leaf imprints, and Korean traditional paper ‘dak’ dolls. Click on the pictures to see what experiences you can have for yourself.
1. Traditional Knot Ornament Making Class
Traditional Korean knots have been used to decorate traditional attire and ritual objects throughout Korean history. At this workshop, you can enjoy a unique experience about the basics of this sophisticated artwork and make your own knot ornament to take home as a souvenir.
2. Mother-of-Pearl Accessories Making Experience
Mother-of-pearl is the shiny coating found on seashells that gives off a distinct multi-colored glow. It’s a valuable material that has been used in traditional Korean artwork for centuries. Join a mother-of-pearl craft class led by a 3rd-generation master artisan whose handiwork has been featured in various Korean movies and dramas!
3. Kimchi Making Class
Learn how to make Korean traditional Kimchi (seasoned vegetables) in Bukchon Hanok Village! Professional instructors will teach you how to make kimchi step by step and tell you interesting historical and cultural facts about kimchi. After class, you can take your own kimchi home in a sealed package.
4. Korean Cooking Class
Learn how to cook Korean food in a charming, renovated hanok! You’ll learn how to make classic dishes like bibimbap, japchae, and bulgogi with a Korean chef who is fluent in English. Not only that, but you’ll also get to taste your creations together, where you can also ask any questions you have about Korean ingredients, table etiquette, and how to recreate the dishes back home.
5. Perfume/Diffuser Making Class
Design your own custom scent in a modern-luxury studio tucked into the traditional alleys of Bukchon. You’ll choose and blend fragrance notes from a selection of materials, then work with a professional perfumer to build your own perfume or diffuser. Pack it into an elegant gift box, and it’s yours to take home!
Experiences only found in Bukchon
1. Korea Palace Tour
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The Bukchon Hanok Village is close to many of the famous palaces in Seoul. We highly recommend joining a guided Korean Palace Tour to immerse yourself in the rich historical heritage of Korea. You’ll get to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum, and more with a knowledgeable guide.
- Korean Palace Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Half-Day Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village (+ Gwangjang Market Foodie/ Night View) Walking Tour
- Seoul Private 1 Day Tour: N Seoul Tower + Gyeongbokgung Palace + Bukchon Hanok Village (+ The Painters Show option)
Don’t miss nearby hanbok rental & photoshoot packages as well! Try on beautiful Korean traditional clothes and pose for your own photoshoot with a professional photographer.
- Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot with Video in Gyeongbokgung Palace/ Bukchon Hanok Village (+ Makeup option)
- Modern Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot at Korean Traditional House or Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Gyeongbokgung/ Changdeokgung Palace/ Bukchon Hanok Village (+ Photoshoot/ Hair & Makeup options) Hanbok Rental
- Hanbok Rental near Gyeongbokgung & Insadong in Seoul
2. Seoul VIP Pedicab & Bike Tour
Swap crowded subway rides for a fun, relaxed way to explore central Seoul with a VIP pedicab or an electric‑bike tour. On the Pedicab Tour, you’ll ride in a comfortable, guided pedicab past major landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Cheongwadae, and Bukchon Hanok Village, enjoying local snacks and stories from your guide along the way.
For a more active option, opt for the Electric Bike Tour, which lets you glide through historic streets and alleys at an easy pace, covering sights like Gwanghwamun, Bukchon, and nearby temples while still getting fresh air and great photo opportunities.
3. MMCA National Art Museum & Korean Cuisine Half-Day Tour
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Join a guided tour to the MMCA Seoul, a prominent gallery featuring an extensive collection of Korean and international modern and contemporary art, led by a local guide with a major in art history. Afterward, explore the Bukchon and Anguk area, full of authentic Korean restaurants, and enjoy delicacies, such as bossam, jokbal, K-BBQ, or bibimbap.
4. Snap Photoshoot
Make your trip extra special with your very own photoshoot in Seoul that’s tailored to your style. Choose a Private Snap Photoshoot, where a local photographer guides you through scenic streets in Bukchon and Euljiro, capturing natural, film‑style portraits over a relaxed two‑hour walk.
Or slip into a K-pop idol-style moment with a K‑pop Idol Concept Photoshoot, renting a Korean school uniform and posing in front of studio lights to take home edited and printed idol‑style photos the same day.
For something more cinematic, opt for the Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot, a stylish session at iconic spots like Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, or the Han River, where you’ll receive a set of professionally edited photos to keep your travel memories vivid and picture‑perfect.
5. Traditional Gourmet Food Tour
Eat your way through Bukchon and experience the city properly with a Traditional Gourmet Food Tour! You’ll start with a full hanjeongsik-style meal in a hanok, enjoying a beautiful spread of classic Korean dishes in a traditional house setting. After that, you’ll explore Bukchon Hanok Village and take in its charm before ending the tour with a warm cup of Korean tea in a peaceful teahouse. It’s the perfect blend of food and culture, all packed into one afternoon!
6. Korean Liquor Tasting / Tea Ceremony in Hanbok
If you’re in Bukchon, this is a lovely way to slow down and experience something really special! Choose between a Korean liquor tasting or a traditional tea ceremony, both held in a beautiful hanok setting that feels calm and elegant. If you go for the tea ceremony, you’ll even get to wear a premium hanbok, sip seasonal teas, and try handmade tea snacks, while the liquor tasting lets you sample four traditional Korean wines and spirits with a guide who explains the stories behind them.
Read more blogs on Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods:
- What to Do in Samcheong-dong: Your Ultimate Seoul Itinerary
- Top Things to Do in Buam-dong, Seoul
- Seongbuk-dong Guide | Seoul’s Hidden Gem & Things to Do
- Top Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars in Haebangchon You Can’t Miss
Find out more about the trendiest and latest things to do in Korea on Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!