eighteenpromises : Korea Travelogue // Bukchon Hanok Village

We explored Bukchon Hanok Village because it's right beside Gyeongbukgung (where we were earlier in the day).

Surrounded by Gyeongbukgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name 'Bukchon', which literally translates to 'northern village', came about as the neighbourhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immense in traditional Korean culture.

Bukchon Hanok Village is also filled with loads of quirky cafes and shops every where. So if you're interested in exploring new places, this is definitely the place to go. Literally every corner had something photo-worthy.

Another attractive point of Bukchon Hanok Village is the fact that it's a melting pot of both traditional Korean culture and international brands. Where else can you see traditional Korean shops mixed with brands such as Kiehls, Lush, Cath Kidston?

After exploring around the main streets, we decided to look for the hanoks which were the main reason why we came to Bukchon Hanok Village in the first place. We had to climb up stairs for quite a bit so be prepared to exercise!

These rows of traditional houses weren't that hard to find. Just ask any of the friendly tourist guides who are every where, or follow the maps and you'll be greeted with these houses.

Maybe it's because I'm a tourist and I'm not a local but everything about these houses are so on point.