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Just down the street from the cluster of high-rise buildings, you can step into the quaint world of traditional Korean homes (hanok). You have just entered into Bukchon Hanok Village. Located to the north of Jongno and the Cheonggyecheon (Stream), it was once the center of Seoul and where the noblemen and aristocratics of the Joseon dynasty made their home. Because of its position in the middle of where the water flows from the North to the South, the neighborhood came to have a long and narrow shape and still does to this day. In fact, part of the village's charm is the maze-like streets. In present day, there are several craft workshops, musuems, traditional culture programs, hanok stays, and guesthouses that are available to give tourists a taste of the past.

①② Bukchon Cultural Center/ ③④ Bukchon Museum_Old Fragrance

The rows and rows of Hanok can be somewhat overwhelming to someone who does not know their way. The Bukchon Cultural Center is a good place to stop by in these instances. Originally built in 1900 as a house, it was restored in 2002 to bring back its original form as much as possible. It now serves as an exhibition hall that tells the story of Bukchon's history, a rest area for tired legs, and holds various events and programs where you can experience traditional Korean activities for yourself. The walls are lined with informative leaflets and there are also items on display from many many years ago that have now become a part of history. As the years progressed, certain items no longer proved to be useful due to advanced technology, but at one point such items were necessary for living life. Foreigners that are new to Seoul's history are usually drawn into this place that reeks with the fragrance of time.
 
* Directions :
10 min. walk from exit 3 of Anguk Stn. (Bukchon Cultural Center), 15 min. walk from exit 1 of Anguk Stn. (Bukchon Museum_Old Fragrance)

* Phone # :
02-2133-1371, 1372 (Bukchon Cultural Center), 02-736-3957, 3958 (Bukchon Museum_Old Fragrance)

* Website :
http://hanok.seoul.go.kr/front/eng/exp/expCenter.do?tab=1 (Bukchon Cultural Center)
 
[TIP]
Entry to the Bukchon Cultural center is free of charge. However, please note that a fee will be charged for the "Bukchon Musem _ Old Fragrance."

⑤⑥ Donglim Knot Workshop/ ⑦⑧ Bukchon Traditional Crafts Experience Program
 

Aside from the attractions that Bukchon Hanok Village offers, there is also a chance to participate in a special type of experience, either at workshops or the museum. Scattered around the neighborhood are places to experience folk painting, knot tying, embroidery, and other traditional activities. Traditional Korean knots are usually made of several layers of braided thread and was made with the intention of matching the interior of a certain location. Even for those who are not necessarily talented with their hands, all you need to do is follow instructions and you too can make colorful necklaces, bracelets, and phone charms. Once you are in the zone, you're in the zone. All of a sudden, you don't realize how so much time has passed. These types of items are usually the best type of gift since they have been made with so much effort and time. Aside from knot making, there are also places that offer the chance to create handkerchiefs, fans, rubber shoes, and hand mirrors. Depending on the day, there are 3 different programs you can choose to do.
 
* Directions :
7 min. walk from exit 2 of Anguk Station (Donglim Knot Workshop), 10 min. walk from exit 2 of Anguk Station (Bukchon Traditional Crafts Experience Program).

* Phone # :
02-3673-2778 (Donglim Knot Workshop), 02-741-2148 (Bukchon Traditional Crafts Experience Program)

* Website :
http://shimyoungmi.com/?lang=en (Donglim Knot Workshop), http://m.jongno.go.kr/tour/main/contents.do?menuNo=110544 (Bukchon Traditional Crafts Experience Program, Korean)

[TIP]
Entry to the Donglim Knot Workshop is free, but if you want to participate in the program, 7,000-10,000 KRW is required. Each knot-making experience lasts about 30 minutes and if there are 5 or more people, reservations should be made in advance. The workshop is closed on Mondays. The crafts you can make differ depending on the day so make sure to check the website in advance.



※ Measures to Take When Visiting Bukchon Hanok Village

Although Bukchon Hanok Village is Seoul's representative hanok village, it is home to many average Seoulites. Unlike Namsangol Hanok Village or other folk villages, Bukchon Hanok Village was not built to be a tourist attraction. The area is a residential neighborhood where people actually live. Please keep that and the following measures in mind when you visit the village. We ask that you make your trip to Bukchon a quiet trip.

- Please keep noise levels to a minimum, (e.g. no loud voices, horsing around, filming, etc.) especially in the 31 Gahoe-dong area
- Please do not litter
- Please keep group visits small, with a maximum of 10 visitors
- Please do not use microphones, megaphones, or loudspeakers
- Please do not take photos or film the interiors of houses, even if the doors are open

The cultural tours of the Bukchon Hanok Village area, (Gahoe-dong 31, 33, etc.) will be phased out. Please keep that in mind when taking the Seoul City Walking tours.