Hanoks Near Seoul to get that Taste of Korean in the Olden Days
Image credit: Korean Tourism Organization
One of the beautiful things about visiting Korea is to learn about their rich history. Walking through Gyeongbuk Palace, it's always mind-blowing to realise that the very ground you're walking on was once sacred ground that only the king could walk on. Hundreds of years ago, this place was inhabited by the royal family and few were privileged to see the splendor of the place.
Hanoks are another piece of Korean history that we can find today. The name Hanok translates literally to Korean House and they were first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon era. While visiting the metropolitan city of Seoul, why not spend a day or two immersing yourself in the history of Korea by visiting these Hanok villages?
Bukchon Hanok Village
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Arguably the most well-known Hanok village, the Bukchon Hanok village is located comfortably in Seoul close to the Gyeongbuk Palace, you can easily plan a trip to enrich your knowledge in Korean tradition and history.
Being one of the most developed Hanok villages in Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village offers many activities such as making traditional crafts at the Bukchon Traditional Crafts Center or learning more about Korea's traditions at the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center.
Namsangol Hanok Village
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Right beside the N Seoul Tower, the Namsangol Hanok Village may not be as well-known as its cousin in Bukchon that is about a 20-minute subway journey away. But that doesn't mean that it's any less exciting. The five Hanoks in this village once belonged to aristocrats in the Joseon dynasty and have been restored to showcase their owners' social class and personality.
Aside from that, you can also enjoy Taekwondo and other performances around the village, or even play a game of yunnori, a traditional Korean board game.
Songdo Hanok Village
Image credit: Inspire Me Korea
About a 90-minute journey from Seoul is Incheon, a place most of you will be familiar with (hint: your plane probably lands there). This port city is the third most populous city in South Korea after Seoul and Busan carries within itself a rich history.
Songdo Hanok Village is easily accessible via subway — just get off at Central Park station which exits into Songdo Central Park. The Hanok Village is right next to the park so you can always have a picnic at the park once you're done with your visit. There is even a shopping complex by the name of NC Cube Canal Walk nearby — a unique mall that is built around a canal — to satisfy the shopaholic in you!
Korean Folk Village
Image credit: Viator
Another city that is about a 90-minute journey away from Seoul, you might want to set a aside time for a day trip to Yongin the next time you visit Korea. The Korean Folk Village in Yongin is one of the most well-known folk villages in Korea boasts a wide array of experiential activities for both locals and foreigners alike to step into Joseon-era Korea.
The Yongin Folk Village is a unique theme park that combines both amusement and culture, with 15 attractions alongside traditional performances and folk play experience programmes. There are also various seasonal performances. If you're lucky you might get to watch how silk is made from silkworm pupae, just like this lady!
Rakkojae Hanok
Image credit: Rakkojae Hanok Hotel
After spending the entire day visiting Hanok villages and other attractions, you'd definitely want a place to relax and unwind. Fancy doing so in a Hanok hotel? Instead of just passing by, you can now stay in a Hanok too!
The Rakkojae Hanok Hotels offers you a traditional Korean experience when you stay with them. For those of you who are used to thick fluffy mattresses, get ready to try sleeping a night or two on a futon on the floor or a low bedframe. They also offer a variety of complimentary guest services, like a traditional Korean welcome tea, a natural mud sauna, an opportunity to try on royal hanboks, and even laundry services!
In modern society, it's always a refreshing breath of fresh air to be transported back to the olden days. So keep this article in mind the next time you visit Korea and would like a day or two to unwind in the serenity of the past!