Bukchon is a lovely place where traditional Korean homes line uphill streets. The name means “northern village,” and is often referred to as a Hanok Village (traditional Korean houses). Yes, it’s a real residential area where people actually live. Though the overall aesthetic is traditional in Bukchon, the village is surrounded by modern and new-vintage cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The eclectic mix of traditional-vintage-modern makes for a wide range of photo opportunities. It’s an interesting place and certainly worth a visit by locals and tourists alike.
Bukchon is noted to be more than 600 years in the making – though a well preserved area, there are upgrades and changes being made frequently to match today’s urban city life. There are many alleyways to discover and photos to take. Visitors can easily manage a self-guided tour. There are guided tours available too but the freedom of going at one’s own pace in Bukchon is priceless…lots of hidden gems. Aside from the unique homes, boutiques, and cafes, there are also museums and schools you can visit to learn more about the area and Korean history in general. If you want more information, I found this website to be helpful: http://bukchon.seoul.go.kr/eng/index.jsp (it’s in English).
[Canon 5d, 28mm lens]