The steep streets of Bukchon Hanok Village can be draining, especially on a hot Seoul afternoon! While the cobbled streets and traditional homes make it one of Seoul’s prettiest neighbourhoods, exploring the area can be quite a workout ,so once we had finished taking photos and wandering around, it was time for a well earned break!
While this area is a must see for visitors, it’s worth remembering that this is still a local neighbourhood, with residents going about their daily lives. Because of this, it’s not as commercialised as many other parts of Seoul, and you won’t find it packed with the usual cafes and shops that the city is famous for.
As we wandered around, we spotted a building that immediately caught our eye. We weren’t entirely sure what it was, but curiosity got the better of us, so we decided to head inside.
With its ornate garden and traditional interior, we soon discovered what we had stumbled upon! The Bukchon Asian Cultural Art Museum sits quietly as a quaint little exhibition showcasing local culture and arts. While there isn’t a huge amount to see, there is a small entry fee ,but this conveniently includes a free drink! With the heat starting to build, we opted for some refreshing iced drinks.
You’re free to explore the museum at your own pace, and as mentioned, the garden is a charming little spot. However, the real highlight is heading upstairs and stepping out onto the terrace. This panoramic viewing deck offers incredible views across the entire neighbourhood, with the iconic tiled roofs of the hanoks nestled closely together below.
On one side, you can see Seoul’s modern cityscape stretching towards the horizon, while on the other, the greenery of the nearby national park creates a beautiful contrast.
We arrived before lunchtime, so things were still relatively quiet. This meant we could sit back, enjoy our drinks, and take in the views without the crowds you might find at some of Seoul’s busier attractions.
If you’re visiting the South Korean capital and find yourself exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, make sure to stop by here. It’s a peaceful little hidden gem that offers a different perspective of this beautiful neighbourhood!
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