Bukchon was traditionally a residential area of the nobility during the Joseon period, and did not undergo any significant changes until the 1920s. However, in the 1930s, Seoul’s administrative districts were expanded and its urban structure was transformed into its modern appearance. Housing management companies purchased large plots of land, woods and fields and built a group of medium-sized hanok (traditional Korean house) on them. 

Bukchon’s hanok were renovated with new materials, such as by attaching a glass door to the daecheong (wood-floored hall) and extending the roof eaves with galvanized iron sheets. Without losing their typical characteristics, the hanok evolved into a new type of urban housing so as to adapt to the modern urban structure.

In general, Bukchon’s hanok were built efficiently with standardized wooden materials provided by a timber mill as a large number of homes was required. On the whole the hanok were established as a new housing type within a new urban environment while maintaining their traditional features.

Bukchon hanok’s characteristics can be defined into two elements – an evolved ancient method and a more decorative tendency. Although they don’t have the same qualities as traditional hanok, as they feature a low roof inclination, a round beam, double eaves and too many kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) within the narrow column spacing, the composition and beauty of traditional hanok are condensed into Bukchon’s hanok. As the sales advertisement for hanok produced at that time show, a new type of urban residence was established by reflecting the need for urban housing to mitigate the density and anonymity of the city. 

‘The west side of Gyeongbokgung Palace’ is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sajikdan Altar against the backdrop of Bugaksan and Inwangsan Mountains. Since ancient times the area has been famous for such scenic spots as Sesimdae Pavilion and Pirundae (Site of Yi Hang-bok’s House) at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, and Cheongpunggye River and Baegundong Valley. Following the foundation of the Joseon dynasty it became a preferred residential area of the royal family and many influential families, while it became a stronghold of the Wihang literature promoted by middle-class artists and writers during the late Joseon period. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese Government-General of Korea’s official residence and the houses of pro-Japanese Koreans such as Byeoksusanjang (the house of Yun Deok-yeong) were situated in the area. As such, this area has the history of various groups of people. 

The area preserves traces of the old waterways and alleys, while its housing consists of a mix of urban hanok, modern houses, and multifamily houses built in different periods. In addition, diverse types of buildings including traditional markets (Tongin Market and Geumcheongyo Market), galleries, cafes, and cultural spaces coexist in the area, representing a slice of daily urban life in the city. Moreover, the west side of Gyeongbokgung Palace is renowned not only for its ancient housing and various arts activities, culture, and community, but also as an attractive urban residential area due to its geographical proximity to the city center and reasonable housing rents. 

Located in the center of Seoul, Insa-dong was named after two Joseon towns whose names included the syllables ‘In’ from Gwaninbang of Hanseongbu (present-day Seoul) and ‘Sa’ from Daesadong. As the Dohwaseo (Painting Bureau) was established in the area in the early Joseon period, it became the heart of Korea’s arts activities. 

In the 1930s, many antique shops were established in the area, followed years later by numerous ateliers, antique furniture shops and Korean folk crafts shops in the 1980s, transforming it into a famous byword for Korean traditions and cultures. Nowadays, traditional craft shops and tea shops exist alongside modern-style buildings in Insa-dong, which still preserves some historic traces of the old Korea. 

Namsangol Hanok Village is located in Bi-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where the valley and Quanyu Pavilion of the Joseon Dynasty are still preserved, and it is a summer resort. In 1989, the restoration work of the South Valley was promoted, and it was officially opened to the public in 1998. 

• Experience activities for learning Korean etiquette, cultural schools, traditional culture lectures, etc. are held here, and there is also a traditional tea shop

• Exhibit the works of artisans designated as intangible cultural assets at the Traditional Crafts Museum

• Various events where you can experience folk customs