Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Bukchon Hanok Village Offers A Living Window Into Joseon
Bukchon Hanok Village is an old neighbourhood in Seoul, South Korea.
It has many traditional Korean houses called hanok.
The area was once where wealthy Joseon-era families lived.
Today, people still live in many of its homes.
Visitors can walk through its small lanes and see palaces, shops, galleries and tea houses.
Some places offer traditional tea ceremonies and cooking classes.
The Netflix drama The Scandal shows a fictional Joseon world that has a similar historical atmosphere.
Tourists should be quiet and avoid entering private homes.
Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul is a nearly 600-year-old residential area known for traditional hanok houses and narrow lanes.
The neighbourhood was once home to Joseon-era aristocrats and remains surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.
Netflix’s eight-episode period drama The Scandal, released on September 18, stars Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook and Nana.
Visitors can explore the Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon, along with tea houses, galleries, handicraft shops and cultural spaces.
Tourists are asked to respect residents because many hanok properties remain private homes in the active neighbourhood.
- Who
- Visitors to Bukchon Hanok Village and residents of the neighbourhood; The Scandal stars Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook and Nana.
- What
- A guide to Bukchon Hanok Village’s history, architecture, cultural attractions and connection to The Scandal.
- When
- The Scandal was released on September 18; Bukchon is described as nearly 600 years old.
- Where
- Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea, north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno.
- Why
- The village offers a real-world look at Joseon-era architecture and culture while also serving as a popular tourist destination.
- Location
- Seoul, South Korea
- Historical background
- Former residential district for Joseon-era aristocrats
- Traditional houses
- Around 600 hanok houses remain in the area
- Nearby landmarks
- Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine
- Drama connection
- The Scandal is an eight-episode Joseon-era Netflix drama associated with Bukchon’s historical atmosphere
- Cultural activities
- Tea ceremonies, cooking classes, galleries, handicraft shops, restaurants and tea houses
- Visitor guidance
- Bukchon remains a residential neighbourhood, so visitors are asked to keep quiet and respect private properties