Somewhere along my decade-long obsession with Korean dramas, I have developed a penchant for the
hanok - the traditional Korean house. An embodiment of Korea's rich and flourishing culture, the hanok is fascinating from an architectural standpoint and gives a homey, nostalgic vibe to onlookers and passers-by. Deeply enamored by this tangible cultural heritage, I make it a point to visit
Bukchon whenever I'm in Seoul. It's a residential area within the vicinity of the four
grand palaces where you can find a large concentration of hanoks, all well-maintained and beautifully preserved.
On the north side of Namsan Mountain, in the central district of Jung-gu, lies another village with opulent hanoks restored to mint condition. The place is called '
Namsangol Hanok Village', and we had the chance to tour the area last spring.
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| Welcome to Namsangol Hanok Village! |
The village features five traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty recovered from different parts of the city. The structures were then relocated to the foot of
Namsan Mountain to recreate an old hanok village. In 1998, the
Namsangol Hanok Village was opened to the public and has since become a popular tourist destination.
Virtual tour of Namsangol Hanok Village after the jump!
