Visiting Traditional Korean Houses
If you were in the situation where you had to introduce the culture of Korea to foreigners, what would you do? In fact, these days, we young Koreans do not seem to know much more about our own culture than foreign tourists. We are just living in the fast-moving urban life which is highly modernized. It is undeniable fact that the development of technology has brought us enormous convenience in our way of life but at the same time, our knowledge and appreciation of our own tradition and culture have been fading.
Therefore, in the spirit of building about our cultural traditions, I want to introduce Bukchon (literally “North Town”) Hanok Village which is an old residential district containing about 860 Korean traditional houses (Hanok) and some traditional guesthouses.
Since it is located in the northern part of Cheonggyecheon, a stream cutting across downtown Seoul, people named this area Bukchon, which means Northern Village. Formed on a site flanked by two of the Joseon’s royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, the district had been a hub of Joseon’s politics, administration and culture. It is widely regarded as a living museum preserving much of the historical spots and cultural heritage sites. Moreover, in the 2000s, as people added modern architectural elements to the traditional Hanoks in Bukchon, Bukchon has transformed into a place where contemporary society and tradition coexist. I can say it is one of the leading, and most loved, cultural places in Seoul. In this regard, young people will be attracted by a beautiful island surrounded by an ocean of ultra-modern buildings.
Now, there are two guesthouses in Bukchon Hanok Village that you can notice, the Tea Guesthouse and Han In House.
Tea Guesthouse
The Tea Guesthouse was made by so many skillful carpenters over a long period of time. All rooms were made of old pine tree and travelers would sleep on the warm floor called “Ondol (Korean under floor)” which was made of bamboo and loess (Yellow soil). Also, Tea Guesthouse is the place where guests can feel traditional Korean culture by making Korean tea in the conventional way and taste the tea at a Tea room for free.The Tea Guesthouse is located in area near Changgyung Palace.
The Han In House
While the Tea guesthouse is a place where guests can experience the elegance of Korean traditions, Han In House, has an interior which is remodeled conveniently to make guests feel comfortable. Another characteristic of the Han In House is that the guesthouse is not simply used as a guesthouse, but rather it is a living art gallery which exhibits traditional handicrafts such as furniture and dishware. Therefore, people who stay at the Han In House treat whole facilities very carefully because they are made by famous artists.
Activities For Visitors
In the “Rak Ko Jae” and “Moon Guesthouse”, people who want to learn more about Korean customs and various cultural aspects which they haven’t experienced are able to participate in the programs that the guesthouses provide.
Rak Ko Jae
Experience the Traditional Tea Service
The history of Korean tea started from the Geumgwan Gaya Kingdom and it is still remaining today. It is prepared by combining hot water and fruits, leaves, roots and/or grains, and there are many different types, such as Dunggulle-cha, Yuja-cha, Maesil-cha and so on.
Koreans enjoy drinking tea because they think it is good for their health, and helps people to relax and release stress. Therefore it is important to not speak too much when drinking Korean traditional tea.
Make Kimchi
In the past, all of the Koreans made Kimchi themselves in the winter, but nowadays, since many women work, more and more families just buy Kimchi. Therefore, there are many Koreans who don’t know the process of making Kimchi and even if they know the process, they haven’t have made it before. Through this activity, those people can have an opportunity to make Kimchi for themselves.
Moon Guesthouse
Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a type of visual art, and it is often called as art of fancy lettering. You can see how your stroke can create mysterious and dimensional beauty by controlling the intensity of the dots, lines, and strokes on the paper by the movement of your brush! It is used for logo designs, religious art, cut stone inscriptions, and also memorial documents.
Hanbok Experience
In this program, you get to try on the modern Hanbok and learn about Korean culture. Since Korea is becoming westernized, many young people forget about Korean traditional bowing. Therefore, in this activity, you get to learn the correct traditional bowing and courtesy to adults.
Refreshments
When you go to the area, you might enjoy a cup of coffee and a meal. Now, it’s time to look around for nice restaurants in Bukchon Hanok Village. We recommend the “Double Cup Coffee” house and the “Italy Meon Office” restaurant.
Double Cup Coffee
Activities For Visitors
In the “Rak Ko Jae” and “Moon Guesthouse”, people who want to learn more about Korean customs and various cultural aspects which they haven’t experienced are able to participate in the programs that the guesthouses provide.
Rak Ko Jae
Experience the Traditional Tea Service
The history of Korean tea started from the Geumgwan Gaya Kingdom and it is still remaining today. It is prepared by combining hot water and fruits, leaves, roots and/or grains, and there are many different types, such as Dunggulle-cha, Yuja-cha, Maesil-cha and so on.
Koreans enjoy drinking tea because they think it is good for their health, and helps people to relax and release stress. Therefore it is important to not speak too much when drinking Korean traditional tea.
Make Kimchi
In the past, all of the Koreans made Kimchi themselves in the winter, but nowadays, since many women work, more and more families just buy Kimchi. Therefore, there are many Koreans who don’t know the process of making Kimchi and even if they know the process, they haven’t have made it before. Through this activity, those people can have an opportunity to make Kimchi for themselves.
Moon Guesthouse
Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a type of visual art, and it is often called as art of fancy lettering. You can see how your stroke can create mysterious and dimensional beauty by controlling the intensity of the dots, lines, and strokes on the paper by the movement of your brush! It is used for logo designs, religious art, cut stone inscriptions, and also memorial documents.
Hanbok Experience
In this program, you get to try on the modern Hanbok and learn about Korean culture. Since Korea is becoming westernized, many young people forget about Korean traditional bowing. Therefore, in this activity, you get to learn the correct traditional bowing and courtesy to adults.
Refreshments
When you go to the area, you might enjoy a cup of coffee and a meal. Now, it’s time to look around for nice restaurants in Bukchon Hanok Village. We recommend the “Double Cup Coffee” house and the “Italy Meon Office” restaurant.
Double Cup Coffee
This cafe is famous for its large cups of coffee and delicious breads. Their costs are reasonable to students and their coffee is large enough to drink with your friends. Actually, you can divide one cup of coffee. Also, it has an exotic interior. They use oil cans, lots of glasses and wood. It feels warm and unique.
At the Double Cup Coffeee house, you can just go alone and read, or you can go there with your friends. There are also meal choices including sandwiches.
Recommended Menu
At the Double Cup Coffeee house, you can just go alone and read, or you can go there with your friends. There are also meal choices including sandwiches.
Recommended Menu
1. Ice Americano (with crushed ice) will make you cool on a hot day!
2. Cafe latte with fresh milk and strong espresso make you warm on a cold day.
3. Focaccia, a basic Italian bread and olive oil & balsamic sauce will give you an exotic feeling.
4. Brownie (Deep dark chocolate) and walnut will make you feel good inside.
5. Sandwich (Ham or Vegetarian) or the Focaccia with vegetable and cheese will satisfy your hunger.
Italy ‘Meon’ Office
This restaurant is an Italian food restaurant. It sells salad, spaghetti, risotto, and stew. Breads are provided for free. So you can eat with spaghetti sauce. The restaurant is small, so you cannot go with a large group of more than 4 people.
It is a good place to go on a date or when you want a quality vegetarian meal.
Recommended Menu
It is a good place to go on a date or when you want a quality vegetarian meal.
Recommended Menu
1. Grilled mushroom salad
2. Hot spicy seafood tomato spaghetti
3. Aglio e olio
4. Mushroom cream risotto
In conclusion, within a short visit in traditional Korean houses, young people would probably realize how great our cultural heritage is. Why don’t you visit Bukchon?
