namsangol hanok village
“Time Travel in the Heart of Seoul, Cultural Oasis Where Tradition & Modernity Coexist”
This is a place where time stands still in the modern city. Explore the elegant hanok houses where Joseon nobles once lived and experience the beauty of old Seoul.
1. Overview
Introduction to
Namsangol Hanok Village
- What It’s Like
- At a Glance
What is Namsangol Hanok Village Like?
Namsangol Hanok Village is a unique cultural landmark located in Pil-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. It’s not just a tourist attraction, but a living, breathing historical site. It’s a special place where you can travel back to the Joseon Dynasty right in the middle of a forest of skyscrapers.
Here, you’ll find five traditional hanok houses. Each of these hanoks perfectly preserves the appearance of upper-class homes from the Joseon period. As you step through the main gate, you’ll be greeted by beautiful inner quarters, outer quarters, and a neat courtyard. These hanoks were originally located in various parts of Seoul and were relocated and restored here in 1998.
The charm of Namsangol Hanok Village goes beyond just viewing old buildings. Here, you can enjoy various traditional cultural experience programs. You can wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and take memorable photos while strolling through the hanoks, or try your hand at making traditional crafts. Especially on weekends, there are special events like traditional wedding ceremonies or tea ceremonies, offering an even richer experience.
The changing faces of Namsangol Hanok Village throughout the seasons are also charming. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom; in summer, lush greenery provides cool shade. In autumn, the leaves turn beautiful colors, and in winter, the snow-covered landscape is breathtaking. You can experience a different charm in each of the four seasons.
Modern elements are also well integrated. At the hanok café, you can enjoy modern desserts along with traditional tea, and at night, you can savor a romantic atmosphere under soft lighting. These aspects make Namsangol Hanok Village even more special.
For Seoul residents, Namsangol Hanok Village is a special place too. It’s an urban retreat where they can escape their busy daily lives and find some peace, as well as a precious space to remind themselves of their traditions. There’s no better place to introduce Korean traditional culture to foreign friends.
When you enter Namsangol Hanok Village, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility, as if time has stopped in the midst of bustling Seoul. Why not try to experience this leisurely atmosphere here? Create your own special memories in this place where modern Seoul coexists with tradition.
Namsangol Hanok Village at a Glance
- Carpenter Yi Seung-eop’s House in Samgak- dong
- General Kim Choon-yeong’s House
- Min Family’s House in Gwanhun-dong
- Yun Taek-yeong’s Jaesil in Jegi-dong
- Yun Family’s House in Ogin-dong
- Cafe & Shop 1890, Craft Art Gallery
# Carpenter Yi Seung-eop’s House in Samgak- dong
This house was built in the 1860s by Lee Seung-eop, who served as the master carpenter during the reconstruction of Gyeongbok Palace under Heungseon Daewongun. Originally located at 36-2 Samgak-dong, Jung-gu, it has been relocated and restored here in Namsangol Hanok Village.
# General Kim Choon-yeong’s House
This hanok was built in the 1890s by Kim Chun-young, who served as an Owijang (military officer) during the late Joseon period. It was originally located at 125-1 Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, before being relocated and restored here.
# Min Family’s House in Gwanhun-dong
This house was part of the grand estate of Min Young-hui (1852-1935). He owned several houses on vast grounds throughout Gwanhun-dong where he lived with his extended family. The original location was 30-1 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu.
# Yun Taek-yeong’s Jaesil in Jegi-dong
This house is said to have been built by Haepung Buwongun Yun Taek-young, Emperor Sunjong’s father-in-law, when his daughter was appointed as the Crown Prince’s second wife in 1906. It was relocated and restored here from its original location at 224 Jegi-dong.
# Yun Family’s House in Ogin-dong
This hanok is a newly constructed building that faithfully reproduces a house that was originally located at 47-133 Ogin-dong, believed to have been built in the 1910s. The extensive land around 47 Ogin-dong was owned by Yun Deok-yeong, the uncle of Queen Sunjeong, Emperor Sunjong’s wife.
A Step Back in Time Namsangol Hanok Village is a hidden gem in the center of Seoul. I had a wonderful time stepping back in time. The village is beautifully preserved, and it's like stepping into a traditional Korean neighborhood. I especially enjoyed exploring the various traditional houses and learning about Korean culture. Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsangol is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Since no one actually lives there, you can explore without disturbing the daily lives of locals.
Free admission
Traditional Korean Village right in the city I visited this village on a Sunday end of November, which I believe is the low tourist season for Seoul.Admission to this village is free, and there are free guided tours offered by volunteers.
I requested for an English speaking tour, and was given a private tour by an ajusshi who spoke good English. He gave me a great overview of old Korea, the architecture, and the living habits of Koreans.
I really enjoyed the 1 hour cultural immersion, and came away with a much better appreciation of Korean culture and history.
Will recommend the free guided tour for history buffs and lovers of cultural visits.
Tranquility in the city...... The historical buildings are set in a spacious and beautifully landscaped park. It can be accessed easily from Chungmuru subway station and entrance is free! I was there in the morning and it was not crowded at all. A really good way to start off the day before facing the crowds at other tourist attractions. I was able to admire the scenery and take pictures with no one at the background. My family took a tea appreciation experience workshop at the Hanok. It cost 4000 Won per person and it was a fun experience learning how to make tea with our pretty and gentle 'teacher'. We were served little snacks to go with our tea and we could take pictures inside the room with olden Korean decoration. There are other 'experiences' that you can take part in and they are generally not expensive. If you have no time to visit Korean Folk Village or Bukchon Hanok, take some time to visit Namsangol Hanok Village since it has a little of what both places have to offer. It is situated between Myeongdong and Dongdaemum and would be refreshing for the tired shoppers. We had a relaxing time just walking around the place and being away from the crowd. 
Great traditional attraction Last Friday I went to Hanok village with my family it was a great attraction to visit. I got to the attraction by taxi it was about a 15-minute drive to get there. The first thing I knew when I saw the place it was a wonderful place to go in fall, the first thing I did when I got there was I went to a mini-museum of the ‘olden’ Korea. It wasn’t that crowded so it wasn’t hard to find the next place to see. All the houses were Korean styled with the curve on the top.
There was also a lemonade booth where I bought a drink to drink. About lunch time was when lots of people came so I recommend coming early about 11 or 10.
I stayed there for about 2 hours. There was a show too it was very entertaining.
The funniest that happened was when my son stepped into someone else's house. The most important thing you should bring for the visit is a good quality camera. In the area, there were lots of restaurants so there was a variety of food you could eat.
I think the attraction was probably the highlight of my stay in Korea.
2. Information
Visit Information :
Namsangol Hanok Village
- Operating Hours
- Admission Fee
- How to Get There
Namsangol Hanok Village Operating Hours
| Month | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| March – October | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| November – February | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Every Monday | Closed |
various experience programs and exhibitions within the Hanok Village may have separate operating hours, so it’s best to confirm in advance.
Namsangol Hanok Village Admission Fee
Basic admission to Namsangol Hanok Village is free. Anyone can freely explore and enjoy the Hanok Village.
However, some special exhibitions or experience programs may have separate fees. For example, hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) experiences or traditional craft workshops are often charged.
The prices for these programs vary depending on the type and timing, so it’s best to check at the site or on the official website if you wish to participate.
How to Get to Namsangol Hanok Village
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About 5 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Chungmuro Station (Line 3)
About 10 minutes walk from Exit 3 of Myeong-dong Station (Line 4)
Get off at Toegyero 3(sam)-ga stop: 104, 421, 463, 507, N16
Get off at Hanok Village, National Theater of Korea stop: 402, 405
3. Highlight
Things to Do in
Namsangol Hanok Village
- Hanok Houses
- Try on Hanbok
- Traditional Cultural Activities
- Traditional Games
- Watch Performances
- Traditional Garden
- Korean Snacks and Drinks
- Night Illumination
- Seasonal Festivals
- Traditional Etiquette
Explore Traditional Hanok Houses
Visit the heart of Namsangol Hanok Village – the five traditional hanok houses. Each hanok has its own unique characteristics and history. For example, the Min Family’s house showcases the upper-class residence of the late Joseon period, while the Yun Family’s house represents a middle-class hanok.
Step inside these houses and imagine the lifestyle of people from that era. Sit on the wooden floor and gaze at the sky visible from the edge of the eaves – you’ll feel a sense of tranquility.
Try on Hanbok
How about wearing hanbok in the Hanok Village?
You can choose from various styles of hanbok at the rental shops within the village. From elaborate royal hanbok to elegant everyday hanbok, pick one that suits your taste.
Taking photos in hanbok with the hanok as a backdrop will create truly special memories. Photos with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall are particularly popular.
Experience Various Traditional Cultural Activities
Namsangol Hanok Village offers a wide range of traditional cultural experience programs. Hands-on activities like hanji (traditional paper) crafts, knot-making, and traditional seal-making are very popular. The traditional bow-making experience is especially popular with children. You can even try archery with the bow you’ve made – it’s a must-try for family visitors.
You can also experience the depth of Korean tea culture through a traditional tea ceremony. Learn the traditional methods of brewing tea and preparing refreshments while taking a break from your busy daily life. Other experiences like mother-of-pearl crafts and making medicinal foods are also available, so it’s a good idea to book programs you’re interested in advance.
Enjoy Traditional Games
You can enjoy traditional games like tuho (arrow throwing), jegichagi (Korean hacky sack), and ddakji (folded paper game) throughout the Hanok Village. It’s a chance to relive childhood memories or try something new.
Tuho and jegichagi, which are provided for free, are particularly popular as anyone can enjoy them without burden. Have fun playing these old games with your family or friends.
Watch Performances at Seoul Namsan Gukak Center
Various Korean traditional music performances are held at the Seoul Namsan Gukak Center located within the Hanok Village. You can enjoy a range of genres from traditional music to modern fusion gugak (Korean traditional music). Experience the beauty of Korean traditional music while watching these performances. Watching a performance at sunset is especially atmospheric as you can enjoy the night view of the Hanok Village along with the music.
Stroll Through the Traditional Garden
There’s a beautiful traditional garden within the Hanok Village. Take a leisurely walk through the garden, which is decorated with different flowers and trees each season. Plum blossoms and cherry blossoms will greet you in spring, lotus flowers in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow-covered pine trees in winter. You can also see fish swimming peacefully in the pond at the corner of the garden.
Taste Traditional Korean Snacks and Drinks
Enjoy traditional Korean tea and snacks at the traditional teahouse in the Hanok Village.
You can taste different teas according to the season. In summer, cool omija (five-flavor berry) tea or quince tea is recommended, while in winter, warm ssanghwa-cha (herbal tea) or jujube tea is suggested.
It’s also a good idea to try Korean traditional foods like bibimbap or tteokbokki at nearby restaurants. If you participate in the medicinal food-making experience, you can even make healthy traditional food yourself.
Enjoy the Night Illumination
When the sun sets, Namsangol Hanok Village transforms into a different scene. The beauty of the hanok houses is enhanced under the soft lighting. Especially on a moonlit night, looking at the edge of the hanok’s eaves along with the moon creates a scene like an oriental painting. Why not take some memorable photos with this night scenery as a backdrop? As the Hanok Village becomes more romantic at night, it’s also great for couples to visit.
Enjoy Seasonal Festivals
Namsangol Hanok Village hosts various festivals each season. There’s a cherry blossom festival in spring, concerts in summer, traditional culture festivals in autumn, and New Year’s events in winter. Visiting during these festival periods will give you an even richer experience.
Especially during the traditional culture festival in autumn, you can intensively experience Korean traditional culture through various events like hanbok fashion shows, gugak performances, and folk game experiences.
Visit the Time Capsule Plaza
The Time Capsule Plaza in Namsangol Hanok Village holds a special meaning. Installed in 1994 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Seoul as the capital, it contains messages to future Seoul citizens along with 600 items from daily life at that time. It’s set to be opened in 2394, so it’s interesting to imagine the long span of 400 years. It’ll be a special experience to see and feel a page of history firsthand.
Learn Traditional Etiquette
Namsangol Hanok Village also operates traditional etiquette classes. In this program, which is open to various age groups from children to adults, you can learn about Korea’s unique food, clothing, and housing culture, and practice traditional etiquette.
From learning how to brew and drink tea to basic etiquette that can be used in daily life, it’s a great opportunity to learn the essence of Korean culture. If you’re visiting with foreign friends, this is a must-try experience.
Insider Tips for
Namsangol Hanok Village Like a Local
- Seasonal Charms
- Hanok Stay
- Romantic Night Tour
- Traditional Wedding Ceremonies
Enjoy Seasonal Charms
Namsangol Hanok Village showcases different charms throughout the four seasons. If you visit in spring, you can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms harmonizing with the hanok houses. The sight of pink petals softly landing on the tiled roofs of the hanok is like a watercolor painting.
In summer, escape the heat under the cool shade created by lush greenery. Why not enjoy some leisure time sitting under the eaves of a hanok, sipping a cool traditional tea?
When autumn arrives, the Hanok Village transforms with fall foliage. Especially in mid-October, the harmony between the colorful autumn leaves and the hanok houses reaches its peak. Taking photos while strolling through the autumn foliage paths in hanbok during this time will create truly wonderful memories.
Winter in Namsangol Hanok Village is also special. The snowy landscape of hanok houses looks like a scene from a fairy tale. How about quietly enjoying the winter atmosphere while admiring the hanok houses blending with the pristine white snow?
Considering both weather and scenery, early April and mid-October are the best times to visit. However, each season has its own unique charm, so it might be nice to visit several times to experience the various faces of Namsangol Hanok Village.
Experience Tradition Through Hanok Stay
There are beautiful hanok guesthouses around Namsangol Hanok Village. Just staying overnight can be a special experience. Spending a night in a traditional ondol (floor-heated) room will surely become an unforgettable memory.
The true charm of a hanok stay can be felt in the morning. Wake up early, sit in the hanok courtyard, and greet the quiet morning while sipping a warm cup of tea. It would be nice to imagine the leisurely morning scenes of our ancestors while listening to the birds chirping.
I recommend taking a stroll around the Hanok Village early in the morning. Walking through the quiet village before tourists arrive will make you feel like you’ve time-traveled. The hanok houses bathed in early morning sunlight boast a different kind of beauty compared to daytime.
Enjoy a Romantic Night Tour
The charm of Namsangol Hanok Village shines even brighter at night. The beauty of the hanok houses is further enhanced under the soft lighting. You can experience a completely different atmosphere compared to daytime.
Visiting on a summer evening is especially nice. The feeling of taking a walk in the cool breeze is simply the best. You can comfortably wear hanbok in the evening, which might have been uncomfortable during the hot day. Taking photos in hanbok with the night scenery as a backdrop will surely result in some great shots.
At night, the Hanok Village transforms into an even more romantic atmosphere. If you’re visiting with your partner, try taking a quiet walk hand in hand. As you walk listening to the soft traditional music playing in the background, you might feel like you’ve time-traveled to the Joseon Dynasty.
Watch Traditional Wedding Ceremonies on Weekends
If you visit Namsangol Hanok Village on a weekend, you might have the special luck of witnessing a traditional wedding ceremony. The sight of a bride and groom in colorful traditional attire getting married with hanok houses as the backdrop is truly spectacular.
Traditional weddings usually take place on weekend afternoons. It’s a good idea to secure a spot early before the ceremony starts to get a good view. Listening carefully to the explanation of the ceremony will make it even more interesting, as you’ll understand the meaning behind each ritual.
If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to participate in a traditional wedding experience. Sometimes, they allow volunteers from the audience to participate in a simple traditional wedding experience. Why not gather your courage and participate? It’ll be a special memory.
After watching a traditional wedding ceremony like this, you’ll be able to understand Korean traditional culture more deeply. Traditional weddings have a charm different from modern weddings – make sure to watch one!
Is Namsangol Hanok Village
Worth Visiting?
A Time Travel in Seoul
Namsangol Hanok Village is not just a tourist attraction, but our living, breathing history. It’s a special place where you can experience a time slip to the Joseon Dynasty amidst the forest of modern buildings.
As you stroll through this place, you can feel our traditions with your whole body in a quietness as if time has stopped. The sound of wind chimes at the end of beautiful hanok eaves, the sound of wind brushing against the neat courtyard, and the faint melody of traditional Korean music in the distance… All of these combine to offer a special experience away from everyday life.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom profusely, creating a beautiful scenery harmonizing with the hanok.
In summer, you can take a cool rest under the shade created by lush trees. In autumn, the garden dyed in fall foliage presents a picturesque view, and in winter, the quaint scenery created by snow-covered tiled roofs awaits you.
But the charm of Namsangol Hanok Village doesn’t stop at just viewing. Through various traditional cultural experiences, you can directly feel and learn about our history and culture.
Take memorable photos while walking around the village in hanbok, learn the wisdom of our ancestors by making traditional crafts yourself, and feel the leisure of a cup of tea through a tea ceremony experience.
Don’t miss the hanok village transforming into another appearance under soft lighting when night falls. The shadows created by the curves of tiled roofs and eaves shining under the moonlight are truly like a ink-and-wash painting.
Namsangol Hanok Village is an urban retreat that offers a moment of leisure and peace to modern people tired of busy daily life, and a precious cultural heritage that reminds us of our roots.
As you spend time here, you’ll realize anew how beautiful and valuable our traditions are.
If you’re visiting Seoul, make sure to stop by Namsangol Hanok Village.
The experience here will be more than just a travel memory, but a precious time to reflect on our identity and roots. Experience your own special time travel in this place where modern Seoul coexists with tradition. Namsangol Hanok Village is always ready to warmly welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions
4. Review
What Travelers Are Saying
5. Near by
Top Spots to Explore
Near Namsangol Hanok Village
- Namsan Seoul Tower
- Myeong-dong
- Deoksugung Palace
Namsan Seoul Tower
The closest attraction to Namsangol Hanok Village is undoubtedly Namsan Seoul Tower. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Hanok Village. Namsan Seoul Tower is an iconic landmark of Seoul, offering a spectacular view of the city.
There are two ways to get to the tower. You can either take the cable car or walk up the hiking trail. The walking path is a bit steep, but it’s enjoyable to walk through the forest trail. It takes about 30-40 minutes on foot, so give it a try if you’re up for it.
Once you reach the tower’s observatory, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Seoul. If you go up around sunset, you can admire both Seoul’s beautiful sunset and night view. There are also cafes and restaurants on the lower floors of the observatory where you can enjoy a meal with a great view.
How to get there: About a 20-minute walk from Namsangol Hanok Village, or take circular bus 02, 03, or 05 from the bus stop near the Hanok Village.
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is Seoul’s representative shopping district, about a 15-minute walk from Namsangol Hanok Village. It’s a place where you can experience the modern side of Seoul after exploring traditional culture.
In Myeong-dong, you can find various cosmetics stores, clothing brand shops, and restaurants. If you’re interested in Korean cosmetics, this is a must-visit place. You can find products from various brands, from road shops to department stores.
Myeong-dong is also a food paradise. You can enjoy a variety of cuisine from Korean street food to high-end restaurants. There are many famous restaurants like Myeongdong Kyoja, so keep that in mind.
It gets very crowded on weekends. If you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, visit on weekends; if you prefer a more leisurely look around, weekdays are recommended.
How to get there: 15-minute walk from Namsangol Hanok Village towards Toegyero.
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace is a Joseon Dynasty palace located about 2km from Namsangol Hanok Village. If you’ve seen traditional houses in the Hanok Village, at Deoksugung you can see the palace where the king lived.
The most distinctive feature of Deoksugung is the coexistence of traditional and Western-style buildings. Seokjojeon Hall, in particular, is a Western-style building and is Korea’s first Western-style stone palace building. There’s also a modern art museum inside the palace that hosts various exhibitions, so drop by if you’re interested.
The stone wall road of Deoksugung is also famous as one of Seoul’s representative dating courses. You’ll feel your mind becoming peaceful as you walk along the quiet stone wall. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color.
Every day at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM, there’s a changing of the royal guard ceremony at Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung. It’s a great opportunity to see guards in colorful traditional costumes. How to get there: About a 30-minute walk from Namsangol Hanok Village, or take Line 3 from Chungmuro Station, transfer to Line 1, and get off at City Hall Station.
These three places are great attractions to visit along with Namsangol Hanok Village. You’ll be able to experience various aspects of Seoul where tradition and modernity coexist. If you have time, make sure to visit these places along with the Hanok Village!