Trip to Namsangol Hanok Village

Upon entering the village, you'll see a dozen of standees wearing traditional Korean costumes. As a solo traveler, I wasn't able to take my photo there. Can you imagine someone with a monopod trying to take her photo in a standee? I can't. I don't want to look like that. HAHAHA!

After that, I've seen something like a nipa hut with all those traditional stuff. If I have someone with me, I could have tried wearing some of them. The things there aren't just for display. The visitors can use it freely. Look at those green leaves! I think summer is a good time to visit. Being Asian, I can survive more in hot weather than in cold. The first time I went to Bukchon Hanok Village was winter. My fingers were really freezing. I had to go indoors after few hours of walking. 

The pond near the entrance is relaxing. It's perfect for a quiet time. During winter, the ponds I saw in Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace were frozen. Now, I'm thinking of going back there to appreciate more the beauty of the place. However, I think it's best to go back there on Autumn when the leaves are colorful. 

It's not my first time to see this kind of pavilion. You can see this design at the palaces or at the parks. It's amazing how detailed the designs are. You can really see that they put a lot of effort in painting this vibrant pavilion. 

These jars caught my attention. I haven't seen so many jars in one place. There are also jars in Bukchon Hanok Village but I think there are more here in Namsangol. These jars are used as containers of preserved kimchi.

I even took a selfie there. Yes, it's a selfie using a monopod. It's a weekday when I went there. There are few people around. I didn't have a chance to ask someone to take my photo. 

Besides the traditional stuff, you can also see the "Seoul Millennium Time Capsule" there.  It would be officially opened on 2034! Right, that's 18 years from now. I hope I can show this picture to my children telling them that I've been here. 

Things to do in Namsangol Hanok Village

1. Play traditional games (neolttwigi, tuho, and yutnori).

2. Shop for traditional items.

3. Rent a hanbok.

4. Watch a traditional wedding.

5. Make a mini Jangseung (Korean totem pole)

6. Make a mini Sotdae (wooden birds on top of a pole)

7. Make a Mokpyeon (wooden chip)

8. Make a Straw-craft

9. Visit the 5 traditional Korean houses.

10. Visit the Seoul Millennium Time Capsule.

How to go there

Take the Seoul Subway Line 4 and get off at Chungmuro exit 4.

Just walk and follow the signs going to Namsangol Hanok Village. It's very near to the subway station.

Admission is free!

Trip to Bukchon Hanok Village

This is a dream come true! Walking in the village made me feel like I'm inside a Koreanovela.

Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual residential area, The gate that you see at the background is a part of someone's house. Just like in Korean movies! :)

There's a dozen of workshops in Hanok Village where you can experience their culture. Unfortunately 50% of them are closed on Mondays. Most of them don't allow taking pictures during the workshop. I just took a snapshot outside the workshop area. 

I also visited some museums. Some museums showcase the tradition Korean culture like Gahoe museum,  Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum, the Museum of Korean art and many more. 

I wasn't able to take much pictures because my phone died. Good thing, there's an observatory nearby which offers some hot beverages like coffee, tea, and cocoa. I was able to charge my phone while enjoying the view of the Bukchon Hanok Village.

I'll definitely go back there on Spring. I don't recommend the winter season because my fingers (even with gloves on) are freezing while walking in the village.  I'll update this blog on Spring. :) 

How to go there:

Take subway line 3 to Anguk Station (exit 2)

Walk for about 300m to reach the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Admission Fee:

Museum of Korean Buddhist Art - 3,500 won

Han Sangsoo Embroidery workshop - 2,000 won

The World Jewelry Museum - 5,000 won

Kum Bak Yeon - 2,000 won 

Gahoe Museum - 2,500 won (exclusive of workshop fee)