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π― Namsangol Hanok Village: A Hidden Cultural Gem in Seoul
Our first stop on our very first day in Korea was the popular Namsangol Hanok Village.
Our flight was early, so we only had a short rest at the hotel—just enough to freshen up—and then we headed out right away. When you’re traveling to a new place, you tend to get excited and want to go out immediately.
You don’t want to waste a single hour.
And that’s exactly how I felt.
Most foreign tourists in Seoul usually flock to Bukchon Hanok Village or Insadong, but just minutes from Myeongdong is a quieter treasure that feels like a secret: Namsangol Hanok Village.
Tucked at the northern foot of Namsan Mountain, this restored Joseon-era village is a peaceful escape from the modern buzz of the city—and the best part?
π️ Admission is completely FREE.
πΈ A Short History of Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village officially opened in 1998, created to preserve the elegance and lifestyle of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910).
Long ago, this area was called Cheonghak-dong, meaning “the place where the gods live”, because of its beautiful scenery. It was also known as a summer retreat among nobility.
Today, it’s one of the best places in Seoul to reconnect with Korea’s roots—without needing to travel far outside the city.
π€️ My First Impression: Not What I Expected, But Still Beautiful
When we arrived at the village, it was still early, but since it was Saturday, there were already a lot of events happening. Surprisingly, it wasn’t crowded.
I was expecting the weather to be cool because it was autumn… but when we got there, it was kind of hot. π
I also saw photos of the village while doing our itinerary and I imagined it would be super colorful. But when I arrived, it didn’t match what I expected.
Still, it was beautiful in its own way—especially because we don’t have Fall Season in the Philippines. Even a “simple” autumn day in Korea already felt special.
We walked around, explored slowly, and took our time. We planned only this attraction for our first day because we were tired—and honestly, that decision saved us.
π‘ What You’ll Find Inside Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village features five beautifully restored traditional Korean houses (hanoks). These were originally located in different parts of Seoul and represent different levels of Joseon society.
π The 5 Hanok Houses
- Min’s House – belonging to the parents of Empress Sunjeonghyo
- Yun Taekyeong’s Jaesil – home of the Empress’s uncle
- Lee Seung-eop House – residence of a royal carpenter
- Yoon’s House – belonging to a military general
- Kim Chun-yeong House – home of a royal son-in-law
Each house gives you a glimpse of how people lived—through architecture, layouts, and traditional furnishings.
πΏ Other Things You’ll See Inside the Village
Aside from the houses, the village also includes:
- A tranquil traditional garden with flowing water and native plants
- Cheonugak Pavilion and scenic resting areas
- Gukakdang Traditional Theater
- A small souvenir shop and cafΓ©
- The fascinating Seoul Millennium Time Capsule Plaza
⏳ Seoul Millennium Time Capsule (One of the Coolest Features!)
One of the most intriguing parts of the village is the Time Capsule Plaza, located at the highest point.
This capsule was buried 15 meters underground on November 29, 1994, and contains 600 items representing Seoul’s identity.
✨ It’s scheduled to be opened in 2394, marking Seoul’s 1,000th anniversary as Korea’s capital.
It’s one of those details that makes you stop and think:
“Wow… I won’t be here for that, but someone will.”
𧧠Cultural Experiences & Hands-On Activities
Since it was Saturday when we visited, there were a lot of cultural activities happening. This is one of the best reasons to visit Namsangol—because it’s not just a place to take pictures.
Throughout the year, the village hosts interactive programs like:
- π Hanbok wearing experience
- πͺΆ Falconry experience
- π Hanji (traditional Korean paper) crafts
- ☕ Traditional tea ceremony
- π§Ύ Calligraphy and Korean writing
- π§♀️ Korean etiquette school
- π Traditional herbal medicine learning
- π₯ Live taekwondo and traditional music performances
π Tip: Weekend programs are usually more active than weekdays, so if you want to catch cultural events, visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
π Nature Walks + A Secret Scenic Path to Namsan
Every season gives Namsangol a different charm:
πΈ Spring – cherry
blossoms
π
Autumn – ginkgo + maple leaves
❄️
Winter – calm, bare beauty
πΏ
Summer – lush greenery
πΆ Bonus: Walking Trail from Namsangol to Namsan Park
One of the most underrated walking routes in Seoul begins right behind Namsangol’s back gate.
This 25-minute walking course takes you:
- Uphill to the overpass and through a short tunnel
- Past the Seoul City Hall Namsan Building
- Up to the Namsan Trail (a 7.5 km pedestrian-only loop)
From there, you can:
- reach N Seoul Tower via stairs
- continue the loop to the National Theater of Korea
- exit toward nearby subway stations
π‘ If you want a shorter climb, look for:
- Sam-Soon Steps (shorter stairway up Namsan)
- or take the shuttle bus from Namsan Library
πΈ Photo Spots You Shouldn’t Miss
- Traditional rooftops framed by trees
- Courtyard gates and wooden doors
- Pavilion reflections in the water
- Wide-angle shots of the hanok houses
- Autumn trees behind the village pathways
π· Tip: Visit early for soft light + fewer people.
π Visitor Information
π Address:
28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
μμΈνΉλ³μ μ€κ΅¬ ν΄κ³λ‘34κΈΈ
28 (νλ2κ°)
π Hours:
- April to October: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- November to March: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
π« Closed: Mondays
π️
Admission Fee: FREE
☎️
Contact: +82-2-2261-0517
π Nearest Subway:
Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 3 – about a 5-minute walk
π How to Get to Namsangol Hanok Village
One of the best things about Namsangol Hanok Village is how easy it is to reach, especially if you’re staying in Myeongdong.
It’s one of those attractions that feels like a hidden gem—but it’s actually just minutes away from Seoul’s busiest tourist area.
π By Subway (Best Option)
The most convenient way is by subway.
✅ Nearest station: Chungmuro Station (Lines 3 & 4)
How to walk from Chungmuro Station:
- Take Exit 3 or Exit 4
- Walk about 5–7 minutes
- Follow signs going uphill toward the village entrance
π Tip: If you’re coming from Myeongdong, you can take Line 4 and it’s only 1 stop away.
πΆ From Myeongdong (Walkable!)
If you’re already in Myeongdong and you like walking, you can also walk to Namsangol.
- ⏳ Around 15–20 minutes depending on pace
- πΆ Mostly flat with a slight uphill near the entrance
π‘ This is a nice option if you want to see more of Seoul streets and cafes along the way.
π By Taxi (Easy for Groups)
If you’re traveling with:
- seniors
- kids
- heavy shopping bags
- or just tired from your flight
A taxi is a comfortable choice.
Just show the driver:
“Namsangol Hanok Village”
or this Korean name:
λ¨μ°κ³¨νμ₯λ§μ
π By Bus
Seoul buses also pass near the area, but honestly…
If it’s your first day in Korea, the subway is easier and less stressful.
Since the village is located near Namsan Mountain, some paths going inside are slightly uphill.
π Wear comfy shoes—especially if you plan to continue walking toward Namsan Park or N Seoul Tower afterward.
π‘ Tips Before You Go (From My Experience)
- Visit early if you want quiet photos
- Don’t assume autumn is cold—it can still be warm
- If you’re tired from travel, this is a perfect “slow day” attraction
- Weekends have more programs, but weekdays are calmer
- Combine this with Myeongdong + N Seoul Tower for a perfect half-day
π A Quiet Place That Made My First Day Special
While Bukchon might be more famous and photographed, Namsangol gave me something different.
It was calmer. Less crowded. More peaceful.
And since it was our first day in Korea, I think we needed that kind of gentle start. We didn’t rush. We didn’t pressure ourselves to do everything. We just explored, walked, and let Seoul welcome us.
It may not have matched the dramatic photos I saw online…
But it still felt like a beautiful first chapter of our Korean adventure.
πΏ Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
π“Some places don’t just show you history—they make you slow down enough to feel it.”π«
π’ Share This Post
πΈ Ready to experience the heart of old Seoul?
Add Namsangol Hanok Village to your itinerary—especially if you want a cultural spot that’s beautiful, free, and peaceful.
π Map it, plan it, and
tag a friend to come with you!
π¬
And if you want, I can also share a half-day itinerary combining Namsangol +
Namsan Tower.
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