1. Bukchon Hanok Village
Probably one of the most renowned hanok villages in Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of hanoks that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, these hanoks provide roofs to various cultural centres, restaurants, and even tea houses for the wandering tourist. Situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, this hanok village provides a stunning backdrop to your photos and create a memorable trip for yourself.
2. Chiwoonjung
Located in Bukchon Hanok Village, between Gyeongbok Palace and Changgyeong Palace, Chiwoonjung represents the epicentre of Joseon Dynasty’s 500-year-old history in politics, culture, and art. Since then, Chiwoonjung has been carefully renovated to include modern facilities like air-conditioners and refrigerators without breaking the illusion of living in the past. Be awed by the beauty of the Joseon Dynasty and take countless photos while still enjoying the comforts of modern-day technology.
3. Rakkojae Hanok
Speaking of Bukchon Hanok Village, what better way to soak in the ancient Korean vibe than by living right in the midst of the hanok village? Thank Rakkojae Hanok for providing that exact experience. Let's visit Rakkojae while dressing your hanbok (traditional Korean dress). Make your own kimchi or relax in a yellow-mud sauna. Whichever the case, Rakkojae Hanok allows for ample opportunities to snap memorable shots as you live out your Korean drama fantasies.
4. Namsangol Hanok Village
Although the Namsamgol Hanok Village is not nearly as big as the Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s nonetheless a worthwhile place to stop by, just make sure it’s not on a Monday because they’re closed on Mondays. Escape from the hustle of the city through the front gate and be transported back into the Joseon Dynasty. From the peasants to the aristocrats, experience the range of social classes and satisfy your craving for cultural photo opportunities.
5. Seongyojang House
For a small fee, enter the former residence of Naebeon Lee noble family of Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do and admire the architecture of one of the top ten most well-preserved original dwellings in Korea. Seungyojang House has been constructed over 300 years ago. Step through the main entrance and be immediately greeted by Hwallaejeong - a majestic structure built in 1816 sitting on the edge of a wide lotus flower-filled pond.
6. Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Hahoe Folk Village is one of the two villages in South Korea that is a Unesco World Heritage site. It sits at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain and is surrounded by the elegant Nakdong River, hence the name Hahoe Village with meaning ‘Village Enveloped by Water’.The charm of this village doesn’t just lie in the majesty and elegance of its surrounding elements from the Buyongdae Cliff to the Nakdong River, it’s also in the village itself, peppered with thatched roof huts and large tile-roofed houses that belonged to the Ryu clan.
7. Jeonju Hanok Village
In the middle of the industrialized city of Jeonju, Jeonju Hanok Village has managed to retain its quaint charm with over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses. Dubbed the ‘Slow City’ in 2010, Jeonju Hanok Village never fails to delight visitors. What makes the hanoks in Jeonju Hanok Village especially aesthetically pleasing are the unique roof edges that are slightly raised to the sky. In addition, don't forget to treat yourself a bowl of bibimbap, the most well-known signature dish from Jeonju.
8. Hagindang House
If you don't have enough time to visit Jeonju Hanok Village, why not stay a night or two at Jeonju Hanok Village's only residential property — Hagindang House? It is also the oldest house in Jeonju Hanok Village. This hanok used to to be the home of Baek Nak-jung, a high-ranking official during King Gojung’s reign in the Joseon Dynasty and is now available for guests to relax in and marvel at. It features a pond and surrounding greenery and a charming pavilion.