Bukchon Hanok Village Guide: Top Photo Locations & How to Find Them on Maps

Explore Bukchon Hanok Village — Directions, Walking Route & Photo Spots

About Bukchon Hanok Village

Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village was once the residential area for high-ranking officials and noble families during the Joseon Dynasty.

When Seoul’s city boundaries expanded in the 1930s, Bukchon evolved into a cluster of elegant hanok (traditional Korean houses) that blended old architecture with early modern urban planning. Today, it stands as a living museum where tradition and daily life coexist.

How to Get There

The best way to reach Bukchon Hanok Village is by taking Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station.

• Exit 2 or 3, then follow the signs toward Bukchon Hanok Village.

• You can also search “Nature Republic Bukchon Branch” on Naver or Kakao Maps — that’s a familiar landmark where most walking routes begin.

Most visitors start from the bottom and walk uphill through narrow alleys filled with charming cafes and boutiques.

👉Tip: Take the Bukchon Village Bus 02

If you prefer a quieter visit, hop on Village Bus No. 02 from Anguk Station (Exit 2).
It loops around the area, and you can get off at the Gamsa-won (감사원) stop near Samcheong Park.
From there, walk downhill through Bukchon — you’ll enjoy the same beautiful scenery while avoiding the heavy crowds.

Explore the “Bukchon 8 Scenic Views”

The official Bukchon 8 Views (북촌8경) route is designed to connect the most beautiful alleys and viewpoints. We didn’t follow the official 8 scenic viewpoints, but I hope this information helps anyone who wants to explore the full route. 

Since most people use Naver Map in Korea, I’m sharing the easiest search keywords to help you quickly find the main spots. You can simply copy these Korean search words and paste them directly into Naver Map.

View 1 — Changdeokgung Palace View 

비원손칼국수 (Biwon Handmade Noodle) - If you stand in front of the restaurant and look toward Changdeokgung Palace, you’ll see parts of buildings—such as Gyujanggak—rising above the palace wall. This viewpoint is known as Bukchon Viewpoint 1.

View 2 — Workshop Street in Wonseo-dong 

재단법인 궁중음식문화재단 (Korean Royal Cuisine Culture Foundation)- The easiest way to find this spot is by searching “재단법인 궁중음식문화재단” on the Naver app. It sits inside an alley filled with traditional craft studios and small artisan ateliers.

View 3 — Gahoe-dong 11 Alley 

북촌한옥청 (Buk Village Hanokcheong) - For Viewpoint 3, search for 북촌한옥청, which is the main highlight of this spot. From the stone wall beside the centre, you can enjoy one of the beautiful views of Bukchon’s hanok rooftops and modern buildings spreading out below.

가회아트 (Gahoe Art)- You can also search 가회아트 on Naver. When you arrive, you’ll see a stone staircase in the small alley next to these buildings—just head up that way.

View 4 — Gahoe-dong 31 Hill 

Cafe 357- Set your destination to Cafe 357, but don’t stop in front of the café. Walk to the right side of the café, follow the path until it dead-ends, and then turn left. A narrow alley - Bukchon-ro 11 na gil - will appear, and the view from there is Bukchon Viewpoint 4. 

Standing here, you can see rows of hanok rooftops descending toward modern Seoul and Namsan Tower in the distance.

View 5–6 — Gahoe-dong Uphill & Downhill Alleys

무무헌 (Mumuheon)- Viewpoints 5 and 6 are major, popular spots and are usually crowded, so they’re hard to miss. Still, searching 무무헌 on Naver will take you to the right area. 

View 7 — Gahoe-dong 31 Neighbourhood View

지우헌 (Gallery Jiwooheon) - Bukchon Viewpoint 7 is located in the small alley to the left of 지우헌 Gallery. It’s close to Viewpoints 5 and 6, but much quieter.

View 8 — Samcheong-dong Stone Steps Street 

북촌생활사박물관 (Bukchon Life History Museum Entrance) - After exiting the museum, look directly across the street, and you’ll see a stone staircase leading downward. The view overlooking the hanok rooftops from this spot is Bukchon Viewpoint 8.

Bukchon Village Tour Tip:

👀Helpful Map

For your walk, check out the official Seoul City map of Bukchon Hanok Village,

which marks all eight scenic spots plus cafes, galleries, workshops, and restaurants neatly by category.
📎 Available on the Seoul Hanok Portal: https://www.koreaetour.com/the-best-8-photo-spots-of-bukchon-hanok-village/map-bukchon-hanok-village/

Visiting Hours & Etiquette

Bukchon is a residential neighbourhood, not an open-air museum.
To respect the locals, visiting hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Visitors are asked to keep their voices low and refrain from entering private areas.

My Impression

Many visitors rent hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and stroll around, making the streets feel like a living scene from history.
While Bukchon retains its traditional charm, it’s not just an “old village.” The modernised hanok houses blend beautifully with Seoul’s skyline, creating a clean and harmonious atmosphere.

Despite the uphill paths, there are plenty of dessert cafés and rest stops along the way.
Even with tourists around, the mood felt peaceful — a perfect place to slow down and feel the rhythm of Seoul’s past and present.

Following the main route is nice, but getting lost and wandering through the little back alleys is just as great. Those small, hidden streets are where you can really feel the everyday side of Korea.

Category	Details
Highlight	Bukchon Hanok Village 5th and 6th Viewpoint
Description	A scenic hill offering one of the most iconic panoramic views of Bukchon’s traditional hanok rooftops blending into the modern Seoul skyline.
Main Spot	Gahoe-dong up and down Hill
Nearest Station	Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 2 or 3
Best Route	Take Jongro 02 Bus → Get off at Gamsawon Stop → Walk down through Bukchon
Good for	Photography, Hanok Architecture, Cultural Walks, Hanbok Experience

Next Destination
👉 Exploring Unhyeongung & Ikseon-dong Hanok Street: From Royal Serenity to Trendy and Hip Hanok Vibes [Here].

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.