In this post i describe about free historical places in Seoul that shows Korean culture
Bukchon Hanok Village ๋ถ์ดํ์ฅ๋ง์
Adress: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Bukchon Hanok Village is a home to hundreds ofย hanoks (ํ์ฅ์ง), traditional Korean houses, that comes back from the Joseon Dynasty days. These days many of these run as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses. All of them provide tourists and local visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and feel themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Where does the name Bukchon come from? So, the name Bukchon translates as โnorthern village,โ and was given cause of its location in the city. Because the location is on the top of a hill between historical places asย Gyeongbok Palace,ย Changdeok Palaceย andย Jongmyoย Royal Shrine. Originally it was inhabited by high-ranking government officials and aristocracy families. Because of its close location to palaces. Traditional houses there were built in a specific architectural style. For example they were constructed using long, curved roofs andย ondolย heating systemย that helped keep the homes warm in cold winter.
Bukchon Hanok Village is palace where the old meets the new. Due to globalization changesย hanoksย became associated with families who could not afford modern housing. So, the government tore down many houses for to the rise of apartment and office buildings that are Seoulโs skyline today. However, with the younger generation purchasing and renovating the structuresย 900 hank houses stayed protected and became the main attraction of Korea. Todays there are many of dining restaurants,ย cozy guesthouses, interestingย art galleries along with family houses. Theyย give a chance to see an interesting look into the lives of Koreans.
How the one can get there?
The easiest and quickest way to get to Bukchon Hanok Village isย by taking the subway toย the Anguk Stationย (Seoul Subway Line 3).Take exit 3 and head to your right. After about 200 meters there are large information signs that begin the Bukchon Village Walking Tour.
Before visiting the Bukchon Hanok Village there are some main advice
- Firstly, the village is a residential neighborhood and is free to come and go. But it is better to go between 10am – 17pm. There is no admission to walk down the preserved alleyways. Although there may be fees for the various experiences in the area.
- Secondly, it is very important to stay quiet and respect residents personal space who actually live there while walking through the streets and taking pictures.
- Finally, the best season to visit Bukchon is autumn and winter with comfortable weather, clean sky and warm dry air. Especially at sunset the main street can be the best place for unique pictures and to enjoy the view to the whole city.
Bukchon is one of the most popular place toย dress up inย colorful Hanboks, traditional Korean dresses, and take beautiful photos among hanok houses at the historic streets. It is a great experience to try them and make good memories at hanok village. There is a Hanbok Costume Rental called Bukchon Hanbokย atย the 2nd Floor, 4 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu.
Bongeunsa temple ๋ด์์ฌ
Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, ย Seoulย 135-870, South Korea
One of the oldest and iconic temple in Seoul is Bongeunsa temple. It was built in 794 of Silla King Weongseongโs reign. Originally it was located at the southeast of Seoul near the city of Yeoju. In XVI century the temple was relocated to its current location across the street from COEX Mall in Gangnam. Later it became one of the most biggest representations of historic Korea in Seoul. There are nearly 3,479 Buddhist scriptures at temple. Bongeunsa temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism. It serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events and rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events every year.
How to get there
The easiest and quickest way to get to the Bongeunsa temple isย by taking the subwayย to the Bongeunsa Station (ย Seoul Subway line 9). Take the exit 1, go straight 3 min and turn right to the temple.
The opening hours are from 3:00am โ 10:00pm and all year round. There is also no admission fee. But the temple runs “Temple Life” and “Temple Stay” programs for anyone for 20,00KRW and 70,000KRW. Temple Stay program allows visitors a chance to stay 2 days and experience everyday life at the temple. It includesย teaching traditional Korean Buddhist culture, meditation , yoga, lantern-making. Reservations and any other questions are available on this website www.templestay.com
Bongeunsa temple is famous for its a 23 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. It became one of the cityโs most photographed sites and the symbol of Bongeunsa. This giant statue looks very impressive in stature and worth a view any time of the year.
Bongeunsa temple is the place to experience asian culture and take photos of beautiful wall paintings that will last a lifetime. These colorful facades of temple buildings , the paintings are enjoyable for anyone. Moreover the view from the temple to the busiest part of the city Gangnam is unforgettable.
