Bukchon Hanok Village & Changgyeong Palace: 7 Essential Tips
If you want to experience the tranquil beauty of Korea during your trip to Seoul, there's no better place than Bukchon Hanok Village and Changgyeong Palace. These two spots are located close to each other, making them perfect to explore together. To help you enjoy 200% of what they offer, we've compiled 7 essential tips you must know before you go. This one article will perfectly prepare you with everything from the best routes and photo spots to restaurant recommendations and parking information.
Where to Get Your Best Shot in Bukchon Hanok Village? Top 3 Photo Zones
Bukchon Hanok Village offers beautiful scenery in every alley, but there are three key photo zones where you can capture truly stunning pictures. As these are popular spots, visiting in the morning will allow you to take photos more leisurely.
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| Bukchon Hanok Village |
Bukchon 6th View (Gahoe-dong Alley)
This is the most famous photo spot, offering an impressive view of the cascading Hanok (traditional Korean house) roofs when looking down from the hill. You can capture the harmony of tradition and modernity in one frame, as it also features N Seoul Tower, a symbol of Seoul, in the distance.
Bukchon-ro 11-gil Hill
While not as famous as the 6th View, this hidden gem is perfect for taking photos in a more tranquil atmosphere. As you walk up the stone-wall path, the blend of elegant Hanoks and the modern skyline in the distance creates a unique landscape.
Exploring Quiet Alleys
We recommend straying slightly from the main course and wandering wherever your feet take you. In the quiet alleys with fewer tourists, you can take your own special, uninterrupted photos under the eaves or in front of pretty gates.
Tip: Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area where people actually live. It's important to be considerate by moving quietly and avoiding disturbances to the residents while taking photos.
End the Parking War! Recommended Parking Lots Near Bukchon Hanok Village
Parking is extremely difficult in Bukchon Hanok Village due to narrow alleys and a lack of dedicated tourist parking. To solve the Bukchon Hanok Village parking problem, it's wise to check nearby parking options in advance. However, the best method is to use public transportation.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Parking Lot (5-10 min walk)
This is the closest and best-equipped parking lot to Bukchon. Parking is available even for non-visitors, and the fee is 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.31 USD) per hour. It can be crowded on weekends, so visiting in the morning is recommended.
Jeongdok Library Parking Lot (10 min walk)
It offers good accessibility, being close to the main street of Bukchon. The parking fee is relatively cheap at 430 KRW (approx. $0.33 USD) per 5 minutes, but the lot is small and often full. Be sure to check its operating hours in advance.
The Most Recommended Method: Using Public Transportation
If you want to enjoy your trip without stress, the best way is to take subway line 3 to Anguk Station and use exit 2 or 3. It's only a 5-minute walk from the exit to the entrance of Bukchon Hanok Village.
Caution: The interior of Bukchon Hanok Village is a resident-priority parking zone. Be aware that even brief illegal parking can result in a fine.
Changgyeong Palace Admission: Save as Much as You Know!
The admission fee for Changgyeong Palace is an affordable 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.77 USD) for adults, but there are many ways to get in for free or receive a discount. Check if you meet any of the conditions before your visit. You must present relevant documentation, such as an ID card, at the ticket office or entrance to receive the benefits.
.webp "Okcheongyo Bridge at Changgyeong Palace")
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| Okcheongyo Bridge, Changgyeong Palace (Source: KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE) |
Eligible for Free Admission
- By Age: Youth and children aged 24 and under, and seniors aged 65 and over, can enter for free upon presenting an ID.
- Hanbok Wearers: Anyone beautifully dressed in traditional or modern Hanbok can enter for free. However, both top and bottom must be worn.
- Others: There are various other free admission categories, such as active-duty soldiers in uniform and parents with a multi-child card, so it's good to check in advance.
50% Discount for Jongno-gu Residents
- Residents of Jongno-gu, where Changgyeong Palace is located, can receive a 50% discount on admission after ID verification.
Free Admission on Culture Day
- The last Wednesday of every month is designated as 'Culture Day', and all domestic visitors can enter Changgyeong Palace for free.
Full of Romance: Enjoying Changgyeong Palace at Night 200%
If you want to feel the special ambiance of a royal palace at night, you shouldn't miss the Changgyeong Palace night viewing. Unlike other palaces, Changgyeong Palace is open for night viewing year-round (except for its closing day, Monday), making it easy to visit anytime. You can purchase tickets on-site without a separate reservation. Last admission is at 8:00 PM, and viewing is until 9:00 PM.
.webp "Night view of Chundangji Pond at Changgyeong Palace")
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| Chundangji Pond, Changgyeong Palace (Source: KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE) |
- Operating Hours: 09:00 ~ 21:00 (Last Admission 20:00)
- Closed: Every Monday
- Tickets: On-site ticketing is available without advance reservation.
Recommended Night Viewing Course
Enter through the main gate, Honghwamun, and pass Okcheongyo Bridge to see Myeongjeongjeon Hall, which feels even grander at night. Afterwards, we recommend a course where you move on to admire the night view of Chundangji Pond and take an unforgettable photo at the illuminated Grand Greenhouse. The blend of soft lighting and traditional silk lanterns creates a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.
Check for the Special Event 'Mulbit Yeonhwa'
Recently, Changgyeong Palace has been holding a media art event called 'Mulbit Yeonhwa' (Waterlight Lotus) around Chundangji Pond. If the event is running during your visit, you can enjoy even more abundant sights, so check the event dates before you leave.
Korea's First Western-style Greenhouse: The Charm of Changgyeong Palace Grand Greenhouse
Situated in the rear garden of Changgyeong Palace, the Grand Greenhouse is an exotic structure that stands out amidst the palace's traditional landscape. Built in 1909, it is Korea's first Western-style greenhouse and holds a painful history, as it was built along with a zoo by Japanese imperialists to downgrade the palace's status. However, it is now beloved as a beautiful space where you can see green plants year-round.
.webp "Grand Greenhouse at Changgyeong Palace")
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| Changgyeong Palace Grand Greenhouse (Source: KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE) |
Why You Must See It: History and Architecture
The greenhouse, made of a white steel frame and glass, boasts beautiful architecture. The unique harmony of a Western-style building inside a royal palace is a special sight, while also serving as a reminder of its painful historical background.
Viewing Point: Various Rare Plants
Inside, various subtropical plants, including those designated as Natural Monuments, are growing, making you feel as if you've entered a small botanical garden. It's a place that constantly draws visitors, allowing them to feel the vitality of green life regardless of the season.
Best Photo Spot: The Greenhouse Photo Zone
The front and sides of the Grand Greenhouse are the most popular photo zones. Taking a picture against the backdrop of the white steel frame can create an atmosphere as if you are in Europe. You can take even more romantic photos when it's lit up during the night viewing.
No-Fail Choices: Restaurant List Near Bukchon Hanok Village
There are many restaurants nearby to satisfy your hunger after exploring Bukchon Hanok Village and Changgyeong Palace. We have carefully selected three restaurants near Bukchon Hanok Village that are great choices depending on the TPO (Time, Place, Occasion). All three are popular, so there may be a wait during meal times.
Refined Hanjeongsik: Soseonjae
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| Soseonjae |
If you're traveling with parents, 'Soseonjae', where you can taste a refined Hanjeongsik (traditional Korean set meal), is recommended. You can enjoy Ganjang Gejang (soy-marinated crab) or Bori Gulbi (dried yellow croaker) set meals in a serene Hanok, making it a great choice to satisfy the palate of elders. It's an excellent choice when you want to treat someone to a proper, well-prepared meal.
Good Value Sotbap: Dansang
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| Dansang |
If you want a hearty meal with warm Sotbap (hot pot rice), 'Dansang' is a great choice. This place is famous for its Sotbap topped with various ingredients like galbi (ribs), abalone, and fish. Thanks to its clean and modern atmosphere, it's also popular for dates. You can have a satisfying meal at a reasonable price.
Special Fusion Japanese: Jinjakkaki Anguk Branch
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| Jinjakkaki |
If you want a more special atmosphere, we recommend 'Jinjakkaki', a fusion Japanese restaurant. In a space renovated from a Hanok, you can enjoy Kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl), Futomaki, and various Katsu dishes. It's a place that delights both the eyes and the palate, perfect for a meal with friends or a partner.
From Bukchon to Changgyeong Palace: The Most Efficient Way to Get There
Bukchon Hanok Village and Changgyeong Palace are very close to each other, making them great to travel to together. There are two main ways to get from Bukchon Hanok Village to Changgyeong Palace, and you can choose the most convenient method depending on your situation.
Most Recommended Method: Walking (Approx. 15-20 minutes)
Follow the main tourist course of Bukchon Hanok Village down, cross the main road (Yulgok-ro), and you'll be right at Changgyeong Palace. As you walk along the beautiful stone wall of Changdeok Palace, you will soon arrive at Honghwamun, the main gate of Changgyeong Palace. The path is flat and scenic, so if the weather is nice, walking is the most recommended option.
When You Want to Save Energy: Take the Village Bus
If you've used up a lot of energy climbing the hills of Bukchon, taking the village bus is also a good option. Take the Jongno 02 bus, which circulates within Bukchon Hanok Village, and get off at the 'Changdeok Palace. Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater' stop. From there, it's only about a 5-minute walk to the entrance of Changgyeong Palace.
Tip: While you can take the subway from Anguk Station to Hyehwa Station, considering the time it takes to walk to the station and wait for the subway, it may not be much different from walking, or it might even take longer.
s So far, we've looked at 7 essential tips to know when traveling to Bukchon Hanok Village and Changgyeong Palace together. From key photo zones, parking, admission discounts, and restaurants to transportation between the two locations, you'll be able to plan a much more comfortable and fulfilling trip by using the information in this article. We hope you have a wonderful Seoul trip, enjoying both the tranquil charm of the Hanok village and the beautiful leisure of the ancient palace.
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