Gyeongbokgung Palace is always filled with people, and there are still more to see in Korean architecture than just Gyeongbokgung. We strongly recommend that you visit "Namsangol Hanok Villag" which is located near Myengdong and Chungmuro. 

If you arrive here, you will feel like time has frozen up. The buildings from hundreds of years ago still stands, giving people a glimpse of what it was like back then. Traditional styled town, where people walk around in Hanbok. Next time you visit Myeongdong drop by and experience the beauty of Namsangol Hanok Village. 

Namsangol Hanok Village

Address: 서울 중구 퇴계로34길 28
28 Toegyero34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Transportation: Chungmuro Station Exit 3, 4; or walk about 15 minutes from Myeongdong

Hours: April to October 09:00 ~21:00；November to March 09:00~20:00；Closes on Mondays

Admission: Free of charge (You can walk around in Hanbok or in your own clothes)

Namsangol Hanok Village is located at the foot of Namsan. It is very close from Myeongdong, or you can take the subway to Chungmuro Station to get here. From the Exit 3 and Exit 4 you can see the entrance to the Hanok Village.

Namsangol Hanok Village is different from other Korean palaces. It is free of admission, and there aren't as many people. Locals visit here when they want to feel the warm history, but do not want to feel crowded.

If you want to get good photos and enjoy leisurely time I recommend that you visit Namsangol Hanok Village near Myeongdong and Chungmuro. 

Located at the foot of Namsan, you can see the Seoul N Tower from afar. In fact, it is very close and you can visit the Tower by bus if you want to. 

When you come in, you will be attracted by the beautiful garden they have. The difference between the Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung is the point of view on beauty. Compared to the palace Hanok Village has more natural beauty within. 

There is a big pavilion (Cheonwoogak, 천우각), which you can go up and sit down for a while. Take some good rest by the lake view. It will restore your body and mind.   

On the side, you will see the entrance to Namsangol Hanok Village. You will be attracted by the original and traditional appearance that it has. 

As I have just mentioned, Namsangol Hanok Village was where ordinary citizens of Seoul used to live hundreds of years ago, which is different from Gyeongbokgung where royals lived. You can feel the daily livings of the people of ancient Korea. 

Hanok village is free to visit, but keep in mind that interior house is prohibited from entering. Only a small part of the village opens up the interior to the visitors (with fee).

Each brick, tile, grass, wood holds hundreds of years of memory within it. The beauty of Namsangol Hanok village is incomparable with any other places in Seoul. 

Also, compared to Gyeongbokgung, the Namsangol Hanok Village is much less crowded. It is comfortable to walk around and take pictures at where you want. At the very least you won't feel crowded and uncomfortable because of too many people. 

Tea Ceremony Experience ₩10,000

Rice Cake Making  ₩10,000

There are also fun activities available in the village. If you choose to participate, you can legally enter one of the houses and experience authentic Korean culture. 

Moreover, it is a great place to take pictures with Hanok on. Not only does it give you a feeling of being ancient Korean, but it is a very leisurely place where you don't have to fight through tourists from all over the world. Recently, more and more Koreans have come to Namsan Hanok Village to experience Hanbok. 

Every corner has a unique beauty. You will be surprised at what kind of Korean culture each corner has in store for you.

I really enjoy the atmosphere of Namsan Hanok Village. I visited the place at night once, but because it was so dark, there wasn't much to see. Come over in the daytime on weekdays. You will have a higher quality visit then.

If you have visited Gyeongbokgung before, then Namsangol Hanok Village is the next destination for you. Wear Hanbok and enjoy the authentic Korean atmosphere. It will leave you with a memory that you can never forget. 

I just used my cell phone to take these pictures, and you can take even more beautiful photos from your visit. Shoot more pictures that will fulfill your heart.

Traditional Craft Hall

For me, who has visited Gyeongbokgung multiple times, it was a very special experience to visit Namsangol Hanok Village. It is really worth a visit!

Take a walk from Myeongdong or from Chungmuro, the lively center of Seoul. The Namsangol Hanok Village is free to enter and is a great place to experience Korean culture. Next time you look for a venue to take photos in Hanbok, I strongly recommend that you visit Namsangol Hanok Village for a photo shoot.