Curious about the lives of Korea’s ancestors? Spend a night in a traditional Hanok and immerse yourself in the essence of Korean heritage. Here’s your guide to Korea’s top Hanok stays, where tradition meets modern comfort.
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| Gyochon Hanok Village [Photo Credit] KTO, Ji-ho Kim |
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Relaxation, Hanok Stay
A Hanok isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a
space steeped in the wisdom of Korean ancestors, harmonizing with nature. While
standard hotels provide comfort, a night in a Hanok offers healing for the soul
and a fresh sense of energy that you can only experience in Korea. In this
post, I’ll introduce some of the best Hanok destinations in Korea, along with
handy travel tips. Ready to dive in?
Top Hanok Experiences
1. Gyeongju Gyochon Hanok Village
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| Choi Clan House in Gyochon Village [Photo Credit] KTO, Ji-ho Kim |
l Location: Situated in the ancient city
of Gyeongju, Gyochon Hanok Village is a harmonious blend of tradition and
modernity. This picturesque area is home to historic Hanok houses that radiate
Korean charm and elegance.
l Room Rates: ₩100,000–₩200,000 per night
(rates may vary based on room size and season).
l Getting There:
Ø Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station (approx. 2 hours
and 10 minutes). Tickets cost ₩49,300 per adult.
Ø From Gyeongju Station, a taxi to Gyochon Hanok Village takes about
20 minutes and costs approximately ₩20,000.
l Nearby Food Spots:
Ø Hwangnam Bread Headquarters: A must-try
traditional pastry from Gyeongju.
Ø Gyochon Dakgalbi (Chicken Ribs): Enjoy
flavorful, tender chicken in a cozy setting.
Ø Hwangridan-gil: This trendy street is
packed with cafes and restaurants offering a mix of modern and traditional
flavors.
l Nearby Attractions:
Ø Bulguksa Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage
site showcasing exquisite Buddhist architecture.
Ø Seokguram Grotto: A serene and historic
Buddhist temple tucked into a mountainside.
Ø Cheomseongdae Observatory: One of the
oldest astronomical observatories in East Asia.
Ø Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: A
must-see nighttime attraction with stunning illuminated views.
Ø Hwangridan-gil: A bustling street filled
with modern cafes, boutiques, and local charm.
2. Jeonju Hanok Village
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| Jeonju Hanok Village [Photo Credit] KTO, Yong-cheon Kim |
l Location: Jeonju Hanok Village is a
large-scale village featuring around 700 traditional Hanok houses. It’s a
vibrant spot offering activities like tea houses, Hanbok rentals, and cultural
experiences.
l Room Rates: ₩70,000–₩150,000 per night.
l Getting There:
Ø Take the KTX to Jeonju Station from Seoul Station (approx. 1 hour
and 30 minutes). Tickets cost ₩33,800 per adult.
Ø From Jeonju Station, a taxi to Jeonju Hanok Village takes about 15
minutes and costs approximately ₩10,000.
l Nearby Food Spots:
Ø Jeonju Bibimbap Specialty Restaurants:
Savor the city’s iconic dish, a delicious medley of flavors and colors.
Ø Nambu Market Night Market: Explore a
variety of street food and handmade crafts at this lively night market.
l Nearby Attractions:
Ø Gyeonggijeon Shrine: A historic shrine
housing royal portraits.
Ø Omokdae Pavilion: A scenic spot with
panoramic views of the village.
Ø Jeonju Hyanggyo: A Confucian academy
surrounded by ancient trees.
Ø Gaekridan-gil: A trendy street full of
unique cafes and shops.
3. Andong Hahoe Village
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| Andong Hahoe Village [Photo Credit] KTO, Ji-ho Kim |
l Location: Recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage site, Hahoe Village is a well-preserved Hanok village where visitors
can experience Korea’s traditional way of life.
l Room Rates: ₩80,000–₩200,000 per night.
l Getting There:
Ø Take the KTX to Andong Station from Seoul Station (approx. 2 hours
and 30 minutes). Tickets cost ₩33,800 per adult.
Ø From Andong Station, a taxi to Hahoe Village takes about 20 minutes
and costs approximately ₩30,000.
l Nearby Food Spots:
Ø Andong Jjimdak Alley: Famous for the
city’s signature braised chicken dish.
Ø Salted Mackerel Restaurants: Enjoy
perfectly seasoned mackerel, a local specialty.
l Nearby Attractions:
Ø Byeongsan Seowon: A serene Confucian
academy nestled in nature.
Ø Hahoe Mask Dance Theater: Witness
traditional mask dances unique to this region.
Ø Bongjeongsa Temple: A historic temple
offering tranquility and stunning views.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
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| Bukchon Village Hanok [Photo Credit] KTO, Beom-soo Lee |
l Location: Located in the heart of Seoul,
Bukchon Hanok Village offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Its
accessibility and charming alleys filled with Hanok houses make it a tourist
favorite.
l Room Rates: ₩150,000–₩300,000 per night.
l Getting There:
Ø A 5-minute walk from Anguk Station. Accessible via the Airport
Railroad and subway.
l Nearby Food Spots:
Ø Samcheong-dong Traditional Tea Houses:
Experience authentic Korean teas in a cozy setting.
Ø Bukchon Red Bean Porridge Alley: A
street dedicated to delicious red bean porridge.
Ø Hwangsaengga Kalguksu: A restaurant
known for its hearty hand-cut noodle soup.
Ø Samcheong-dong Sujebi: A popular spot
for sujebi, a Korean dough soup.
l Nearby Attractions:
Ø Gyeongbokgung Palace: One of the
grandest palaces in Korea, a must-visit for history and architecture
enthusiasts.
Ø Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World
Heritage site with stunning gardens and traditional beauty.
Ø Samcheong-dong Street: A picturesque
area filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques.
Ø Insadong: A cultural hub with
traditional crafts, tea houses, and art galleries.
5. Namwon Gwanghallu Hanok Village
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| Gwanghallu Garden [Photo Credit] KTO, Jin-kwan Kim |
l Location: This Hanok village is within
Gwanghallu Garden, the setting of the classic Korean love story Chunhyangjeon.
It’s a family-friendly destination that offers cultural programs and showcases
the charm of Namwon.
※ Chunhyangjeon: A timeless Korean love story about loyalty and resilience,
centered on Chunhyang, the daughter of a courtesan, and her unwavering love for
a nobleman's son.
l Room Rates: ₩80,000–₩150,000 per night.
l Getting There:
Ø Take the KTX to Namwon Station from Seoul Station (approx. 2 hours
and 30 minutes). Tickets cost ₩33,800 per adult.
Ø A taxi ride to Gwanghallu Hanok Village from Namwon Station takes
about 10 minutes and costs under ₩10,000.
l Nearby Food Spots:
Ø Chunhyanggol Black Pork: Known for its
rich flavors and premium cuts.
Ø Ganaan Restaurant: A local favorite for
hearty meals.
Ø Chuohyang: Famous for its savory loach
soup.
Ø Sandeuldaheon: A cozy spot offering
traditional Korean dishes.
l Nearby Attractions:
Ø Gwanghallu Garden: A serene garden
steeped in history and beauty.
Ø Namwon Eupseong Fortress: A historic
site with scenic views.
Ø Chunhyang Theme Park: Dive into Korea’s
most famous romance story.
Ø Namwon National Gugak Center: Explore
Korea’s traditional music and performances.
6. Jeju Stone Wall Hanok Stay
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| Jeju Stone Wall [Photo Credit] PxHere |
l Location: Nestled by the turquoise
waters of Jeju Island, this unique Hanok stay combines Jeju’s traditional stone
architecture with the classic Hanok style. It’s the perfect spot to relax while
listening to the calming sounds of the sea.
l Room Rates: ₩200,000–₩350,000 per night.
l Getting There:
Ø It’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from Jeju Airport, costing
approximately ₩25,000.
l Nearby Food Spots:
Ø Woojin Haemul Haejangguk: Famous for its
seafood hangover soup.
Ø Donsadon: A highly-rated pork BBQ
restaurant.
Ø Jeju Myungga: Known for traditional Jeju
cuisine.
Ø Heukdonga: Specializing in Jeju’s black
pork dishes.
l Nearby Attractions:
Ø Yongmeori Coast: A dramatic coastal area
with striking rock formations.
Ø Hyeopjae Beach: A beautiful white-sand
beach perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Ø O’sulloc Tea Museum: Discover the art of
Korean tea amidst lush green tea fields.
Benefits of Staying in a Hanok
l “Rest Close to Nature”: Most Hanoks are
located near forests or rivers, offering a serene environment. Built with
eco-friendly materials, they provide fresh air and a harmonious connection with
nature.
l “Experience Traditional Korean Cuisine”:
Many Hanok stays include a traditional Korean breakfast, giving you a taste of
authentic flavors.
l “Immerse Yourself in Traditional Culture”: Enjoy activities like wearing Hanbok, traditional tea ceremonies,
or making Hanji crafts.
l “Beautiful Design”: With a harmonious
blend of curves and straight lines, Hanok architecture is visually stunning and
ideal for photography.
Tips for Staying in a Hanok
l “Soundproofing Concerns”: Hanoks often
lack strong soundproofing. If you prefer a quiet environment, opt for a
standalone Hanok.
l “Book in Advance”: Reservation competition is high during peak seasons. Book at least a month ahead.
l “Take Advantage of Programs”: Many
Hanoks offer cultural programs such as tea ceremonies or traditional cooking
classes.
A Night in a Hanok: A Memory to Treasure
How about spending a night in a traditional
Hanok? It’s an experience that offers both healing and unforgettable memories.
If you’re visiting Korea, include a Hanok stay in your travel plans!
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