8 Views of Bukchon 북촌 8경 – The Best Photo Spots in Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

November 19, 2018/Last Updated March 4, 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most visited places in Seoul – and with good reason! It’s easy to get lost in the narrow streets of Bukchon but if you want a clear overview and route, you should check out the most beautiful photo spots in the villagge, also called the 8 views of Bukchon.

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First the Facts: About Bukchon

Bukchon Hanok Village should be on every Seoul itinerary as it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul. It is situated on the top of a hill between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Jongmyo Royal Shrine and consists of many narrow alleys, traditional Korean Hanok houses and showcases a 600-year-old urban environment. Bukchon used to be the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty and comprises the neighborhoods of Wonseo-dong, Jae-dong, Gye-dong, Gahoe-dong, and Insa-dong.

Here are the 8 views of Bukchon, 북촌 8경, the best photo spots in Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul:

View 1: Panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace

Start your tour of the 8 views of Bukchon with this amazing view of Changdeokgung Palace. This beautiful complex is one of the “Five Grand Palaces” built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).

View 2: Wonseo-dong Gongbang-gil

After the first view, you can follow along the palace walls but it’s more interesting to take the back alley. You will soon reach the second view of Bukchon: Gongbang-gil. This street was once home to craftsmen serving the royal family.

View 3: 11 Gahoe-dong area

This part of Bukchon Hanok Village used to exclusively inhabited by nobles, scholars, and government officials hence and was extremely well-maintained. Today, many of the hanok houses house cafes, restaurants and teahouses.

View 4: Hillside area at 31 Gahoe-dong

Following along the area, you’re making your way back down to view 4 and get this amazing view.

View 5: Downward alley in Gahoe-dong

This is definitely the busiest area of Bukchon as it is also the most beautiful. Many tourists come here to take pictures in hanbok, traditional Korean dress. You can rent a hanbok at several places in Seoul but my favorite is One Day Hanbok.

View 6: Upward alley in Gahoe-dong

Standing at the top of this alley, you get the most iconic view of Bukchon. If you want to avoid the crowds, come here in the early morning or on a week day.

View 7: 31 Gahoe-dong

This is another gorgeous photo spot in Buckhon Hanok Village and a lot less busy than the previous two stops.

View 8: Stone steps in Samcheong-dong

I have to admit, this last stop of the 8 views of Bukchon confused me the most and I wasn’t exactly sure what to look for but I think I have figured it out. Basically, there is a set of stone steps leading from the hanok village down to the Samcheong-dong area, Bukchon’s shopping area. The steps themselves are rather unimpressive, but what really takes the cake here is the amazing view. You get beautiful hanok roofs, trees, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Korean Folk Museum and a beautiful mountain backdrop all in one shot. What more could you ask for as the final stop of the 8 views of Bukchon?

Bonus: Bukchon Observatory View Point

This is a beautiful viewpoint that isn’t part of the official 8 views of Bukchon but totally visiting. While you have to pay KRW 3,000 to access this lovely terrace, you will be rewarded with an amazing view over a lovely hanok neighborhood. This observatory is located on the 3rd floor of a small apartment building and seems to be run by the house owners. It’s also perfect for sitting down and taking a bit of a rest after all the walking in Bukchon. I recommend squeezing this stop in after view no. 7 and before the last view.

Spend the Night at a Traditional Hanok House!

A lot of these traditional Korean houses serve as guesthouses these days, allowing tourists to experience what it’s like to sleep “Korean style”! Bukchon Hanok Village is the ideal place to try it out in Seoul. Here are the most beautiful Hanok houses you can stay at:

Come and Visit the 8 Views of Bukchon!

When visiting Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a must-see attraction. The best part is that it’s also completely free to explore. For more free things to do in Seoul, be sure to check out these 25 free things to do in Seoul.

Tip: If you don’t want to wander through the village alone, join a Bukchon Hanok Village tour with a local guide!

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Linda

Linda has been living in Asia since 2012 and loves sharing her travel and life experiences on her website. She currently works remotely in Online Marketing and also teaches various English classes in South Korea.