You’re now in one of the most authentic parts of Seoul, the Bukchon Hanok Village. Over 600 years old, this neighborhood is filled with traditional Korean houses known as hanok. Their distinctive architecture is no accident, each one follows age-old Korean traditions, positioned according to the surrounding landscape and seasons, and built with natural materials like stone, wood, earth, and rice paper to maintain harmony between humans and nature. The area was developed during the Joseon dynasty in the 14th century and was once home to the city’s aristocracy, with some 900 hanok shaping the character of this historic district. Today, it’s a lively and much-visited part of the city, with charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafés that offer visitors the chance to step inside these beautiful homes. You’ll also find museums here, including the Museum of Asian Art and the Museum of Korean Art, and its narrow, hilly alleys have been featured in numerous Korean films, helping to make the village famous worldwide. Take your time wandering through these streets, you’ll also come across some wonderful viewpoints over the city.