Korea House (한국의집) - Area information - Korea travel information

Korea House (한국의집)

Korea House (한국의집)

2.1Km    2025-10-23

10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Korea House was opened in 1981. It is a traditional Korean building that introduces the culture and lifestyle of Koreans, where you can experience traditional architecture and a classical atmosphere. The building was built in the style of the Joseon Dynasty's Jagyeong-jeon building at the Gyeongbok Palace. It is the only building built in the traditional architectural style. You will feel its antiquity as you enter the building.

It is divided into the Haerin-gwan (a space for people to get acquainted with each other), the Traditional Theater, and three annex buildings (Munhyang-ru, Nokeum-jeong and Cheongwu-jeong). At Haerin-gwan, you can enjoy traditional music at Garak-dang and try traditional food at Sohwa-dang. In the square of Garak-dang you can view a traditional wedding (on the weekends) or people playing folk games. Also, at the Traditional Theater, about 156 seats are available, and in the afternoons Human Cultural Assets or members of the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts and the National Corps members present traditional music and dances. Sinayui, Salpuri, Pansori, the Drum Dance and the Bongsan Mask Dance are the most popular programs for foreigners. The programs are all explained in English and Japanese.

In the Cultural Gift Shop you can view various crafts made by traditional craftsmen. It is always open and the crafts are for sale as well. There are pottery, ceramics, golden crafts, knots and embroidery etc; approximately 500 pieces of artwork made by craftsmen from 20 different fields. Next to the House of Korea is the Namsan-gol Hanok Village where visitors can explore traditional houses.

Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)

Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)

2.1Km    2025-07-14

28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namsangol Hanok Village opened in 1998 on the northern side of Namsan Mountain in the center of the capital. This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, a traditional garden, a performance art stage, and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for locals and tourists to take a leisure walk. Upon entering from the front gate, visitors will get a taste of Korea's traditional life while escaping from bustling city life. The traditional garden with its pavilion and old houses creates a peaceful ambiance before the forested Namsan Mountain. A time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600th anniversary was buried in 1994 at the highest point of the village and is scheduled to be reopened 400 years later in 2394.

The five hanok premises at Namsangol Hanok Village once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Each house was originally located in a different neighborhood, but they were all moved to this area and restored to their original form. The houses were rebuilt using their original materials, except for one house, where the materials were too old and deteriorated to be reused. The premises were carefully restored and replicated according to their original form to depict the owners’ social class and personality. These buildings are now used as an exhibit to portray the living environment during the Joseon dynasty and as a venue for educational and cultural programs for children and tourists.

Some of the unique programs and activities to participate in include wearing hanbok, folding hanji (traditional Korean paper), writing in Korean, traditional tea ceremony, traditional etiquette school, and herbal medicine experience. There are also taekwondo demonstrations and other various performances held around the village. Visitors can also try traditional games such as yunnori (traditional board game), or understand more about the area through a guided tour.

GRANDHAND. Gahoe (그랑핸드 가회점)

GRANDHAND. Gahoe (그랑핸드 가회점)

2.1Km    2025-12-04

61 Bukchon-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Launched in 2014 at a small hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, this Korean perfume brand now has nine stores around Seoul. With no advertisements or online sales, GRANDHAND has preserved its roots for years. GRANDHAND. Gahoe located amidst the beautiful surroundings of Bukchon Hanok Village and various art museums has customers of all ages and nationalities.

Seoul Namsan Park (남산공원(서울))

Seoul Namsan Park (남산공원(서울))

2.1Km    2024-03-18

231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namsan Mountain rises in the heart of Seoul at an altitude of 265 meters and has been a significant landmark since the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), leaving behind several ruins. It was heavily damaged in the early 20th century, but was partially restored in 1968 with the creation of the park. Highlights include Namsan Tower and love locks left by numerous couples. Visitors can also easily reach the top by a cable car or bus.

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

2.1Km    2021-06-19

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirety of Seoul below. As it is a prime spot to view the first sunrise of the year, the annual sunrise festival takes place every New Year's Day.

Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

2.1Km    2025-01-14

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Serving as the main gate of Injeongjeon Hall, Injeongmun Gate was established in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon dynasty). Later on, the gate was destroyed by multiple fires during the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592), therefore current form of the establishment displays designs that are more often seen in the late 19th century's. In addition, a lot of subsidary marks and buildings are removed from the original places and relocated passing the time, however, still remains to represent prestigious ambience.

Injeongmun Gate served as the place for several coronation ceremonies of kings, prince's succession of throne, and many other national affairs celebrated by the royal members who gathered and aligned around this gate.

Haepungbuwongun Yun Taekyeong's Jaesil (해풍부원군윤택영댁재실)

Haepungbuwongun Yun Taekyeong's Jaesil (해풍부원군윤택영댁재실)

2.2Km    2021-11-10

28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Haepungbuwongun Yun Taekyeong's Jaesil is a shrine house built by the father-in-law of King Sunjong of Joseon dynasty in 1906 when his daughter was proclaimed the crowned princess of Joseon and entered Changdeokgung Palace to later become Queen Sunjeong. Red pine trees salvaged from the demolition of Gyeongungung Palace were used to construct the house. It was originally located in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, but was later restored and moved to its present location. The shrine of the house that was destroyed in 1960 was also restored.
Because the house is more of a shrine rather than residential living quarters, it has many unique features. For example, unlike other houses, it has the anchae (women’s quarters) located across from sarangbang (men’s quarters) with daecheong (living room) positioned between them.

Bukchon Museum (북촌생활사박물관)

Bukchon Museum (북촌생활사박물관)

2.2Km    2022-08-30

90, Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Bukchon Museum displays items that have been collected from Bukchon, a historical village that was once home to the nation’s nobility. The museum was founded to observe urban development that took place in the recent decades through collected and preserved veryday household items that were used by Bukchon residents. Visitors are even allowed to touch items on display to better be able to imagine life in Korea before industrialization.

Samcheong-dong Street (삼청동길)

2.2Km    2025-01-22

107 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

It is said that Samcheong-dong was named from the story about the three "cheong" (Chinese character meaning clean) of the area, namely the mountain, water, and people. Another theory is that the origin of the region's name came from Samcheongjeon Hall where three tablets called "Taecheong," "Sangcheong," and "Okcheong," were set up based on Taoism. Samcheong-dong Street features a mixture of old scenes of hanok buildings with traditional beauty and modern scenes of galleries and cafés, creating a unique atmosphere. Visitors can feel the abundant cultural mood at every corner of the street through the art galleries, museums, antique shops, and quiet pathways.

Woo Joo Yon Clinic (우주연한의원)

2.2Km    2025-10-23

(2nd Floor, Hanok), 41 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Woojooyon Clinic takes an integrative approach considering the patient's overall health. Rather than merely treating the affected area, we listen to the patient's story, understand their daily life, and focus on identifying and correcting the root causes of imbalances in the body. Our goal is to pursue true healing and happiness by treating with a delicate touch that connects with the patient's soul. We aim to restore the body to its original state, ensuring a holistic examination of both body and mind, as well as habits and personality. Woojooyon Clinic is committed to helping patients regain a healthy life by applying the wisdom of traditional Korean medicine. We value our relationships with patients and strive to always do our best.