Eunpyeong Hanok Village | Seoul’s Hidden Gem Hanok Village near Bukhansan National Park

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a quieter, less touristy hanok village in Seoul, where you can truly immerse yourself in traditional beauty and tranquil vibes. Sure, it might not be as famous as Bukchon Hanok Village, but it’s equally as wonderful and totally worth your time.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a hidden gem, near Bukhansan National Park.

My uncle lives just around the corner from Eunpyeong Hanok Village, so I’ve spent many peaceful days admiring the graceful architecture and wandering its quaint streets.

I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. It feels like a hanok village, the way it was meant to be experienced.

What is Eunpyeong Hanok Village?

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a purpose built community of hanoks that was established in late 2014 to provide a traditional Korean cultural experience to visitors.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a planned community © Photo Korea, Lee Bumsu

Inside the village, you’ll find approximately 160 hanok homes, as well as the Eunpyeong Hanok History Museum, lovely cafes, and experiential activities. With Bukhansan Mountain as a spectacular backdrop, it’s a truly picturesque hanok village in Seoul.

It’s also walking distance to 2 magnificent Korean Buddhist temples: Jingwansa and Samcheonsa.

Lovely cafes, traditional experiences and more inside the village.

Compared to other hanok villages in Seoul, it’s much less touristy, with far less visitors and an authentic vibe. In fact, whenever I’ve gone there, I’ve barely seen another soul.

With gentle inclines, few stairs, and wide, flat roads, Eunpyeong Hanok Village is accessible to absolutely everyone.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is perfect for kids, elders and those with mobility issues.

READ NEXT: First Trip to South Korea? Read this Guide.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village vs Bukchon Hanok Village?

Both Bukchon and Eunpyeong Hanok Village have traditional Korean architecture, and graceful curving rooftops, but there are some important differences between the two areas.

Eunpyeong is a purpose built hanok village in Seoul.

While Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighbourhood harking back to Joseon Dynasty times, Eunpyeong is a purpose built neo-hanok village that was developed specifically for culture and tourism.

Here’s a quick guide to the major differences between Eunpyeong Hanok Village and Bukchon Hanok Village.

After years of over-tourism and protests from residents, it was recently announced that tourist access to Bukchon Hanok Village would be limited during evening hours. A good thing if you ask me.

Bukchon Hanok Village averages 6.44 million visitors yearly, with numbers only increasing. Compare that with its local population of 6,100 residents, and you can understand what all the fuss is about.

Empty streets like this are rare in Bukchon Hanok Village. We got lucky (also it was during a global pandemic).

What This Means for You

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a planned community of hanoks, so it’s a much more comfortable place to explore and experience these gorgeous traditional homes.

While there are also hanok residences here, people knew exactly what they were signing up for when they bought. You can rest easy knowing that you won’t run into any unhappy residents or protests in the area.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is far less touristy © Photo Korea, Lee Bumsu

On a personal note – despite having lived in Seoul for the last 14 years, I can count on one hand, the number of times I’ve been to Bukchon Hanok Village. Yes, it IS gorgeous, and yes, it’s technically more “authentic,” but it sure doesn’t feel like it, with thousands of tourists filling its narrow laneways day after day.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village, on the other hand, doesn’t feel touristy at all. With its location at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, it’s a joy to enjoy the stunning surroundings in peace.

Exploring Eunpyeong Hanok Village is low stress and peaceful.

Where is Eunpyeong Hanok Village?

Address: 127-27 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul | 서울 은평구 진관동 127-27

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is located in Eunpyeong-gu in northwest Seoul. This district sits in the shadow of Bukhansan National Park, and is right on the border of Goyang City in Gyeonggi-do Province.

Mountains and hanoks at Eunpyeong Hanok Village © Photo Korea, Lee Bumsu

It takes about 40 minutes to drive to Eunpyeong from Central Seoul. There are a few parking lots at or near the hanok village, but it can be challenging to find a spot at busy times.

READ NEXT: Seoul Neighbourhood Guide | The 7 Best Areas to Stay for Travelers

How do I get to Eunpyeong Hanok Village?

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking, I recommend using public transit to reach Eunpyeong Hanok Village. If you want to explore further north into the outskirts of Seoul, taxi is probably the best option. The frequency of buses declines as you get further away from the centre.

It’s easiest to reach other places in Eunpyeong-gu – like Suguksa by taxi.

Direct Bus from Seoul Station

A public bus from Seoul Station is probably the least complicated way to get to Eunpyeong Hanok Village. There are no transfers, and the bus stop is literally steps from the entrance of the village.

From Platform 6 of the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center, take Blue bus 701 headed north. Get off at Hana High School, Samcheonsa, Jingwansa bus stop (it’ll be announced in English on the bus too – don’t worry!). There are 23 stops and the journey takes about 45 minutes.

It’s not overly difficult to get to Eunpyeong Hanok Village from Central Seoul.

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Subway / Bus

If you’re closer to Seoul Subway Line 3, you can check routes that end up at either Gupabal Station or Yeonsinnae Station.

From Yeonsinnae Station on Line 3, use Exit 3, walk 4 minutes, then get on Blue bus 701. The bus makes 10 stops, and takes about 15 minutes to reach Eunpyeong Hanok Village. This is the same bus that leaves from Seoul Station.

From Gupabal Station on Line 3, use Exit 1, then jump on Green Bus 7723. This bus stop is behind where you exit, so make sure to U-turn once you get out of Gupabal Station to find it. Ride 9 stops (11 minutes), and get off at the Hana High School, Samcheonsa, Jingwansa bus stop.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village is worth the travel time.

What can I do at Eunpyeong Hanok Village?

There’s enough activities at Eunpyeong Hanok Village to fill at least half a day. If you include visits to Jingwansan and Samcheonsa Temple nearby, and a hike up to one of Bukhansan’s mighty peaks, you could easily spend a couple of days surrounded by nature and a peaceful atmosphere.

Gorgeous views from Hyangnobong Peak in Bukhansan National Park.

Explore the Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum | 은평역사한옥박물관

Address: 8 Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul | 서울 은평구 연서로50길 8

This 3 floor museum is the perfect place to start your explorations of Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Head right up to the rooftop for panoramic views over all those curving giwa rooftops, then make your way down floor by floor.

Pretty rooftops © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

The 3rd floor is where you’ll find the Hanok Exhibition Hall. This is the place to find out about all the clever designs, characteristics, and building materials used when constructing hanoks.

I bet you’d be surprised to learn that nails are rarely used to hold a hanok together. I sure was… and just that much more impressed.

Hanoks are mostly held together using ingenious joining techniques – not nails!

On the 2nd floor, learn about the historical significance of Eunpyeong-gu, which was an important connection point between Hanyang (Seoul’s name during Joseon) and Kaesong in today’s North Korea

In fact, the museum displays around 7,500 pieces related to the cultural heritage of Eunpyeong-gu, including burial artifacts excavated from 5,000 graves found when the Eunpyeong New Town apartment complex was being constructed nearby (this is where my uncle lives).

Sculptures outside the Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum.

The Eunpyeong History and Hanok Museum is also great for kids, with a toy library, pond, and resting area on the first floor.

Get Caffeinated at 1in1jan | 1인1잔

Address: 534 Yeonseo-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul | 서울 은평구 연서로 534

There are several hanok style cafes inside Eunpyeong Hanok Village, but 1in1jan is undoubtedly the most popular.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this 6 story cafe has wonderful views over Eunpyeong Hanok Village, and Bukhansan National Park. While it’s undeniably gorgeous in every season, autumn in Korea is a particularly beautiful time to visit.

There are lovely cafes in Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

To access the traditional seating area, take the elevator up to the top floors.

And if you were wondering, the name 1in1jan basically translates to 1 drink per person.

Try a Free Hanbok Experience at the Neonadeuri Center | 너나들이센터

Address: 10 Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul | 서울 은평구 연서로50길 10

The Neonadeuri Center is the Tourist Information Centre for Eunpyeong Hanok Village, and it’s conveniently located at the entrance to the Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum.

Fun photo spots in Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

Opened in 2018 to provide an open cultural space for visitors, there’s a hanbok experience, photo studio, baby lounge, and gift shop at the Neonadeuri Center.

Free hanbok experiences are available everyday, except for Monday, with 12 spots for each of 4 separate sessions. Each session lasts for 90 minutes, with the first one starting at 10:00. The last session is from 15:30 to 17:00.

Hanoks and hanbok go together like PB & J.

The reservation site is only in Korean, but it’s not overly complicated, so give it a try here. From what I could see on the schedule, weekends seem to book out pretty far in advance, but it would be possible to walk-in on a weekday and get a spot.

READ NEXT: How to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul in 9 Easy Steps

Have Tea at Jingwansa Temple | 진관사

Address: 73 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul | 서울 은평구 진관길 73

Jingwansa Temple is totally worth the easy 10 minute stroll from Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

Considered one of Seoul’s 4 most esteemed temples, along with Sammaksa, Bulamsa, and Seunggasa – it was built during the Goryeo Dynasty, as a gift from King Hyeonjong to the Buddhist monk Jinkwan for saving his llife.

My uncle first introduced me to Jingwansa Temple years ago.

Aside from its serene beauty, Jingwansa is unique for a few other reasons. Along with Samhwasa Temple (in Donghae), it’s one of the only places in Korea that practices “Suryukjae” – a special offering for hungry spirits wandering the Earth and Water.

It’s also one of the very few temples in Korea that offers a training program for female monks.

Buddhist temple food is delicious and nutritious.

It’s possible to participate in temple stay programs at Jingwansa, where you can learn about Buddhism. And since this temple has a long tradition of creating high quality Buddhist temple food – it’s an ideal place to try it out.

My favourite part of this temple is definitely the private tea rooms. There’s something about sipping on a Korean ginger tea, in that traditional environment that just feels so right.

Private tea rooms at Jingwansa Temple

Hike Samcheonsa Trail | 삼천사

Address: 127 Yeonseo-ro 54-gil, Eunpyeong District, Seoul | 서울특별시 은평구 연서로54길 127

Samcheonsa Trail is a 7.33-km hiking path between Samcheonsa and Jingwansa Temple, through Bukhansan National Park. It’s considered a hike of average difficulty, and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Jingwansa is a 1000 year old temple in Eunpyeong-gu.

At 567-metres, Seungabong Peak is the highest point on this trail, with outstanding views to surrounding mountain summits.

Jingwansa is just 500-metres from Eunpyeong Hanok Village, while Samcheonsa is 1.5-km away. Start your hike at Samcheonsa if you want to end up in the hanok village, and vice versa, if you want to begin your day with coffee at 1인1잔.

Can I Stay in Eunpyeong Hanok Village?

It’s not only possible to stay overnight in Eunpyeong Hanok Village, it’s something I recommend doing 100%.

Because whether you choose to stay in Eunpyeong or Bukchon Hanok Village, no trip to Korea is truly complete without experiencing the beauty of a historic hanok stay.

With marvelous architecture, curvy giwa rooftops, ondol floor heating, and other traditional amenities, it’s your chance to step back in time, and experience a quieter, more serene Seoul.

Chaehyodang Hanok Stay

Address: 11-30 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong District, Seoul | 서울 은평구 진관길 11-30

Leave all your modern worries at the entrance doors of Chaehyodang Hanok Stay. With gorgeous views of the hanok village and surrounding mountainscapes, Chaehyodang Hanok is the perfect place to sip a soothing cup of tea in a serene courtyard, cozy up on heated floors, and recharge.

A lovely host, delicious breakfast, and all the traditional vibes you could want – Chaehyodong is the best value, best reviewed hanok stay in Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Reserve this one as far in advance as possible.

IRIRU Luxury Hanok

Address: 11-44, Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 은평구 연서로50길 11-44

You’ll make unforgettable memories at IRIRU Luxury Hanok Stay in Eunpyeong Hanok Village. It’s the best of Korean tradition, combined with modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

IRIRU is a fully equipped private hanok with beds, hot tub, air conditioning, full kitchen, and outdoor dining area, so it’s perfect for a group or family that’s traveling together.

If you’ve got the budget, IRIRU Luxury Hanok is the place to stay in Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

Sirakdang Hanok

Address: 11-3 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong District, Seoul | 서울 은평구 진관길 11-3

Sirakdang Hanok is a private hanok, with 3 separate bedrooms, that sleeps up to 10 people. Enjoy incredible mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and a terrace perfect for Korean bbq and a campfire.

8 Scenic Views of Eunpyeong Hanok Village | 은평한옥마을 8경

There are 8 “scenic views” that you can check out when you’re visiting Eunpyeong Hanok Village. These have been selected based on their cultural significance or natural beauty.

I covered a few of these places in detail already, but if you’d like to see all 8 views, you can check out this guide and map to locate the others.

The 8 Scenic Views of Eunpyeong Hanok Village © 은평문화관광

There wasn’t an english version of this guide (testament to how few foreign travelers visit the area), but you can use Papago to translate it.

The 8 views to search out in Eunpyeong-gu are: Jingwansa Temple, Samcheonsa Temple, Jingwansa Valley, the Tombstone for Lady Sukyong, the Taegukgi Monument, a centuries old Zelkova tree, a frog and beetle habitat, and Eunpyeong Hanok Village Alley.

Samcheonsa Temple is one of Eunpyeong-gu’s 8 Scenic Views.

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Eunpyeong Hanok Village is an oasis of traditional architecture in Seoul. Get there, before it gets crazy busy too.