Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung (Palace), Changdeokgung (Palace) and Jongmyo Royal Shrine, Bukchon is a residential area in Seoul with countless ‘hanok’ home (traditional Korean houses). Bukchon is also called the street museum in the urban core; laced with many historical spots and cultural heritage sites. Since it is located in the northern part of Cheonggyecheon and Jongno, people named this area Bukchon, which means a northern village.

A History of Bukchon Hanok village
  Late in the Joseon Dynasty era, this large-scale plot was partitioned into small-sized building sites for social and economic reasons. It is assumed that the hanok structures closely located together in the village were rebuilt around 1930. The change in the form of hanok reflects the densification of the society due to urbanization which began at that time. Bukchon’s historic sites and cultural heritage from the Joseon Dynasty to modern times tells visitors the history of this area.

 
Efforts to Preserve Bukchon
  There was an opinion that the Bukchon area should be developed. However, there was another opinion that Bukchon should be preserved because of the traditional value. So, the city government decided to preserve this area by building various centers or museums where you can experience traditional cultures. You can easily find a variety of museums all over Bukchon.  Bukchon Cultural Center, a venue operated by the metropolitan government, provides visitors with diverse experiences into traditional Korean culture through various cultural events taking place during the fourth week of each month. It is also where popular traditional seasonal festivals take place; including those to celebrate Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seolnal (Korean New Year) holidays. 
  Bukchon’s landscape changed due to the rapid destruction of hanok homes and the construction of multi-floored buildings. So, Seoul Development Institute (SDI) came up with a new policy to beautify Bukchon in a response to the requirement from a residents group promoting a project for the beautification of Bukchon. In the policy-making process, the SDI worked with the residents, experts, and governmental officials. Different from devious unilateral restrictions, the new policy made Hanok Registration data voluntary. It also encouraged people to mend their houses with government support. Since 2001, the policy has been beautifying Bukchon through improving living environment and boosting its attractiveness.
  The metropolitan government has purchased traditional homes from owners who can hardly afford their old houses due to financial reasons. This is an effort to prevent modern alternatives made of concrete and steel from replacing them. The traditional houses here feature some valuable cultural properties, as well as traditional workshops.

 
Fun of Bukchon
  There are eight wonderful palces for photos in Bukchon. If you take picture there, you get a great picture. One of the most famous part of Bukchon Hanok Village is Gahoedong-gil (Alley), located at 31 Gahoe-dong, which amazes visitors with the sight of hundreds of hanok’s homes clustered together in midtown of Seoul, and with the stunning panoramic views over the city from the top of the alley.
  Also, Bukchon has a variety of guesthouses where visitors, both foreign and domestic, have a chance to see what hanok living is really like. Right in the heart of the capital, these establishments provide the charm of a traditional Korean home. You are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about how Koreans lived in traditional times.
 
 

Value of Bukchon Hanok Village
  In Europe, you can easily encounter antique and classic architecture at every corner. It allows visitors to see and feel history and culture. As time passed and cities develop, old and classic architectures has been preserved as cultural assets by law. Citizens are proud of those cultural assets. In other cultures, traditional architectures has been turned into public design. For example, Jordan International Airport has traditional Islamic windows. In Turkey, there is traditional blue tile in the subway stations and public facilities. These things allow tourists from other countries to feel fresh and allow citizens to take pride in their culture.
  Recently, there are also plans to continue traditional architecture from bus stops to public buildings in Korea. However, it is not good enough. The younger generation is gradually estranged from the traditional culture of the society. In that sense, Bukchon Hanok village sets us on the right road. You can see the harmony between nostalgia and modernity at Bukchon village. Bukchon Hanok village reminds us of what we have forgotten. While living in square apartments, we have forgotten something important. Carrying on tradition and maintaining our unique identity must be done. If we lose our own culture and traditions, we will be a small eastern country with no distinct features.
 

By Choi Shi-Young CP Reporter
mangoo444@cnu.ac.kr

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