Eunpyeong Hanok Village is my secret spot to visit when I want a break from the city and tourists. This lesser known traditional village outshines the popular Bukchon Hanok Village in its own way, located at the base of Bukhansan Mountain. It’s a modern and traditional architectural blend established in 2014 to create modern residential homes, while preserving traditional Korean heritage.
When the grass is lush and flowers are in full blossom, a peaceful stroll around the garden while cicadas hum make me forget about my worries. I’ll find myself staring into space with a journal or book in hand.
What to do in Eunpyeong Hanok Village?
Photoshoot without the crowds!
Beautiful hanok style houses, no crowds, and gorgeous scenery with cosmos? Take a stroll and pictures without people in your shot!
Cons: It’s difficult to find hanbok rentals in this area. You can either rent elsewhere and bus here or simply enjoy the scenery without hanboks.
Jingwansa Temple (진관사)
Nearby, you can walk to Jingwansa Temple (진관사 (서울), one of the four Buddhist temples that surround Seoul. When I went during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), a “bikkuni” (female monk) was handing out Chuseok snacks and a banana ! I was so happy and it really left a good impression!
1in1jan cafe (Irin Iljan cafe/1인1잔)
You must come here! It’s a 6 floor cafe with the best view of the village and mountain, featuring an open rooftop for a birds-eye view and wide rounded windows enveloping the cafe. If you want to sit near the iconic curved windows, go to the 4th floor (or 3rd idr) early in the morning before the seats get taken! There’s also a restaurant on one of the top floors (5th?) with floor seating for the traditional feel. Gorgeous, I 10/10 recommend this cafe. ALSO snack are more traditional and not too sweet. Cafes in Korea are hit or miss, they can be flashy but the cake or drinks tend to fall short or start tasting the same. But here, it’s unique. GO GO
Opening hours: Every day from 10am – 9:30pm. Closed on Monday
What to search on Naver: 1인1잔
Address: 534 Yeonseo-ro, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul
Bodeure cafe (보드레)
I stumbled upon another cafe when 1인1상 cafe was closed and had some snacks and drinks here. I always get their grapefruit ade (자몽 에이드 – pronounced “ja-mong eh-i-deu”), you have to try it!
Opening hours: Every day from 11am – 7pm. Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday
What to search on Naver: 보드레
Address: 1 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong District)
Eunpyeong Historical Hanok Museum (은평역사한옥박물관)
Housed in a beautifully preserved traditional hanok, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the Eunpyeong area. As you step inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by exhibits showcasing artifacts, historical documents, and interactive displays that tell the story of the region’s past. The peaceful courtyard and traditional architecture add to the charm, making it a perfect spot for reflection and learning
- What to search on Naver:은평역사한옥박물관
- Address: 서울 은평구 진관동 127-27 (127-27 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul)
- Opening hours: Every day from 9am – 6pm. Closed on Monday, Chuseok, Lunar New Year Holiday
- Fee: 1,000 KRW (adults), 500 KRW (youth), and free for infants and senior citizens
Best Time To Visit
Any season! I went in September, August, and December! During Chuseok (Sep – Oct), the weather was perfect, plus cosmos were in full blossom. In August, I was dying in heat (it was hot and humid everywhere in Korea). In December, the views were just as gorgeous, however, I wish I visited during January or February instead to see snow on the rooftops.
Is Eunpyeong Hanok Village Worth It?
How enjoyable this village is will depend on the length of your trip and if you think it’s worth visiting. It’s less touristy, meaning you won’t see many shops, or souvenir places; and it’s a bit further from main areas in Seoul, so travelling here is basically to see the village only and temple. Personally I love Eunpyeong Hanok Village a lot more than Bukchon Hanok village because it’s less crowded, people are respectful and maintain low noise levels, and it’s less commercial. I go to traditional areas to feel the culture, history, and peace, not to see crowds of people with selfie sticks or touristy shops. I understand why people visit Bukchon Hanok Village because it has a gorgeous view of Namsan tower and it’s close to other main attractions in Seoul, however, if it’s your second time in Korea or you’re trip is longer and you want a real break from the hustling and bustling city, come take your time and visit Eunpyeong HanokVillage.
