If you want to experience the beauty of an earlier time in Seoul's history, Bukchon Hanok Village is a great spot to do so! The buildings lining the streets of this lovely little enclave are meticulously and lovingly preserved over the decades. The style of buildings dates back all the way to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and they're absolutely stunning! It's an easily accessible area, too, a short walk from Anguk station. The streets themselves can be quite steep, so be prepared for a bit of a hike, but it's well worth it. There are many shops, restaurants, museums and cultural centers throughout the area and it would be a shame to miss out on any. I spent several hours walking up and down the hills, checking out all the buildings and marveling at the intersection of modern and historic. While many of the buildings have been converted for public use, I believe some are still privately owned. I touched the edge of this area on my first visit to Seoul, but didn't venture too far in. I didn't know what I was missing then, but I'm glad I made the time to go while living there!
This area is close to SO MANY different areas that are worth checking out while in Seoul! There's Insadong for the arts and crafts, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo shrine immediately nearby but if you're willing to walk a little bit you're also quite close to Gwangjang and Dongdaemun markets. The trains and busses in Seoul are also exceptionally handy in getting around, so while you are certainly welcome to hop in a taxi it's not really necessary (in my humble opinion, but Antho and I did walk across San Francisco once). I found Seoul to be an excellent city for taking in via walking, even when I found my way into some dark and shuttered corners. There's a lot of beauty in Seoul and sometimes it's best to just slow it down and take it in by walking, and Bukchon Hanok Village is an especially ideal locale for this. Everyone I encountered was pleasant and respectful, even the random kitty cat who forced his affections on me (despite my severe allergy, I didn't protest it). 
There are plenty of places to grab a cool, refreshing beverage while here, too, in case you visit during the warmer months. Towards the end of my walk I even spotted a couple of bars and things, but that's as I got closer to the main roads where modern Seoul resumes it's ppari-ppari pace. I highly recommend taking an afternoon to pound the streets... there are even especially marked locations for ideal Instagram photos!
Check back tomorrow for the second batch of photos!
💓
XOXO,
NAU
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