OWL Magazine Korea

Seoul Bukchon Village ‘Bukchon Cultural Center’

The Bukchon Cultural Center in Seoul serves as a place to promote the history and value of Bukchon, as well as our traditional culture, while conveying the significance of Bukchon and Korea’s traditional residential culture.

Opened in October 2002 to convey the meaning of Bukchon to residents and domestic and international visitors, it offers programs for enjoying traditional culture.

“Bukchon Cultural Center, known as the former Min’s house and Goo Min-hyeong’s house”

The Bukchon Cultural Center, originally known as the 1921 registered cultural property No. 229 ‘Seoul Kyedong Modern Hanok,’ was known as the former Goo Min-hyeong’s house and is currently undergoing authentication as the residence of Goo Min-hyeong’s wife, Yu Jin-kyeong. It was commonly referred to as ‘Minjae Mugwanddeok’ or ‘Kyedong Madam’s Residence’ in Bukchon.

Originally composed of the main building, outer building, front wing, rear wing, and shrine, it was carefully restored based on the Hanok restoration standards to preserve the original Hanok structure as much as possible. It now serves as a community center and visitor information center as part of the ‘Bukchon Cultivation Project.’

“The ‘Promotional Exhibition Hall’ also operates as a public Hanok”

The ‘Promotional Exhibition Hall,’ originally the rear wing, now exhibits materials promoting the history and value of Bukchon. It screens videos that highlight the importance of preserving Bukchon and provides various information about cultural heritage within Bukchon and traditional cultural experiences taking place there.

“A space for residents to relax at the Bukchon Cultural Center”

Located in front of the ‘Promotional Exhibition Hall,’ the ‘Main Building’ is used as offices, meeting rooms, and classrooms for traditional culture courses. A lovely ‘Sarangbang’ (guest room) is also provided for residents to relax. Behind the main building, a cozy ‘Jeongja’ (pavilion) that was originally a shrine offers a place to enjoy a cup of tea and experience the elegant atmosphere of a Hanok. Behind the pavilion, the ‘Byeoldang’ (annex) serves as a guest room for residents and provides a venue for experiential programs to enjoy traditional culture.

“A place to obtain information about Bukchon Village”

The Bukchon Cultural Center provides brochures introducing Bukchon Village, serving as a source of information for first-time visitors to Bukchon Village. It plays the role of a guide to ensure that visitors don’t miss out on easily overlooked attractions when visiting Bukchon Village alone for the first time.

You can find the entrance by walking a bit along the alley next to the modern building visible when you exit from Anguk Station Exit 3.

“Seoul Bukchon Village, Bukchon Cultural Center”