Seoul's Hidden Gem: Eunpyeong Hanok Village

Looking to experience the serene atmosphere of a traditional Korean hanok village without the bustling crowds? Skip the popular tourist spots like Bukchon Hanok Village or Ikseon-dong Hanok Village and head to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, located a bit farther from the city center and inaccessible by subway. Although Eunpyeong Hanok Village doesn't boast a 600-year history like Bukchon, it is a well-maintained replica of traditional hanok houses, nestled beside Seoul's majestic Bukhansan Mountain. When visiting the village, remember to keep quiet as it is a residential area. Avoid making noise, playing around, or touching the doors of the houses. Strolling through the streets, you'll feel the blend of tradition and modernity. If you get tired, stop by for a cup of coffee at the modern café "1인1잔" (One Person, One Cup). The café features minimalist seating on the first and second floors, while the third to sixth floors offer hanok-style seating with large windows showcasing stunning views. These upper floors are the most popular spots, especially for their scenic views. On the first to third floors, you order and pick up your food at the counter on the first floor. The fourth to sixth floors operate as a restaurant and require reservations. Without a reservation, it's unlikely you'll get a seat. The third floor is particularly popular for its window-side tatami seating and small private rooms. It's recommended to have one person secure a seat while the other orders. The café offers a limited selection of desserts, including three Western-style and three traditional Korean options: ■ Rice Cake (W6,000) ■ Carrot Cream Cheese Cake (W8,000) ■ Peach Iced Tea (W6,000) ■ Matcha Latte (W6,500) If you're lucky enough to snag a coveted seat, take your time to snap some photos before enjoying your afternoon tea. The view of the hanok village and distant Bukhansan Mountain is truly breathtaking. There's no need for words—just quietly soak in the ambiance. The desserts are unique and quite enjoyable. After finishing your meal, return your tray to the first-floor counter. For those who appreciate tranquility and want to experience local life, Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a perfect destination. The lack of crowds makes it even better! Postscript: During our visit to the café, we encountered several tourists. A gentle reminder to everyone—please keep quiet! It's fine to take photos, but don't get overly excited and disturb others (including us). Transportation: Initially, we considered taking the subway and transferring to a bus, but it was too time-consuming for a tight schedule. Instead, we used TABA for the trip there and UBER for the return (more cars available). The ride took about an hour. Café Name 1인1잔 (One Person, One Cup) Location 534 Yeonseo-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul Operating Hours Café ☕️ 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM Restaurant 🍴 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)