Seoul, Seochon Uncovered : Historical Walking From a Public Hanok into the Neighborhood

Hong Geon-ik House is pleased to invite you to Seochon: Explorative Walk, a Free Walking guided program that uncovers the historical stories of Seochon and how they connect to everyday life and contemporary culture in Seoul.

The Tour is open to everyone; whether it is your first time visiting Seoul and Seochon, or you are curious to discover the neighborhood more deeply through a local sight. If you are interested, let's find out together!

🏡 WE BEGIN AT HONG GEON-IK HOUSE
The Tour begins at Hong Geon-ik House, Korean traditional Hanok, and through Seochon’s hidden alleys. We will explore a comprehensive journey through the Seochon area, highlighting the multiple layers of time and space surrounding the western side of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Rather than focusing on famous landmarks.

📍Meeting point : Hong Geon-ik House (14-4, Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, SEOUL)
⏱️Duration : 120 mins

❤️ WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?
This walk is for anyone interested in Seochon’s history, landscapes, and everyday life.
If you enjoy slow walks, hidden stories, and discovering the city, let's find out together!

[Before You Join]

🙌This is a Free docent-led cultural interpretation program
🚶🏼‍♂️Easy-paced walk, suitable for all ages
💧Please bring water, especially during warm weather
👟Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

The tour lasts 2 hours

Available in English

Guide: Hong Geon-ik House

Tours since 2026

Hello.😉 Hong Geon-ik House is a modern-era hanok built in the 1930s. This walking tour begins at a public hanok, located just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Starting from Hong Geon-ik House, we will walk through Seochon, a neighborhood where stories from different eras quietly coexist. We invite you to discover Seochon’s everyday life, hidden corners, and the layered themes of space, history, art, and community. Currently operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government as a public hanok, Hong Geon-ik House is open and accessible to everyone, offering a welcoming place for rest and enjoyment. Through a variety of Korean cultural programs, the house provides meaningful opportunities to experience the beauty and spirit of hanok architecture, and events that celebrate the culture of Seochon.

4 stops

1.2 km walking

2 hours

Meeting point:Hong Geon-ik House's gateHong Geon-ik House (14-4, Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, SEOUL) *The closest subway station is Gyeongbokgung station(Line 3), Exit 1, about 10 mins walk. *Please note that Google Maps does not always work well in Korea. We recommend using Naver Map or Kakao Map instead.Open in Google Maps →

1

Free entry

Hong Geon-ik HouseHong Geon-ik House is a modern hanok built in the 1930s. Blending traditional and modern Korean architectural elements, it is recognized for its significance and is designated as a Seoul Folklore Cultural Heritage site. Here, you will gain a sense of how Seochon developed as a residential neighborhood shaped by both history and everyday life. Like many hanoks in Seochon, Hong Geon-ik House was designed in harmony with its natural surroundings, adapting to the land rather than reshaping it.

2

Free entry

Seochon Hanok Village Seochon Hanok Village is one of the historic neighborhoods that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it is a popular area for locals, filled with restaurants, museums, galleries, cafes, and small shops. The neighborhood also holds many interesting stories shaped by both history and everyday life.

3

Outside visit

Gwanghwamun (Main Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace)From the calm atmosphere of Seochon, the walk briefly opens toward Gwanghwamun, the main gate standing before Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is where the royal palace meets the neighborhood streets, showing both the history and everyday life side by side. Rather than entering the palace, the tour focuses on how this grand gate has long stood alongside everyday streets, shaping the people and stories of the area.

4 stops

1.2 km walking

2 hours

Meeting point:Hong Geon-ik House's gateHong Geon-ik House (14-4, Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, SEOUL) *The closest subway station is Gyeongbokgung station(Line 3), Exit 1, about 10 mins walk. *Please note that Google Maps does not always work well in Korea. We recommend using Naver Map or Kakao Map instead.Open in Google Maps →

1

Free entry

Hong Geon-ik HouseHong Geon-ik House is a modern hanok built in the 1930s. Blending traditional and modern Korean architectural elements, it is recognized for its significance and is designated as a Seoul Folklore Cultural Heritage site. Here, you will gain a sense of how Seochon developed as a residential neighborhood shaped by both history and everyday life. Like many hanoks in Seochon, Hong Geon-ik House was designed in harmony with its natural surroundings, adapting to the land rather than reshaping it.

2

Free entry

Seochon Hanok Village Seochon Hanok Village is one of the historic neighborhoods that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it is a popular area for locals, filled with restaurants, museums, galleries, cafes, and small shops. The neighborhood also holds many interesting stories shaped by both history and everyday life.

3

Outside visit

Gwanghwamun (Main Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace)From the calm atmosphere of Seochon, the walk briefly opens toward Gwanghwamun, the main gate standing before Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is where the royal palace meets the neighborhood streets, showing both the history and everyday life side by side. Rather than entering the palace, the tour focuses on how this grand gate has long stood alongside everyday streets, shaping the people and stories of the area.

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 1 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.