Free tour

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

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Seoul

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Hong Geon-ik House

Registered on 15 January 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.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

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

💁🏻 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Tour Guide : Han

Han has over four years of experience leading walking tours in Seoul. He enjoys exploring the city with travelers and introducing Korean history and culture. He especially values connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and sharing stories that help visitors feel more connected to the places they visit.

❤️ 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

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Hong Geon-ik House's gate

Hong 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.

Free entry

Hong Geon-ik House

Hong 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.

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.

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.

How much does this tour cost?

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.