Jegi-dong Hanok Village: Seoul’s Emerging Cultural Hub

Seoul is poised to welcome a fresh cultural landmark with the transformation of Jegi-dong Hanok Village into the “Gyeongdong Hanok Village.” This initiative, announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, aims to revitalize the area around 988 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, creating a destination that blends traditional Korean architecture with modern cultural experiences. Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the 52,576-square-meter area as a “Building Asset Promotion Zone” to facilitate this development.

A New Cultural Hotspot

The project seeks to establish Jegi-dong Hanok Village as a significant tourist destination, comparable to Seoul’s already popular Bukchon, Eunpyeong, and Ikseon-dong Hanok Villages. The development will focus on integrating the charm of the traditional hanok (Korean traditional houses) with the vibrant energy of the nearby Gyeongdong Market and Yangnyeong (Herbal Medicine) Market.

What to Expect: Hanok Experiences and Improved Facilities

Visitors to Gyeongdong Hanok Village can anticipate a range of experiences, including:

• Hanok Cafés: Enjoy refreshments in traditionally styled buildings.
• Hanok Pop-up Stores: Discover unique goods and crafts.
• Hanok Stays: Immerse yourself in Korean culture with extended stays in traditional homes.

Beyond the cultural offerings, the city plans to enhance the visitor experience through:

• Improved pedestrian environments through alleyway and market arcade renovations.
• The creation of hanok cultural complex spaces and public amenities.
• The provision of clean, hanok-style restrooms.

Encouraging Hanok Preservation and Construction

To encourage the preservation and construction of hanok, the city will implement “Jegi-dong Hanok” standards. Buildings meeting these standards – a traditional roof, wooden structure, and courtyard – will qualify for:

• Relaxed building-to-land ratios of up to 90%.
• Exemptions from parking facility requirements.
• Eased sunlight rights height restrictions.

the city will offer subsidies and loans to support both new construction and renovations.

Location and Accessibility

Jegi-dong Hanok Village is conveniently located near Gyeongdong Market and Seoul Yangnyeongsi Market.

• Subway: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Jegi-dong Station (Line 1).
• Bus: Accessible via bus routes stopping at “Gyeongdong Market” or “Jegi-dong Station.”

The village is open for visits at all times, though visitors are encouraged to be mindful of residents and avoid early morning or late-night visits. Operating hours for individual hanok cafés and pop-up stores may vary as the development progresses.

Seoul’s Hanok Villages: A Growing Tradition

Jegi-dong Hanok Village joins a growing number of revitalized traditional areas in Seoul. Seoul’s Hanok Villages, including Bukchon, Namsangol, and Ikseondong, offer diverse experiences, from aristocratic residences to open-air museums and modern café streets. These villages showcase the enduring legacy of Korean architectural ingenuity, particularly the unique combination of ondol (underfloor heating) and maru (ventilated wooden floors).