6 of the most beautiful Hanoks in South Korea
If you’ve been considering a trip to South Korea, you’re not alone. Following the pandemic, the country has witnessed a notable rise in international tourism, not just from its neighbouring countries, but around the world. In May 2022, an increase in international flights was announced to keep up with demand. The country’s rising pop culture, known as the Korean Wave, is just one of the reasons for the influx in travellers, with K-pop groups such as BTS and Blackpink and the Netflix show Squid Games becoming worldwide phenomenons.
To help make the country even more accessible to international tourists, Airbnb recently enabled the ability to search for Hanok stays in South Korea. Similar to Ryokans in Japan, Hanoks are preserved historic houses, with some dating back to the 14th century. Featuring timber frames and curved roofs, the serene houses are often built in picturesque regions and with a specific position in mind – ideally with a mountain to the back of the house and a river in the front. A stay in one of these houses offers a unique experience, particularly at night, when sleeping usually takes place on a mattress, called a Yo, that sits on the floor. For more inspiration, here are just some of the Hanoks we like the look of on Airbnb.
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Seoul ui Haru, Seoul
Many visitors to Seoul spend a day exploring the narrow alleys and Hanoks that are open to the public within Bukchon Hanok Village, but few know that you can stay there. This rare Airbnb gem was originally built in 1923 and has since been refurbished to combine the old with the new. Modern comforts are available throughout, from a plush bed to Bluetooth speakers and a slick-looking (but basic) kitchen area. The private courtyard outside has a seating area with a built-in foot bath, perfect for resting tired feet after a day of exploring.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £138 per night -
Gyeongju Hanok Leaf Saedal Smenal, Hwangnam-dong
The private rooms at this Hanok in North Gyeongsang Province are similar to those found in a boutique hotel – low beds, Sputnik chandeliers, TV screens, fridges and shiny ensuite bathrooms with LED mirrors. Outside, the house complex features a wooden frame with intricate carving designs and sits on a traditional base stone. Along with a series of guest rooms, there is also a large shared kitchen and dining room, with various seating options so you can choose to dine privately or with fellow guests.
Sleeps: two
Price: from £56 per nightWATCH
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Hanok Moda, Seoul
The location of this Airbnb, on a quiet street in an old neighbourhood of Kyungseong and within walking distance of Hansung University Station, is ideal for gaining a glimpse of local life away from the main tourist areas. But what makes this Hanok stay standout is the shaded private garden (a rarity in Seoul), which much of the house opens up onto. Inside, the bedroom is cosy, with a Yo floor mattress positioned by a circular window overlooking the garden. There’s also a traditional tea room, working space, and a basic kitchen with a sink, microwave, teapot and coffee pot.
Sleeps: two
Price: from £101 per night, two night minimum -
Hanok Sarangchae, Samgye-myeon
This Hanok has one of the most serene locations, set on top of a village overlooking a forest of cypress, pine and oak trees. Inside, the house has a great blend of authentic and modern, from the traditional tea room, bedrooms with yo floor mattresses, and log fire underfloor heating, to a well-equipped kitchen with electric appliances and a modern bathroom. Be sure to make the most of the surrounding quarter-acre garden – the outdoor dining area by the front koi pond is a great option during the summer months.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £144 per night
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Mingyudang Hanok, Seoul
For travellers not quite ready to fully get out of their comfort zone, this Seoul Airbnb embraces the aesthetic of a Hanok while offering all of the comforts of a smart apartment. Intricate wooden design details are a focal point throughout, particularly the hexagon-shaped window by the bed. The raised dining area is another standout feature, beautifully positioned by a large window. Outside, Gyeongbokgung Station and Gyeongbokgung Palace are within walking distance.
Sleeps: two
Price: from £150 per night -
A hundred-year-old Hanok, Donghae-myeon
It took over a decade to build this 100-year-old Hanok, located in the serene countryside by the coastal town of Donghae-myeon. The bathroom and kitchen have since been modernised, but remain unconnected from the two bedrooms, with all parts of the Hanok surrounding a garden with a stone pave way between the rooms. Bedrooms are traditional with yo floor mattresses, as is the tea room which overlooks the backyard and Gujeolsan Mountain. The front garden is filled with flowers in spring, while the back garden has a dining area with views of the sea.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £126 per night
source from cntraveler
https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/hanoks-in-south-korea