Most visitors usually walk along the narrow alleys lined with residential hanok. While this area is beautiful, it’s also crowded and still a living neighborhood, so visitors are asked to be quiet out of respect for the residents.
<crowded walk alley in the Hanok Village>
What many people don’t realize is that there are several hanok in Bukchon that are open to the public for free. Unlike simply admiring the exteriors from the street, you can step inside and experience the unique atmosphere of these houses.
And here’s the secret: the real beauty of a hanok lies inside.
The inner courtyard, the small garden in the center, and the natural wooden structures surrounding it create a peaceful, harmonious vibe that you just can’t feel from the outside.
Among the hanok open to the public, my personal favorite is the Baek In-je House. Perhaps it’s because it once belonged to a wealthy family and feels like a luxurious hanok—😁! It’s often described as a “
modern hanok,” blending traditional design with early modern touches. Still, it was built more than 100 years ago, which makes it even more special.
<The gate of Baek In-je House>
A Brief History of Baek In-je House
👉The house was built in 1913 by
Han Sang-ryong, an executive of
Hansung Bank. At the time, it was considered one of the most modern and elegant hanok in the area, combining traditional Korean style with touches of Japanese and Western design.
👉In 1944, the property was purchased by Dr. Baek In-je, one of Korea’s most prominent surgeons and the founder of
Baik Hospital. The house has carried his name ever since.
👉After being cared for by his family for decades, the residence was sold to the city of Seoul in 2009. Following restoration, it officially opened to the public in 2015 as a cultural museum.
👉Today, it is recognized as
Seoul Folk Cultural Heritage No. 22, preserving its historical and architectural value.
<Women's Area>
If you book a guided tour, you can also see the interior of the hanok, which allows you to experience its beauty even more. Online reservations are available, but if the timing works out, you can also sign up for a tour on site. Without a tour guide, you can only see the exterior of the hanok. The guided tour is even free!
About Baek In-je House
The Baek In-je House is a hanok where wealthy families lived until recently, allowing you to see a luxurious traditional house. About 100 years ago, Korean homes were divided into separate spaces for men and women. In this hanok as well, the
men’s quarters are located near the main gate, while the
women’s quarters are set deeper inside the house.
<Two gates for men and women>
<Men's Area>
When the house was built, Korea was under
Japanese colonial rule, and because the first owner had close ties with the Japanese government, Japanese elements were incorporated into its design. The corridor-style layout and the presence of a second floor room reflect Japanese influence. It is said that the upstairs room was used for secret conversations with the Japanese government. Although it was a wealthy residence, it feels somewhat sad that the house was built by turning its back on the nation.
<An indoor hallway that is rarely seen in traditional hanok>
<The secret second-floor room.
The use of brick and glass windows was influenced by Western architecture>
Among the hanok I’ve visited, the Baek In-je House is quite large and beautifully harmonized with nature. That’s why it often appears in historical movies and dramas. Because it is such a beautiful space, wearing hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and taking photos here will give you pictures full of Korean elegance.
Unlike the busy alleys of Bukchon, the Baek In-je House remains relatively peaceful. If you’re visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, don’t miss this hidden gem—it’s the perfect place to experience the elegance of a luxurious hanok and get a glimpse of Korea’s living history.
★ Web Page of the House 👇👇 Get more information!
https://museum.seoul.go.kr/eng/about/annex/houseOfBaekInje.jsp
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