Oh Se-hoon Visits Hanok Sites in Bukchon Hanok Village: “We Will Expand Hanok Hubs Across Seoul”

[Financial News] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited public hanok facilities in Bukchon Hanok Village on the 4th to inspect efforts to preserve and utilize hanok. He also outlined plans to expand hanok hubs that reflect the distinctive character of different areas across Seoul. The visit came after Time Out, a British city and travel magazine, named Jongno 3-ga the “coolest neighborhood in the world” for 2026. The area’s appeal was highly rated for its alleys, where old hanok homes and restaurants in Ikseon-dong blend with outdoor street dining venues, independent shops and cafes.
Oh visited five sites in succession, including Bukchon Cultural Center, where the fourth Seoul Hanok Week is underway, as well as the Hanok Support Center, Bukchon Binkwan, Hanok Mirinae House and Bae Ryeom House. He reviewed exhibitions, traditional plastering classes and jazz performances while assessing how hanok is being used not only as housing but also as cultural and lodging spaces.
In 2008, Oh announced the Seoul Hanok Declaration at Bukchon Cultural Center and expanded the city’s hanok preservation and support policies, which had previously focused on Bukchon Hanok Village, across Seoul. In 2023, the Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced the Seoul Hanok 4.0 Recreation Plan and began promoting the modern use and globalization of hanok.
Oh said, "Building on the experience we have accumulated in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seochon Village and Seosulla-gil Road, we will expand hanok hubs that reflect the distinctive character of local areas across Seoul, including Jegi-dong Gyeongdong Hanok Village." He added, "We will broaden the uses of hanok and opportunities to experience it so that more citizens can enjoy hanok in their daily lives and people from around the world can deeply experience Seoul’s history and culture."

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