A hanok-themed library, designed in the style of a traditional Korean house, is located in central Seoul's Samcheong Park. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The second Seoul Hanok Week will take place from this Friday through Oct. 6 in Bukchon and Seochon, two of the city's most iconic hanok villages, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Monday.

The event will feature a range of cultural programs, including exhibitions, guided tours, hands-on experiences and live music performances, offering visitors an immersive experience of traditional Korean houses in the city.

The main poster of Seoul Hanok Week

Currently, the city government is actively working to enhance the appeal of its 2,000-year-old urban landscape and promote hanok living as a cultural brand through a special initiative.

During Seoul Hanok Week, exhibitions will be held across 10 hanoks in the Bukchon and Seochon areas, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art.

Featured pieces will include furniture, crafts, paintings, sculptures, installations, media works, videos and photographs by 10 contemporary artists, offering visitors a chance to explore the dynamic interaction between traditional Korean architecture and modern art.

The exhibitions will be hosted at five houses in each area, including two privately owned hanok recognized as the best in Seoul. Visitors can enjoy the art while strolling through the hanok-lined alleyways, experiencing the harmony of the space and art.

Exhibitions will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays. A separate docent program featuring participating artists and hanok experts will be available for a fee.

A special showcase by architect Lim Jin-woo, a Nordic furniture display and a presentation of craft products from the Seoul Hanok brand are among the exhibitions. Additionally, the Ko Hui-dong Art Gallery will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a commemorative exhibition, adding to the diverse range of artistic programs during the event.

Furthermore, guided tours will allow visitors to explore Bukchon and Seochon with insights from architects and astronomy experts.

On Saturday, there will be a special tour of Bukchon led by Mark Tetto, a well-known American businessman residing in Korea with a deep appreciation for hanok. The tour will conclude with having tea at the hanok where Tetto resides.

Architect Cho Jung-goo will host the Bukchon Open House event on Saturday and Oct. 5. Participants will visit three traditional houses in Bukchon, including a hanok pavilion featured in the 2023 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, with Cho sharing stories about the history and evolution of traditional Korean houses.

The image showcases a traditional Korean tea accompanied by various foods. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

As part of Seoul Hanok Week, visitors will have the opportunity to engage their senses through immersive experiences in traditional Korean culture. Programs will include tastings of traditional tea, liquor and seasonal side dishes, as well as a hands-on traditional flower arrangement workshop using miniature gardens.

At Bukchon Lounge on Friday, a special night program led by tea sommeliers will be held featuring a comparative tea tasting from Korea, Japan and China. Participants can also enjoy refreshments paired with the teas.

Additionally, on Fridays and Saturdays during the event, a traditional liquor tasting program will be held at the Bukchon Hanok History Center, where participants can explore the variety and depth of Korean traditional alcohol.

Seochon Lounge will present a program on Oct. 5 focused on sampling local, seasonal ingredients and exploring the culinary culture of the region. Participants will discover Korea's unique flavors and hidden culinary gems, including traditional side dishes.

During Seoul Hanok Week, hanok-related organizations such as the Jongno District Office and the Jongno Foundation for Arts and Culture will offer a variety of hands-on experience programs for both visitors and residents of Bukchon and Seochon. These programs will include traditional crafts, archery, reading sessions and humanities lectures.

Additionally, concerts will be held on Saturdays at the Hanok Pavilion and the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, enhancing the cultural experience.

Visit hanok.seoul.go.kr for more information and to make advance reservations.