Spring Hanok Outing

[Anchor Lead]

Talking a walk along the rows of traditional Korean houses known as hanok is a great spring outing. Today, we take you to Gye-dong in Bukchon in central Seoul, which is full of hidden gem-like restaurants, cafes and stores. Check it out.

[Pkg]

Emerge from exit number 3 at Anguk Station on subway line No. 3 and walk straight. The 400-meter-long road leading to Choongang High School is Gye-dong alley.

[Soundbite] Kang In-sook(Tour Guide) : "Gye-dong is one of neighborhoods in Bukchon, which located north of the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jonggak. There is a wide variety of stores operating in this big street. It is a village of hanok houses lining the both sides of the alley."

The vivid traces of the past can still be found in the area. Old sign boards and buildings are left intact. A variety of stores housed in those old buildings add to the charms of Gye-dong. This store is filled with toys and simple snacks, which were once common in the past. A stroll around the store brings back memories of childhood.

[Soundbite] Kim Seul-ki(Visitor) : "It makes me feel as if I went back to my elementary school days. I ate snacks a lot with my friends. The prices are similar to those in that time."

An Italian restaurant can be found in this old house. Its uniqueness begins with the menu, which was written on squared manuscript paper. Placing an order is also unique. A toy hammer is used to call the owner.

[Soundbite] "Excuse me~"

[Soundbite] "Did you call me? I will take your order."

With the order coming in, the kitchen gets busy. A bowl of pasta is made by a chef who deftly handles the frying pan with his two hands. The pasta is served in an old-style nickel silver lunch box. As the cover is opened, the appetizing pasta is revealed. It tastes as good as it looks.

[Soundbite] Lee Na-eun(Customer) : "The store is unique with a feel of old times. It is also tasty. I like it."

A little longer stroll leads to Choongang High School built in 1935. It is South Korea's historical site No. 281. With its beautiful landscaping, the school is famous as a drama filming location.

[Soundbite] Kim Seo-yoon(Visitor) : "It was a drama location site. Being here, I feel as if I became the lead actor of the drama."

It is possible to make a keepsake with mother-of-pearl at this hanok house.

[Soundbite] "We are going to make bracelets and brooches."

Bracelets are made with pretty beads threaded on a thin string. A brooch decorated with mother-of-pearl can be also produced on the spot.

[Soundbite] Kwak Yoo-jeong(Visitor) : "It was a good experience to take a walk through hanok houses, tour around the neighborhood and participate in this hands-on program."

Full of attractive sights, Gye-dong alley demonstrates the charms of hanok style homes. It is becoming a popular destination among both Korean and international tourists.