A Guide to Staying in a Hanok

A night in a traditional hanok — what to expect, how to choose one, and the etiquette involved.

Published Jul 29, 2026Updated Jul 31, 20261 min read

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A traditional hanok house with a tiled roof

Staying in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, is a distinctive part of a Korea trip. You'll find them in Seoul's Bukchon and Seochon neighborhoods, Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeongju, and elsewhere.

What to expect

Ondol floor heating — you'll sleep on a heated floor with a mat and bedding rather than a raised bed.
A courtyard (madang) — the quiet inner yard that's a hallmark of hanok architecture.
Cozy, compact rooms — often smaller and simpler than a modern hotel room.

Check the amenities

Amenities vary a lot from one hanok to another. Before booking, check whether the bathroom is inside the room and how heating/cooling is handled.

Etiquette

Take your shoes off before entering, and keep noise down at night — these are wooden structures. Keep the courtyard and shared spaces tidy for other guests.

Jeonju Hanok Village combines hanok stays with food and hanbok rental, making it a popular choice for a first hanok experience.

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