The traditional Korean settlement of Bukchon Hanok in the heart of Seoul serves today as a living open-air museum, strongly contrasting with the modern buildings of the capital and the majestic royal palaces of Gyeongbok and Changdeokgung, located in its immediate vicinity. Hanok is the name of residential buildings, the history of which dates back to the reign of the Joseon dynasty, i.e. the fourteenth century. In addition to historic houses with characteristic low roofs in the village, there are small cafes, restaurants, art galleries, charming guest houses and souvenir shops.