On our various visits to Seoul, South Korea, we marveled at their revered temples and historical museums, awed at their regal palaces and majestic gardens.

We simply relished the gastronomical feasts of distinctive culinary spreads. Unforgettable shopping sprees at their flea markets for rare finds, paired with night bazaars for exclusive deals were utterly unforgettable.

Oh yes, we even meandered through serene and tranquil islands and peeped into the Korean Demilitarized Zone, full of vision of imaginary images. We were caught unaware of the inescapable K-pop culture, of its massive influence on the entire world.

Having checked all of the must-dos, must-sees, must-tastes and must-listens — and the list goes on and on — we decided to delve further into the heart of what it means to be a Korean.

Architectural wonder: Bukchon Hanok Village

Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), this district is a cultural and architectural center which provides glimpses into the historical past of the nation. The particular narrow street has been the set of several Korean television series and has since become a favorite of most hallyu culture enthusiasts.

As part of the Seoul Museum of History, living quarters were opened for viewing, where one can even inspect up close how Korean homes used to be. However, remember the Bukchon Hanok Village is still inhabited by residents, so continue to exercise respect.