Charming Villages to Explore in South Korea

It's not the vibrant urban lights that linger in my memory when I set foot in South Korea, but the small and lovely villages that etch a lasting impression.

Must-Visit Adorable Villages on Your South Korea Travel

Known as the 'Santorini of Korea,' the cultural village of Gamcheon in Busan lives up to its endearing nickname. Standing at a high viewpoint, gazing down below, one can truly understand why this village earned such a title. Hundreds of low-rise, colorful block houses sprawl across the hillsides, resembling a Lego puzzle.

However, Gamcheon is not a luxurious tourist destination like its European counterpart. It used to be a mouse-hole for refugees during the Korean War. They lived in makeshift, impoverished homes lacking basic amenities and sanitation. Art projects later transformed Gamcheon, rescuing it from the brink of abandonment and turning it into a popular South Korea tourist attraction.

Nowadays, long lines of South Korea tourists flock to Gamcheon every day to uncover the intriguing secrets hidden within the narrow alleys. Unexpectedly charming paintings come to life around every corner: mischievous cats playing by a window, two lizards crawling up a staircase, or a school of fish whimsically 'swimming' on a stone wall. These could be artworks depicting the daily life and heartfelt aspirations of the villagers. The joy intensifies when you break away from the bustling crowd, sip coffee in a small, adorable corner cafe, and feel like you're in a place at the edge of the world.

Escaping the hustle of Seoul, I hopped on a bus to the ancient village of Jeonju nestled in the heart of the city. Here, I discovered a different side of South Korea. It's Jeonju – a serene dream. In stark contrast to modern concrete lines, seven hundred traditional houses (known as hanok) paint a vivid picture of the ancient Korean way of life.

Hanok, constructed from wood, earth, stone, and natural materials, showcases distinctive grey-black Giwa-tiled roofs, symbolizing social hierarchy. The eaves (Cheoma) can be adjusted to control sunlight entering the house. Entirely wooden-framed structures seamlessly interlock without a single nail. Hanji paper, a traditional Korean paper, coated with soybean oil, adorns the door frames, serving as both waterproofing and ventilation.

The ancient village stands as a precious gem within Jeonju, untouched by the pace of modern life. It's fascinating to witness Koreans, usually rushing on electric trains, now strolling leisurely amid ancient houses, inhaling the atmosphere steeped in tranquility.

Traveling in South Korea, visiting Hanok Jeonju, I may not need a map as the cobblestone path will lead me to intriguing perspectives of the village. I love Jeonju in the chilly morning mist, the drowsy yellow lights late at night, or when the gentle sunset drapes over the hills, casting a warm glow on the houses below.

And I'll forever cherish the peaceful sleep in the small wooden house. The room, with space for only a few blankets, a low wooden cabinet, and simple furnishings, features sliding wooden windows and doors with handcrafted round bronze latches. Pushing open the doors reveals a serene green garden. Modern entertainment is kept minimal to encourage guests to 'spend more time resting, contemplating, and conversing,' explained the hospitable host.

The host hopes memories of Jeonju will accompany travelers throughout their lives. True to his words, days in Jeonju flowed serenely, and every thought of this place feels like my mind is drifting in a sweet dream.

How to get to Gamcheon Village (Busan City):

Take subway line 1 to Geojeong station, exit 6, then catch Sakha 1 or Sakha 1-1 bus to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop. Alternatively, take subway line 1 to Toseong station, exit 1, and then board Saha 1-1, Seogu 2, or Seogu 2-2 bus to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.

How to get to Hanok Village Jeonju (Jeonju City, Jeollabuk Province):

From Seoul's Express Bus Terminal, take a bus to Jeonju Express Bus Terminal, with ticket prices ranging from 12,800 to 187,000 won depending on the vehicle type. The travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Jeonju, with a single ticket costing around 31,000 won.

By Minh Pham/ Ngôi sao

***

Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour