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The landscapes of the Land of the Morning Calm hold a unique charm that particularly attracts travelers planning to visit South Korea. In addition to the famous landmarks and iconic structures that define the country, the serene, centuries-old villages with their moss-covered homes, lush green trees, and winding streets offer an unusually peaceful atmosphere. Once you visit these places, you'll want to return time and time again.
4 breathtaking ancient villages in South Korea
Namsan Hanok Village
Located in the heart of Seoul, Hanok Village is one of the top tourist attractions, highly favored by visitors. This grand architectural project, which required significant effort to construct during the Joseon dynasty, consists of five houses built by a noble family of the Land of the Morning Calm. The Hanok architecture blends harmoniously with nature, surrounded by streams, lush greenery, and designed in the style of traditional Korean gardens.
Touring the village, visitors on a budget-friendly tour will enjoy close-up views of the weathered rooftops, unique architecture, and leisurely strolls through narrow streets, taking in the scenic beauty. Visitors can also step inside one of these traditional homes to gain deeper insights into local culture, participate in various folk activities such as calligraphy, playing traditional instruments, making masks, or enjoying traditional tea ceremonies...
Hahoe Ancient Village, Andong
Hahoe Ancient Village, located in Andong, is one of the historical sites that capture the attention of tourists visiting South Korea. The village was founded by the Ryu clan over 600 years ago and remains a significant symbol of Korean culture. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a welcoming stop for Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.
The traditional cultural value of the village, dating back to the Joseon era, is clearly reflected in the Confucian schools, thatched houses, and the family estates. Among the surviving houses, 12 are considered national treasures. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the peaceful and enchanting natural scenery here, with fields of rice in bloom, a serene river flowing through the village, and towering mountain cliffs surrounding the area.
Seongeup Folk Village, Jeju
Seongeup Folk Village offers a refreshing change for visitors. It is often compared to an outdoor museum, vividly and authentically recreating the life of the people during the Seongeup period. The village also served as the main filming location for the popular series 'Dae Jang Geum'.
The charm of the village lies in its quaint stone-paved streets, mushroom-shaped structures nestled beneath the dense canopy of ancient trees, and simple thatched houses surrounded by modest brick fences. Visiting Seongeup Folk Village, visitors not only have the chance to explore the village's rich history but also engage with the locals who maintain traditional crafts, offering countless intriguing experiences.
Heyri Village, Gyeonggi
Heyri is undoubtedly one of South Korea's most unique villages. What sets it apart is that it is a hub for unlimited human creativity, and only those involved in the arts are permitted to build homes here. A common feature of the homes in Heyri is that none exceed three stories, the wetlands are meticulously preserved, and valleys full of plants and flowers are scattered throughout, showcasing a deep respect for natural beauty.
Heyri Village is home to numerous museums covering diverse topics such as cuisine, film, traditional musical instruments, and more. The galleries and concert halls here offer visitors unexpected surprises. Be sure not to miss the chance to relax in a fresh environment, sip a hot cup of coffee, and enjoy the clean, scenic streets of Heyri.
