The old houses
Thatched cottages to noble homes.
AnbyG — CC BY-SA 4.0 · AnbyG — CC BY-SA 4.0 · AnbyG — CC BY-SA 4.0 · AnbyG — CC BY-SA 4.0
A living museum recreating a Korean village of the late Joseon period, opened in 1974 in Yongin, south of Seoul. Real houses were brought here from across the country and restored, giving it more than 260 traditional buildings, from thatched farmers' cottages to the homes of nobles and magistrates, spread among trees and streams. In the houses, craftspeople in period dress make pottery, baskets, paper and ironwork in front of visitors, and actors play villagers, officials and guards. Daily shows include folk dance, tightrope walking and horsemanship, along with a traditional wedding ceremony. Many Korean historical dramas were filmed here, so visitors often recognise the lanes and houses. There is an amusement section with children's activities, and folk restaurants serving rice and soup dishes; ask about ingredients. Allow at least half a day, as the village is large and the shows are spread through the day. At weekends from spring to autumn, hours run into the evening with night performances.
Thatched cottages to noble homes.
Folk dance, tightrope, riding.
Pottery, baskets and paper.
90 Minsokchon-ro, Yongin, near Suwon
32,000 won for adults, 26,000 won for children and 22,000 won for seniors, per visitor guides.