When you arrive in a village in South Korea you can instantly feel the rural atmosphere. Indigenous people don't shift to modern trends, and rather preserve the lifestyle of their ancestors.
One of the greatest examples is Naganeupseong Folk Village. Its 200 residents continue living in small thatch-roofed huts without plumbing, the way of life is pretty the same it used to be a few hundreds of years ago when the settlement flourished under the Joseon Dynasty. Owing to its preserved originality, in 2011 the village was enlisted into UNESCO World Heritage.
Other places where time seems to stand still are Yangdong Folk Village and Hahoe Folk Village. Both became UNESCO World Heritage sites even before Naganeupseong Village—in 2010. The latter hosts annual Mask Festival in October, that features traditional folk dance performances.
All Korean villages offer something unique, authentic, and special. Icheon Village, for instance, is known best for its ceramics and rice specialties, wheheas Gurim Village is praised for its ancient pottery.
Boseong Village is the land of green tea. And Damyang Village is known as Korea's bamboo capital.
To learn more about the villages organize a tour for yourself to experience the best of authentic Korea. Any season has its advantages—local peasants are most active in spring, summer, and autumn when you can see them working in the fields, planting, or collecting crops.
Practical info
When might it be a good time to visit South Korea's traditional villages?
Visiting South Korea's traditional villages during the months of May to November could provide the best experience. This is when local peasants are most active and visitors can witness farming activities such as planting, crop collection, and preparation. Each season offers unique advantages, but traveling between May to November allows a chance to participate in the authentic rural Korean life and observe indigenous cultural practices. Show more
Are there any traditional villages in South Korea that are UNESCO World Heritage sites?
Three of South Korea's traditional villages have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These are Naganeupseong Folk Village, Yangdong Folk Village, and Hahoe Folk Village. Naganeupseong was designated as a result of its preserved originality in 2011 while Yangdong and Hahoe received recognition in 2010. These selected sites offer a unique opportunity to experience the cultural atmosphere, step back in time and appreciate an older way of life. Show more
What is celebrated in the Mask Festival of Hahoe Folk Village?
The Mask Festival of Hahoe Folk Village celebrates ancient Korean traditions and rituals. This traditional festival showcases folk dances inspired by the Hahoe Pyolsin-gut shamanic rituals. During the festival, participants wear colorful clothing and traditional masks, celebrating the harvest season. This event usually happens in October and attracts many visitors coming to witness the culture and lively atmosphere. Show more
What specialties can tourists look for in Icheon and Gurim Villages?
Icheon Village is widely known for its rice and ceramic specialties, providing South Korea with pottery for over 5,000 years. Gurim Village specializes in preserving ancient pottery, traditional tools, and plants, becoming an eco-city for maintaining the environment and promoting sustainable tourism. Both villages offer pottery-making workshops, providing visitors an opportunity to experience the craft and make their handmade souvenirs. Show more
What season offers the best time to see farmers working in South Korean villages?
Traveling to South Korean villages between May to November is the best time to see farmers actively working in the fields. Within this period, farmers are preparing the fields, planting or collecting crops, and working on irrigation. Visitors can experience traditional farm tools, seasonal agriculture and participate in farming activities such as rice harvesting, tea, or bamboo picking while enjoying the authentic rural Korean life. Show more
