Visiting the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

Have you ever wanted to travel into the past to the Joseon Dynasty? Well, you can when you visit the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌). The Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) is very different from other places you might visit while spending time in South Korea. The Village is located in Suwon, South Korea which is about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Seoul. The Korean Folk Village opened in 1974. It was created to show and preserve traditional Korean culture. The village provides visitors with a historical experience by showing the look and feel of a traditional Korean village from the late Joseon Dynasty period (17th to 19th century). Since it opened it has become a popular cultural attraction. The village has offered insights into Korea's rich cultural heritage through different exhibits, performances, and activities for everyone to experience. The village is open all year around for locals and foreigners of every age. This Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) has had several different shows film here since 1983. The first show to ever film there was the 500 Years of Joseon which lasted for 7 years of filming. One of the most famous shows to ever be made here was 100 Days My Prince starring EXO D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) in 2019. Another great show that filmed here in 2019 is Kingdom starring Ju Ji Hoon. Kingdom has 2 seasons with Netflix.

There are seven different folk villages but the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) in Suwon is the most popular one that people tend to visit. The other folk villages in South Korea are Naganeubseong Folk Village (순천낙안읍성), Andong Hahoe Folk Village (안동하회마을), Yongin Korean Folk Village (용인한옥민속촌), Jeju Folk Village (제주민속촌), Seongju Hangae Folk Village (성주한개마을), and Goseong Wanggok Village (고성왕곡마을).

There are three main parts to the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) and they are the Market Place, Folk Village, and Amusement Village. I want to tell you about everything that makes the Korean Folk Village so special besides all the great shows that have filmed here. When you are looking to purchase a ticket for the Korean Folk Village look no further, with Shuttle Delivery you are able to get a ticket at a decent price of 22.00 dollars for an adult, 20.00 dollars for a child that is in middle school or high school, and for a small child it is 18.00 dollars. You can find the tickets at Shuttle Delivery - Korean Folk Village Tickets.  The first place we have to talk about is the Market Village.

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Market Village‍

Getting to the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) takes a bit of time, but trust me, it's totally worth it! The easiest way to get there is by hopping on a bus at Seoul Station. It'll get you most of the way, and after that, it's just a short 12-minute walk.  So, if you've snagged your ticket online (which is a smart move, by the way), the next step is a breeze. Just head on over to the line that's specifically for online/foreigner ticket holders. Hand over your name and phone number, and voila, you're the proud owner of a ticket to paradise! You can start your adventure in the village at the sweet spot of 10 a.m., which also happens to be when they roll out the red carpet for you with their 10 a.m. Welcome Ceremony in the Market Place.

Now, here's the juicy part. In the Market Place, there's this cool hanbok rental place that moonlights as a photoshoot studio. They'll deck you out in these stunning hanboks and snap some insta-worthy shots against some seriously cute Korean backgrounds. The best part? You can strut around the village looking like a hanbok model for the rest of the day! Pricing for these photoshoots starts at 40,000 won (or around 30.15 dollars).

And let's not forget the foodie paradise within the Market Place. You'll find a bunch of Korean restaurants whipping up mouthwatering Korean dishes that'll tickle your taste buds.

Now that you're in the know about what's happening in the Market Village, let's continue our journey and dive into the next exciting area: the Folk Village zone.

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Folk Village

When you step into the enchanting world of the Korean Folk Village, it's like taking a journey back in time to the Joseon era. Here, you'll encounter authentic traditional houses where commoners once lived, perfectly preserved to give you a glimpse into the past. As you explore further, you'll stumble upon the governor's office and a splendid mansion tucked away in the Folk Village area.

But that's not all—this area is a hub of activity. There's a vibrant performance arena that comes alive with the rich tapestry of Korean culture. Here, you'll witness traditional dances, melodious tunes of Korean music, and the captivating sounds of traditional musical instruments. These talented performers take the stage from 11:00 to 16:30 every day, offering a delightful showcase of various performances.

And if you're looking for even more cultural immersion, make sure to swing by the WanHyangRoo area. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience the mesmerizing rhythms of Korean traditional music, adding yet another layer to your unforgettable visit to the Korean Folk Village.

What sets the Korean Folk Village apart is its hands-on experience with workshops straight out of the Joseon Dynasty era. These workshops offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and let you try your hand at ancient crafts.

They've got quite a lineup, including a pottery workshop, traditional mask making workshop, blacksmith's workshop, musical instrument workshop, and even a fans workshop. I personally got my hands dirty at the pottery workshop, and let me tell you, it was a blast! Learning the art of pottery was both educational and fun. Here's a little insider tip for anyone planning to try it: Be ready to provide your Korean address because it takes around 30 days for your masterpiece to arrive. The pottery workshop came in at 25,000 won (about 18.84 dollars).

But that's not all the Folk Village has to offer. If you're curious about traditional fabric dyeing, this is the place to dive into this rich and colorful heritage.

One of the charming little attractions you'll only find in the Folk Village area is horseback riding, and the best part is that it's suitable for everyone, regardless of age. This unique activity stands as the sole attraction alongside the fantastic workshops.

As you make your way towards the end of the Folk Village, you'll stumble upon a delightful Korean Food Court, which is divided into three sections, each offering its own mouthwatering delights. There's something for everyone here! The soup section features comforting options like beef rice soup and ox bone soup. In the pancake department, you'll discover potato pancakes, mung bean pancakes, and a delicious seafood and green onion pancake. And if you're craving bibimbap, they've got you covered with both vegetable bibimbap and bulgogi bibimbap.

During my visit, I couldn't resist trying the bulgogi bibimbap, and it didn't disappoint. The price tag for this tasty treat was 11,000 won, which translates to approximately 8.29 dollars. A satisfying end to a day filled with adventure and culture!

You won't have to worry about hunger or thirst while you're exploring the village because they've thoughtfully placed snack bars all around the area. These little pit stops are perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat or a refreshing drink as you journey through the captivating sections.

During my own visit, I couldn't resist the temptation to pause at one of these snack stands. It was an incredibly hot day, and I was desperately craving something to quench my thirst. That's when I decided to treat myself to a Strawberry Hawaiian Icy from the stand. Let me tell you, it was not only delicious but also incredibly revitalizing. It provided the perfect relief from the scorching heat, keeping me energized and ready to continue my exploration.

Once you've thoroughly explored every corner of the Folk Village, immersing yourself in all the cultural treasures it has to offer, it's time to transition to the next thrilling chapter: the Amusement Village. Brace yourself for even more fun and adventure!

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Amusement Village

The Amusement Village lives up to its name, offering a delightful array of amusements and attractions that evoke the joy and excitement reminiscent of theme parks and fairs. Whether you're into classic rides or seeking a thrill, they've got something for everyone.

For those who enjoy the timeless fun of amusement parks, you'll find beloved classics like carousels and bumper cars, perfect for a dose of nostalgia. But if you're an adrenaline junkie, hold on tight for exhilarating rides like the Viking, where a ship swings back and forth at breakneck speed, and the heart-pounding Drop N Twist, which takes you on a rapid ascent and descent. For a family-friendly adventure, the family coaster winds its way through the woods, providing a delightful nature-infused experience.

Now, let's talk spooks and chills. The Amusement Village has a haunted section known as The Horror of Ghost Zone, inspired by folk religion. Here, you can explore ghost-themed attractions and museums, venture into haunted houses like the Haunted Prison (open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 16:30 to 21:00) and the Haunted Den (open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 13:00 to 21:00). The Haunted Prison admission is 12,000 won (approximately 9.04 dollars), while the Haunted Den costs 7,000 won (around 5.27 dollars). You can also opt for a mini train ride that provides a scenic tour of the entire village.

With all these thrilling activities, it's only natural to work up an appetite. Luckily, there's a delectable Korean Chinese restaurant right in the heart of the Amusement Village to satisfy your cravings.

With so much to see and do, a full day is well spent enjoying the experience with family and friends. The Korean Folk Village is a treasure trove of fun and adventure that's just waiting to be explored!

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Operating Hours:

10:00 – 19:00 Monday – Thursday

10:00 – 21:30 Friday – Sunday

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Tickets:

https://partners.shuttledelivery.co.kr/product/korean-folk-village

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Adult

$22.00

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Student (Middle School, High School)

$20.00

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Child (36 Months ~ Elementary)

$18.00

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Homepage:

https://www.koreanfolk.co.kr/multi/english/

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Address:

90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90

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How to get there:

Bus at Seoul Station: 4101 for 53 minutes

Walk 12 minutes to the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

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Summary

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After immersing yourself in the rich history of the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌), doesn't it just ignite that desire to step back in time to the Joseon Dynasty era? I've had the privilege of visiting once already, but trust me, one visit isn't nearly enough to savor all the wonders it has to offer before saying goodbye to South Korea.

Having encouraged you to bring your family and friends along, I've decided to follow my own advice and plan another visit, this time with my mom. There's something magical about the idea of donning a hanbok, strolling through the village, and capturing those fun moments with her.

The Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) truly is an extraordinary place that deserves a spot on everyone's South Korea itinerary. It's a living testament to Korea's rich traditions and offers an authentic experience you won't find anywhere else. And if you can't make it to this particular village, remember that there are many similar ones scattered across South Korea, each with its unique charm, but none quite like this beautiful place.

Don't forget, you can conveniently purchase your tickets for the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) through Shuttle Delivery - Korean Folk Village.

As my time in Seoul, South Korea winds down, I hope you've enjoyed my blogs thus far. Stay tuned because the next one is just around the corner!

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