Ultimate Guide to Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

📍90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90
🚆Gangnam Station (line 2/Sinbundang line, exit 5), Bus no.5001
🕒 10:00 – 19:00 Mon to Sat | 10:00 – 22:00 Fri to Sun
₩  Adult/Adolescent 32,000 won ($22.6) | Child 26,000 won ($19) | Senior/Disabled 22,000 won ($16) (all pricing includes rides at village’s amusement attractions)
🌐 www.koreanfolk.co.kr
☎️ +82-31-288-0000
✍🏻 Close to Everland Theme Park.

Ever wonder what Korea looked like during the Joseon Dynasty amidst its bustling cities? Korea has several folk villages where you can learn about different historical periods. The biggest one is Yongin Korean Folk Village, often called a “living museum.” It’s been preserving Korea’s unique culture for centuries, giving visitors unforgettable memories. So, what’s so special about it? And what fun activities can you do there? Let’s find out!

About Korean Folk Village

Yongin’s Korean Folk Village is the largest in South Korea, sprawling across 245 acres of picturesque landscape framed by mountains and rivers. It’s a journey back to the Joseon era, with 270 authentic houses relocated and restored from different parts of the country. You can experience old customs, performances, crafts, and food here.

The village’s authenticity is remarkable, achieved by relocating and restoring real houses to recreate the daily life of a typical Joseon Dynasty village. From grand aristocratic hanoks to humble commoner homes, the village offers a glimpse into the diverse architecture of the time. It’s no wonder it’s been a popular filming location for historical dramas and movies like “My Love from the Star,” “Moon Embracing the Sun,” “Dong Yi,” and others. This spot is also a favorite filming location for K-pop idols, like in episode 145 of the famous Run BTS.

Yet, beyond its visual appeal, the Korean Folk Village is a vibrant hub of activity, offering many traditional performances, cultural showcases, and opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences. So, spending time here is not only fun but also educational.

How to get to Korean Folk Village from Seoul

By Public Transportation

You have several convenient public transportation options to get to Yongin’s Korean Folk Village from Seoul.

From Myeongdong/Euljiro-1 Station (Line 2, Exit 6):

You can walk a short distance to the bus stop in front of Stanford Hotel Myeongdong. You can catch bus number 4101, which will take a 45-minute ride to the Korean Folk Village. Upon reaching the Korean Folk Village stop, simply cross the road to the large car park and walk about 5 minutes to the village’s entrance.

From Gangnam Station (Line 2/Sinbundang Line, Exit 5) or Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9/Sinbundang Line, Exit 7):

You can take bus number 5001-1. The bus ride takes around 51 to 57 minutes, and you’ll also get off at 한국민속촌•보라효성해링턴•삼정아파트 (Korean Folk Village•Bora Hyoseong Harrington•Samjeong Apt.) stop. After alighting, cross the road to the large car park in front and walk towards the Korean Folk Village entrance on your right. It’s a 5-minute walk.

For departure from the Korean Folk Village:

Take the same bus (#4101/5001-1) from the bus stop across the road from where you previously alighted (the departing bus stop is on the same side as the Korean Folk Village, so no road crossing is required).

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All-Inclusive tours

If public transportation feels too complicated, opting for an all-inclusive tour is a great solution. With these tours, you won’t need to worry about figuring out how to get back and forth. They typically include round-trip transport, admission tickets, and English or Chinese-speaking guides. Platforms like Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide offer convenient booking options for such tours. 

Best things to do in Korean Folk Village

Check out museums and exhibitions

In addition to the charming traditional houses, Korean Folk Village is home to several fascinating museums. One is the Korean Folk Museum, where you can see how farming families lived during the late Joseon period. There’s also an exhibition that displays masked dances with 30 cultural artifacts, while another showcases almost 3,000 earthenware artifacts. There are nine world folk exhibition halls with around 860 artifacts from different cultures worldwide.

Enjoy Cultural Performances

One big reason the Korean Folk Village is so popular is the people who dress up and perform traditional dances. In the Performance area, you can see traditional shows like Nong-ak Play, Tight rope play, Horseback martial arts play, and Traditional wedding ceremonies. Traditional Korean music plays, and you can hear the sounds of traditional instruments. 

Shows start at 10:00 and happen every hour until 16:00. Each one highlights a different traditional instrument or dance, so it’s worth catching them all. Remember, the schedule might change because of the weather, so check the information board when you visit.

If you want an even more cultural experience, check out the WanHyangRoo area for traditional Korean music, which will make your visit to the Korean Folk Village even more special.

Participate in various workshops

Workshops are the highlight of the Korean Folk Village. They offer a unique opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops from the Joseon Dynasty era. You can roll up your sleeves and try your hand at pottery, mask making, blacksmithing, and even crafting musical instruments or fans. It’s a unique way to experience history while having a blast!

Rent traditional costumes and immerse yourself in Joseon life

At Korean Folk Village, it feels like a journey back to the Joseon Dynasty. People stroll around in traditional attire, doing daily chores like cooking and roof repairs. Sometimes, they even host special events to resurrect ancient festivals. You can rent traditional outfits at Market Village and join the fun. Since the village is a popular filming location, you can dress up as your favorite movie characters and relive iconic scenes!

Horse Riding

Horseback riding is another enjoyable activity you might want to try at the Folk Village. It adds an extra dash of excitement to your visit and is suitable for all ages. If you’re interested, you can find the horse rental spot right by the Performance area. Just a heads up, though, there’s an extra fee for this activity.

Visit the Amusement Park

If you’re with your kid, you’ve got to check out this place. There are rides for both kids and adults of all sizes. You’ll find classics like carousels and bumper cars, perfect for a nostalgic thrill. But if you’re up for some excitement, rides like the Viking and Drop N Twist will get your heart racing.

For a family adventure, a coaster winds through the woods, giving you a nature-infused experience. And if you’re into spooky stuff, there’s a haunted section called The Horror of Ghost Zone, with ghost-themed attractions and haunted houses like the Haunted Prison and the Haunted Den.

The entrance ticket includes all the ride fees, but you’ll need to pay extra for the haunted houses.

Enjoy delicious food and drinks within the village

If you’re hungry or thirsty, you’re in the right place at Yongin Korean Folk Village! They’ve got a variety of Korean dishes, street food, desserts, and cafes to satisfy your cravings.

In the Bazaar Area, you can try about 20 local favorites, such as naengmyeon, bibimbap, and handmade dumpling soup. All the food here uses natural flavors and traditional methods for an authentic taste. The Market Village also offers plenty of Korean restaurants. 

For a cozy cafe experience, check out Darakbang near the entrance to the folk village in the Market Village. For take-out coffee or street food, you’ll find plenty of options at the kiosks in the Market Village. If you’re craving something more Western-inspired, the Amusement Village has you covered.

Best time to visit Korean Folk Village

While the village is beautiful all year round, spring, and autumn are the most popular seasons to visit. The weather is mild and comfortable, and these seasons offer pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions and enjoying cultural performances.

Additionally, during the spring, you can witness beautiful cherry blossoms, forsythia, azalea, and plum flowers in bloom, adding to the scenic charm of the village. Similarly, autumn brings stunning foliage colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit. 

Some useful tips and things to keep in mind

• Allow plenty of time to explore the village. There is much to see and do, so you don’t want to feel rushed.
• Outside food and drinks are allowed, so this is an excellent location for a picnic.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking to do.
• Get a map of the directions at the entrance.
• Rental strollers, wheelchairs, and audio guides are provided at the entry.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Bikes, scooters, skateboards, and drones are not permitted.

Finally, in a world filled with fast-paced living and rapid technological advancements, the Korean Folk Village offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with the past, and appreciate the beauty of simpler times. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, the Korean Folk Village promises to captivate and inspire. So, why not step back and embark on a journey through the heart of Korean heritage?

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