Namsangol Hanok Village, Seoul

Namsangol Hanok Village offers a tranquil window into Korea’s Joseon-period heritage. Once a scenic retreat known as Jeonghakdong-"the land of the fairies"-for its lush setting and blue cranes, the area was revitalized beginning in 1989 and officially opened to the public in 1998. The village showcases five restored hanok houses, each relocated from different districts of Seoul and carefully furnished to reflect the social status of their original occupants.

Ranging from Feng Shui carpenters to royal relatives and high-ranking officials, these traditional homes open onto a charming courtyard and plot the architecture and life of nobility and commoners alike during the Joseon era. A traditional garden with a pavilion, flowing stream, and seasonal flora adds to the harmonious atmosphere.

Beyond history, Namsangol Hanok Village invites hands-on cultural engagement. You can dress in hanbok and take memorable photos amid hanok settings, try traditional crafts like paper‑making and knot‑tying, enjoy folk games such as tuho and fejikigi, or attend weekend performances and simulated wedding ceremonies.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Namsan Gukak Center presents live performances of traditional Korean music, and nearby, a time capsule plaza-containing over 600 items and sealed until the year 2394-offers a symbolic link between the city’s present and its distant future.