Let's Go on a Visit

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village




Hanoks are traditional Korean houses.

What do you think about hanoks? Maybe, many people probably think they are antiqued, title-roofed houses. Sure, there are inconveniences to staying in one. But there is value in the experience of living in the same houses Koreans have lived in for centuries, experiencing what they experienced. In reality, a hanok is a traditional Korean house, which is the direct result of our ancestors’ wisdom and science. A hanok is very beautiful from the shape of the columns to the shape of the eaves, as well as the architecture of the kitchen.
Hanoks were considered old-fashioned and uncomfortable, but now they are trendy, both as destinations for day-trip photo-ops or actual accommodations. If you want to experience hanoks in Korea, there are many hanok villiages.

One of Gyeongju’s oldest villages, Gyochon is a traditional village of old hanok houses, some of which are important tangible cultural properties designated by the Korean government. Visitors can see the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan and inside the village. It is a small, slow and quiet village. There are modern cafes in the village that serve patbingsu and Americanos in stylish, modernized hanok buildings try some Gyeongju Beopju liquor .

In the village, one of the most famous sites is Gyeongju Hyanggyo, a Confucian academy and shrine that was established in 682. It was the national education institute ‘Gukhak’ of the Silla Kingdom. It was the first nation-run education institute on the Korean Peninsula that operated like today’s universities. Also, visitors can see the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan . The hanok property was built around 1700, and is said to have been an immense mansion of 99 kan (rooms) before being damaged by fire in 1970. The Choi family was believed to have moved to today’s Gyeongju in the mid-Joseon period and was among the wealthiest landowners in the region for 12 generations.

Gyeongju is a museum without walls, under the open sky, including Cheomseongdae, Banwolseong Fortress and the Gyelim Forest around Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village.

Various Experience Programs in the village

Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. Gyochon Traditional Village has many hands-on experience programs like glass making classes, pottery making workshops, quilting classes, and tea ceremony etiquette training. Do you want to learn delicate needlework yourself? You can experience the art of traditional Korean patchwork such as jogakbo. If you want something messier, try putting steamed glutinous rice in a wooden rice mortar and pounding it with a wooden mallet. Also, you can play traditional Korean games at the entrance of the village. The games are iron hoop, Neolttwigi (similar to seesaw) and Tuho (pitch-pot). Finally, you can see the Gyeongju Donggyeong dog, which is a breed registered as a natural treasure in Korea. The unique feature of the Donggyeong dog is its tail, as the Donggyeong dog can be classified as either short-tailed or tailless. This is just the place for Koreans and foreigners to experience traditional Korean culture.

A manager of Gyochon Traditional Village, Choi Deukyong

1. Please introduce yourself.

I am Choi Deukyong, a manager of Gyochon traditional village. My primary duties are educational services of Gyenogju Choi Clan Academy and environmental management.
2 . Could you introduce Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village?

Gyochon Traditional Village has two parts: educational facilities and cultural experience institutions. Choi Clan academy, one of educational facilities, exists to train global leaders practicing noblesse oblige like the Choi family. There is a one-day program and a one-night, two-day program. For those who wish to join this academy, you can apply for this program by phone. And the courses given in this academy include making glass, making pottery, and playing traditional Korean games.
3. What makes Gyeongiu Gyochon Traditional Village so charming?

First, this village has a long history. The village is connected with the ruins from the Silla Period and continues in the Hwarangdo spirit, the way of flowering manhood. Second, a theme of tourism is noblesse oblige in the Choi Clan academy. Finally, Hyanggyo and Anapji pond are around the village.
When you visit the village, you can get some experiences and see several ruins connected with Silla period. The village is not huge, but you can look at the historical sights of Gyeoungiu. The city has many ruins which you can learn about Korean history. If you are interested in Korean history, the place is right for you. Everything is harmonious. Past and present are also harmonious. Do you have the attraction of slow city? Then, please come to Gyeongju Gyochon traditional village. Also, In Korea, there are many accommodations made by hanok liked guest house or hotel. So foreigner can remain hanok