Gyeongju Yangdong Village [UNESCO World Heritage]: turning a hundred years back

What are you thinking when you hear about ‘folk village’?

South Korea counts many folk village within its peninsula. A Majority of them have been restored whereas only few have been preserved ones. Yangdong Village is the most famous as it is Korea’s largest traditional village. Recognized as a Unesco world Heritage, by definition it is a place of huge historical interest. Naturally, the site is filled by ancestors’ treasure, but above all, authentic and fearlessly intact traditional Korean houses (also called: HANOK).

Located in the southeast part of Korea, in Gyeongju (one hour away from the big city Busan) it is showcasing perfect traditional culture of the Joseon dynasty. It has well entertained building but also beautiful surroundings no matter the season we might be in. It is thanks to its many cultural heritage such as national treasures and folklore materials that the village have become a cultural heritage site. Many celebrities have come to Korea to visit it such as the huge but none other than Charles, Prince of Wales back in the 90’s. The houses and scenery are quite breathtaking as it pictures perfectly the ancient time of Korea’s long history.

There is around 160old houses and 500-year-old thatched roof cottages within the valley. Fifty four of them are over 200 years old but have been amazingly preserved in their original state. It is giving a rare opportunity to the visitors to see unique ancient houses built during the Joseon period.

Nowadays, around 300 people are living in the village and majority of them live off agriculture.