Tag Archives: South Korea

Suwon Korean Folk Village, South Korea

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The Korean Folk Village in Suwon is an open-air living museum recreating life in the Joseon period. Real dwellings were actually relocated to the Folk Village from other parts of the country to provide a realistic glimpse of how both peasants and aristocrats lived in the period. Various shows and workshops take place during the day including the traditional folk music of Pungmul that involves dancing and drumming. Suwon Folk Village, South Korea Suwon Folk Village, South KoreaSuwon Folk Village, South KoreaSuwon Folk Village, South Korea Suwon Folk Village, South KoreaSuwon Folk Village, South Korea Suwon Folk Village, South KoreaSuwon Folk Village, South Korea Suwon Folk Village, South KoreaSuwon Folk Village, South Korea Suwon Folk Village, South KoreaSuwon Folk Village, South KoreaThere’s a lot to see at the Folk Village so allow at least half a day – it is ideal combined with Suwon’s fortress for a full weekend. Easily accessible from Suwon, there are free shuttle buses that run from Suwon Station (outside from exit 5) that run every two hours. Alternatively there are public buses or you can take a taxi (approx. 12,000W each way). The journey takes around half an hour. More details and bus timetables can be found here. Adult entry to the village costs 15,000W.

Have you visited any interesting museums recently?

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, South Korea

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Capital of the Gyeonggi Province, Suwon is a lively city with plenty to see and do making it easily worthy of a couple of day’s visit. Located just thirty kilometres south of Seoul, Suwon is also a great option for a day trip without too much travel time if you’re based in Seoul.

Suwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South KoreaOne of the biggest draws is Suwon’s Hawseong Fortress. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hwaseong encircles the city and boasts panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Originally built in the later years of the Joseon Dynasty between 1794 and 1796, the fortress unfortunately suffered the same fate as much of the country during the Korean War. Once considered irreparable, thankfully substantial reconstruction work in the 1970s has saved Suwon from becoming another faceless city.Suwon Fortress, South KoreaThe walls of the fortress are a touch over five and a half kilometres, with four major gates to mark each direction with several smaller ones straddling any waterways. Given the length of the walls, it pays to allow a good three or so hours. In summer, I’d give it a bit longer so you can take breaks to cool down… and in winter, so you can take breaks to warm up! As the fortress intertwines with the city (which has long since spilt out of its walls) you’ll come across markets, temples, and plenty of places to eat so allow yourself a little longer if you fancy hopping on and off as you go. Suwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South Korea Suwon Fortress, South Korea Suwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South KoreaSuwon Fortress, South KoreaIt costs 1,000W to walk the city walls. They are open from 9am till 6pm (5pm in winter). Suwon city can be reached from Seoul in less than an hour by bus, train or subway – the nearest subway station being Suwon on line one. Buses also run from other cities across the country.

Keep an eye out for some more Suwon sights coming up soon! Where have you explored recently?

Cherry Blossoms & Springtime in Seoul

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Cherry blossoms are a big deal in South Korea. Decisively marking the end of the long, often harsh winters that brace the country, the blooming flowers bring back interest in the outdoors. A very visual manifestation of the life spring brings back, everywhere is instantly transformed. It’s no wonder everyone gets so excited about them…

Every April cherry blossom festivals take place all across South Korea, notably along Seoul’s Han River (Hangang) where trees line the streets of Yeouido. Now I have to admit, I would use the word “festival” lightly. Essentially, this is just the area where half of Seoul congregates to admire the flowers and over a couple of weekends it is barely possible to walk along. However, it really is a beautiful sight and if you can head over on a weekday, you are in for a treat. It’s also worth considering wandering over to one of the palaces in central Seoul, where the flowers add an extra beauty to their grounds too, or indeed often down any street blessed with Sakura trees.

You can find a long list of the cherry blossom festivals taking place in South Korea this spring here – in Yeouido it will be the second and third weekend in April.

As a former Seoul resident, so many things make me homesick for Korea and thinking of how dramatically spring unfolds over there is certainly one of them. It was always a delight too to see lanterns appear, strung up above the pavement and adding even more colour, to celebrate Buddha’s birthday (which coincides with springtime). So it seemed an ideal time to share this and some photos of my springtimes in Korea.Seoul Cherry Blossoms, South Korea Seoul Cherry Blossoms, South Korea Seoul Cherry Blossoms, South Korea Seoul Cherry Blossoms, South Korea Seoul Cherry Blossoms, South KoreaYeouido Cherry Blossom FestivalDo any seasons bring back memories for you?