Kyongju, or Gyeongju, Folk Craft Village is an artistic hub of over 40 traditional-style houses which are all occupied by craftspeople and artists who make and sell their wares from their home.
Showcasing a wide range of architectural styles and artisan shops, Kyongju Folk Craft Village is a popular destination for sightseeing and shopping, and a cultural experience as well.
Take your time as you wander through the village so you can fully appreciate not only the handicrafts but also the quaint traditional homes, called hanoks, of the artisans. This style dates back to the Joseon Dynasty of the 14th century. Note the differences between the choga, the thatched roof houses, and the giwajip, the roof tiled houses.
Admire the attention to detail and skill required to produce many of the beautiful items on display in the village’s workshops. Watch how the stone and wood carvers work with heavy and coarse materials, potters and sculptors mold and ply their clay, while silverware makers and jewelers focus on minute details and designs.
Choose your favorite piece to take home as a souvenir. Styles range from super-traditional through to ultra-modern.
It is fascinating to watch the artisans at work but also great fun to have a go yourself. Getting creative with your own piece of pottery is a popular option and it can even be kiln-fired afterwards so you can take it home. There is even the option for items to be posted overseas, if it’s too tricky for you to carry your fragile creations home yourself.
When you feel like a break, have a traditional Korean meal in one of the village’s restaurants.
Kyongju Folk Craft Village is free to enter and open daily. The enclosed village is usually open all day, but exact closing times depend on the season and public holidays. The folk craft village is best reached by car or bus and there is a bus stop near the entrance. Parking spaces and toilets are available, along with facilities for the disabled.
