Visit the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village to get a glimpse of the life of the Choi Clan of Korea, take part in artisan workshops, have a traditional Korean meal and taste the heritage-listed sake known as Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju liquor.
While now mostly serving as a tourist attraction, the Gyochon Traditional Village is a living village where people of the same clan have lived for many generations. Not all residents may want their photo taken, something to keep in mind when you are exploring.
Stroll around the narrow streets of the village to see its nice display of traditional buildings with gabled roofs and carved wooden doorways. These hanoks, traditional Korean houses, were first built during the Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century. The later ones are in keeping with the original architectural style.
Rent Gyeongju hanbok (traditional costumes) to look the part as you pose for pictures and engage in folkloric activities. Shape ceramic vases and bowls with the help of a local pottery maker or create your own fragrant souvenirs in the on-site soap-making center.
If all that artisan work makes you thirsty, visit the village’s traditional tea house, the Dayeon. The local rice wine, known as beopju, is an important “Intangible Cultural Asset” of South Korea and you can try it here in the village as well. Follow it up with a traditional meal in the Gyochon Restaurant.
For those wanting to learn about the history and culture of the Choi Clan, there is a small information center in the village that serves as a museum. You can also book an English-spoken guided tour to step inside some of the houses.
The Gyochon Traditional Village on the outskirts of Gyeongju is open year round. There is an admission fee for visitors. From out front of the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, take a taxi or bus 61 and asked to be dropped off at Sila hoegwan. You could also walk it, because the village is only 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Gyeongju city center.
