Gyeonggi-do

Korean Folk Village: A Living Journey Into Korea’s Past — Where Traditions Become Experiences Just beyond Seoul’s city limits lies one of Korea’s most enchanting cultural destinations: the Korean Folk Village in Yongin. More than a museum and more than an attraction, it is a living world where centuries-old customs, architecture, and artistry continue to breathe. For international travelers seeking something deeply Korean—authentic, atmospheric, and rich in meaning—this is one of the country’s most rewarding experiences. Walking through its gates feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved film set from the Joseon era. Cobbled paths wind between graceful hanok roofs, wooden bridges cross slow-moving streams, and open courtyards reveal everyday life scenes from historic Korea. Unlike static exhibits, the village is alive: rope-makers twist hemp fibers by hand, potters shape clay on spinning wheels, and folk musicians fill the air with rhythms that echo across the village. Dynamic performances take place throughout the day. Horseback warriors demonstrate traditional mounted martial arts, dancers perform swirling folk rituals, and lively farmer’s dances create an atmosphere of celebration. Seasonal festivals enrich the experience further—lantern-lit autumn nights, spring flower celebrations, and traditional wedding reenactments give every visit its own unique charm. The marketplace is a highlight for global travelers. Here, steaming bowls of rustic Korean comfort food are served in an old-style setting—simple, hearty dishes that reflect the flavors of the past. Handcrafted souvenirs such as bamboo fans, pottery mugs, and traditional paper goods let visitors bring home a piece of heritage. What truly sets the Korean Folk Village apart is its immersive approach. Guests can try on hanbok, join hands-on craft workshops, ride a traditional swing, or learn how rice cakes were made by pounding steamed rice dough. These experiences turn cultural discovery into memorable participation—not just observation. Close enough for a half-day trip yet far enough to feel like another era, the Korean Folk Village blends nature, history, and hospitality into a meaningful cultural escape. For solo travelers, families, and anyone with a curiosity for authentic Korean culture, it remains one of Korea’s most unforgettable destinations. Essential Information • Location: Yongin, Gyeonggi-do (approx. 1 hour from central Seoul) • Key Attractions: Traditional houses, folk performances, artisan workshops, hanbok experiences, seasonal festivals • Experiences: Pottery classes, natural-dye craft, horseback martial arts shows, folk music dance, traditional marketplace food • Best For: Travelers seeking authentic culture, family groups, photographers, history lovers • Visit Duration: 3–5 hours recommended • Travel Tip: Arrive early to join workshops and catch multiple live performances throughout the day Why International Visitors Love It • A rare, immersive encounter with Korea’s living heritage • Hands-on activities—not just exhibitions • Cinematic scenery perfect for photography • Friendly for first-time visitors with multilingual guidance • Seasonal programs that make every visit unique *For the Folk Performance Schedule, please refer to official website for latest information: www.koreanfolk.co.kr  

Everland Resort opened in 1976 as the first family amusement park in Korea. Though originally called ‘Yongin Jayeon Nongwon,’ the company changed its name to ‘Everland’ to make the park more recognizable to international audiences. The park is home to over 40 heart-pounding rides and attractions. In addition to "Safari World" featuring white tigers, tigers, lions and bears, "Lost Valley" opened in April 2013, letting visitors get up close and personal with the wild safari’s giraffes, elephants and white lions riding on unique amphibious vehicles. Everland is also known for its gorgeous flower arrangements and beautiful gardens, which have been year-round fixtures since the Rose Festival in 1985. Other great spots for family fun are the Snow Sled (the first and the longest of its kind in Korea), Caribbean Bay (an outstanding water park) and Everland Speedway (a race track). Full of exciting attractions and entertainment, Everland is one of the most popular places in Korea for families, friends, and couples. * Everland ‘Dreams Become Reality, the Land of Year-Round Festivals!’ Everland is divided into five sections: American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, Zoo Topia, and Global Fair. Located near the front entrance of Everland, the Global Fair is home to a large bazaar decorated with reproductions of castles from France, Middle Eastern countries, Spain, India, and Russia. Not only visually captivating, the various architectural styles invite visitors into the culture and history of other nations, such as the Ancient and Medieval Periods of Europe. The Four Seasons Garden of Everland is decorated with beautiful flowers arranged in a French-style garden. Surrounded by Holland-style architecture, the gardens are the stage for seasonal flower festivals (tulips from April to June, lilies from July to August, and chrysanthemums from September to October, as well as Romantic Illumination, a light festival, in the winter season), laser shows, firewoks and musical fountain shows. The Zoo Topia section of the park is the where guests can find the ever-popular Safari World and Lost Valley. In Safari World, white tigers, tigers, lions, and bears roam around freely, providing guests with an up-close look at these amazing creatures. In Lost Valley, visitors can see white tigers and other various herbivore animals riding on exciting amphibious vehicles, and even feed some of their favorite animals like giraffes. * Caribbean Bay Opened in 1996, Caribbean Bay is a huge water park equipped with multiple attractions and health facilities. Modeled after the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and decorated with Spanish-styled stone buildings, palm trees, tropical plants, and a shipwreck, guests will feel like they’ve taken a tropical vacation without ever leaving the country. Caribbean Bay has a number of hair-raising waterslides and a relaxing lazy river. The Sea Zone generates waves over 2.4m-high and is a huge crowd favorite. If you need a break from the sun, escape to the Indoor Water Park to enjoy the Wave Pool, Children’s Pool, or the various spa-like facilities with herbal treatments using jasmine, peppermint, lemon, ginseng, and mugwort. Cold and hot bath areas are also available. Caribbean Bay is a unique water park that not only provides a thrilling water park experience, but also the best in spa and relaxation facilities. * Everland Speedway The first car racing track in Korea, Everland Speedway offers thrilling car races such as Motor Championship Contest year round. *The Glen Ross Golf Club Running under the same course management principles as the renowned Anyang County Club, the Glen Ross Golf Club is a beautiful golf club with excellent facilities that are sure to earn a spot in even the most avid golfer’s heart. The club is conveniently located near Everland, the Ho-Am Art Museum, and several gardens (for more information, call +82-31-320-9600).  

  Dalvit Beer KINTEX Branch  Looking for a Refreshing Beer Spot? Look No Further! Dalvit Beer KINTEX Branch is the perfect cafe-style pub for those seeking a refreshing break after a hard day. Located in KINTEX, Ilsan in Gyeonggi Province, this pub is renowned for its elegant and modern urban interior, reasonably priced menus, and ice-cold freshly brewed beer. The Kozel draft beer is a particular favorite, with its sweet and sour taste.   The staff at Dalvit Beer KINTEX Branch always greets visitors with a smile and is incredibly kind. It's a special rest space that invites people from the city, and it's highly recommended for those planning a trip to Ilsan or KINTEX. Company gatherings are also prevalent here in Korea, as it's an ideal place to relax with a refreshing beer on an outdoor terrace. Don't forget to check out this hot spot if you're visiting the KINTEX area; it'll be a memorable part of your trip to Korea.   The menu at Dalvit Beer KINTEX Branch offers various options at affordable prices, and despite its low cost, the service excels in taste and visual quality. The beer is served at 4°C degrees, and the glasses are frozen at -25°C to provide an ice-cold beer that'll chill you to the core. One of the best things about Dalvit Beer KINTEX Branch is that customers can enjoy their beer on the outdoor terrace without any pressure.   To sweeten the deal, Trippose.com offers an exclusive coupon for customers to enjoy various services on-site. Make sure to check if the coupon is valid during your visit before presenting it for use. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the best of Dalvit Beer KINTEX Branch at an even more affordable price.

Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. The fortress (constructed from 1794 to 1796) was built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.The fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km and has a great variety of military facilities that’s hard to find anywhere else. Four gates face each of the cardinal directions—Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west)—and the seven-arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun.Hwaseong Fortress was constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), and is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks) and the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.During construction of the fortress Jeong Yak-Yong invented ‘Geojunggi,’ which uses a ‘hwalcha’ (lever) to lift up heavy stones, greatly reducing construction time.The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress went through many turbulent times and damage, and in the battle of June 25th, many of the facilities became so damaged that they were deemed irreparable. Even though the fortress restoration initiative (1975-1979) restored many of the sites to their former glory, Paldalmun to Dongnamgakru (an area 491 meters in length) has still not been renovated.The fortress was designated as Historical Monument No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.a variety of performances and evens are held everyday and Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place every autumn.>> Click here for more on Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Panmunjeom is located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), 50 km north of Seoul and 10 km east from the city of Gaeseong, a city which now belongs to North Korea. This area is most notably known for the peace talks that were held here on October 25, 1951 and on July 27, 1953 when the Armistice Agreement was signed. It is now beyond the jurisdiction of both the North and South. The conference center in Panmunjeom is surrounded by the Joint Security Area (JSA) and measures 800 meters in diameter. It is the only portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where North and South Korean forces stand face-to-face. It was used as a filming location of the movie "JSA (Joint Security Area)." It was also the site of military negotiations between North Korea and the United Nations Command (UNC). It has now become one of the most visited tourist sites of the DMZ.

Located in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, on the scenic Turtle Island, the Siheung Wave Park stands as a testament to modern marine leisure facilities, harmoniously blending the allure of water sports with the convenience of urban life. This expansive urban marine leisure complex has been meticulously designed to cater to a variety of aquatic interests, offering both residents and tourists a taste of a healthy, water-based lifestyle right in the heart of the city. The park is highlighted by its exotic beach-inspired Mioco Star Zone. At the heart of this zone is the Miopool, a haven for young enthusiasts where they can take their first surfing lessons or experience the thrill of underwater scooters. Families with children will particularly enjoy the Kids & Turtle Pool, which boasts large tube attractions that guarantee hours of laughter and fun. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the recreation pool offers rappel diving and an introductory children's scuba diving experience – a rare treat in such settings. Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @wavepark__ Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @wavepark__   Lastly, for those looking to wind down after a day of activities, the island-style heated spa provides a perfect retreat. It's a sanctuary of relaxation, offering therapeutic warmth and serene views. The Siheung Wave Park is not just for professional surfers; its wide range of facilities ensures that even those who have never set foot on a surfboard can fully immerse themselves in the joys of aquatic recreation. It's truly a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for all.  

The Odusan Unification Observatory opened to the public in 1992. It is one of the national tourist spot where foreigners choose to visit and experience the stark reality of the divided Peninsula. From this observation platform, Songaksan Mountain in the city of Gyeseongi and 63 Building in Seoul are visible.This observatory has five floors above ground and one underground. Various photos and computerized screens showing the reality of North Korea are displayed on the first and second floor. Products from North Korea can also be purchased here.

The Garden of Morning Calm, a 30,000㎡ garden, is open year-round and is a great spot to visit for families, couples, and photographers alike. The garden was conceptualized by Professor Han Sang-kyung (Gardening Department, Sahmyook University) while he was serving as an exchange professor in America. His vision was to create a garden that would become world-famous and spread the concept of Korean beauty throughout the world. The inspiration for the garden stemmed from a poem written by Sir Tagore, a great Indian poet, who described Korea during the Joseon Dynasty as "The Land of the Morning Calm." The garden is the oldest private garden in Korea. It is an artistic space with a beautiful balance between the Korean concept of natural curves with asymmetry, and plants with synthetic materials, attracting about 600,000 visitors annually. Scenic walkways, beautifully manicured grass, and flower beds connect the garden's 20 different themed sections. The Sukgeun Garden is shaped like the Korean Peninsula and is carpeted with beautiful flowers on both sides representing the desire for South and North Korea to be reunited. It is easily one of the most popular and meaningful attractions at the garden. The garden houses about 5,000 kinds of plants, including 300 varieties native to Baekdusan Mountain, known as a spiritual mountain to the Korean people. Flowers are in bloom from March to November, so the garden is usually busy during this period. In addition to the beautiful foliage of the garden, there are a variety of festivals and displays held throughout the year. * Spring: Spring Garden Festival * Summer: Festival of Roses, Hydrangeas and Roses of Sharon * Autumn: Festival of Chrysanthemums and Autumnal Tints * Winter: Lighting Festival

Covering an area of about 9,157,000 ㎡ (2,770,000 pyeong), Seoul Grand Park consists of themed areas for education, nature, and amusement. The park is known for its various amusement facilities and scenic beauty. Seoul Grand Park’s major attractions include Seoul Grand Park Zoo, Children's Zoo, a rose garden, Seoul Land amusement park, and the Seoul Museum of Modern Art.Seoul Zoo is home to over 2,975 animals belonging to about 348 species from all over the world. The zoo is the 10th largest in the world and a recognized member of the International Species Information System (ISIS) and the World Zoo Organization (IUDZG-WZO).* SizeSite area 9,157,066m² (2,770,000 pyeong)Zoo and botanical garden 2,423,151m² (733,000 peyong)Amusement park 820m² (248,000 pyeong)Lake 274,381m² (83,000 pyeong)Youth training center 76,033m² (23,000 pyeong)Rose garden 178,513m² (54,000 pyeong)Exercise facility 36,364m² (11,000 pyeong)Management office 327,274m² (99,000 pyeong)National Museum of Contemporary Art 66,116m² (20,000 pyeong)Natural green belt 2,323,977m² (703,000 pyeong)[Children’s Grand Park]Children’s Grand Park covers 530,000 square meters and is an ultimate leisure facility for families, offering a zoo, botanical garden, amusement facilities, and diverse performance events. Children can learn about animals at the children’s zoo or through the classes where they can get up close and personal with the animals by feeding them.[Rose Garden]The Rose Garden, which is located near the lake, has about 30,000 roses belonging to over 200 species. The roses are in full bloom in June, attracting many visitors to the park.[Botanical Garden]The Botanical Garden in Seoul Grand Park is located near the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. Opened on May 1, 1985, the garden has an area of 2,825㎡ and exhibits tropical and subtropical plants, succulent plants such as cactus, orchids and ferns.[Forest Bathing Park]The Seoul Grand Park Forest Park is located inside the natural forest of Cheonggyesan Mountain, which surrounds the Seoul Grand Park. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 470 tree species and 35 bird species. It also has a 6.3㎞-long hiking trail that is divided into four sections, as well as rest areas with different themes like the Forest of Meditation featuring a 450m barefoot walking path. It is an ideal place for a forest bath, which involves exploring through a forest all the while enjoying the positive energy, beautiful sights and soothing atmosphere that the forest has to offer. Visitors will enjoy 11 different themes such as ‘forest with nature,’ ‘forest for meditation,’ and ‘forest for rest.’ Walking through the forest bathing area takes as little as 50 minutes or as long as 2.5 hours.* What is Forest Bathing (Sallimnyok)?Forest bathing is the act of taking a leisurely walk in the woods while breathing in the aromatic scent of trees and nature. Wearing moisture-wicking clothes is recommended to keep you cool and comfortable during the warmer months.

The 3rd Tunnel was discovered in 1978 by Korean forces. It spans over 1635m in length, 2m in x_width, and 2m in x_height and is located 52km from Seoul. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 soldiers could move through the tunnel per hour. Once the tunnel was found, North Koreans insisted it was intentionally made by the Southern army to invade North Korea, but, their insistence was proven untrue as the explosions used to make the tunnel face southward.The tunnel offers various sightseeing points such as the DMZ Video room, symbolic sculptures, a souvenir shop and more.

Nestled in Yangpyeong, The Greem stands as a captivating fusion of nature and artistry. This botanical haven, reminiscent of a master's painting, boasts lush pine forests, elegant European-inspired architecture, and tranquil gazebos nestled near serene valleys. The Greem showcases over 300 plant species, offering a year-round spectacle: vibrant royal azaleas in spring, verdant landscapes in summer, rich autumn foliage, and a winter's snow blanket. Each season paints a unique tableau, inviting repeated visits. Dreamt and realized by Mr. Yoon Seok-young, The Greem began as a private retreat where he meticulously crafted each garden corner. But its splendor couldn't remain concealed. As its fame spread, it became a coveted location for TV shoots. Recognizing its broader appeal, Mr. Yoon welcomed the public into his paradise.   Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @thegreem75 Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @thegreem75 Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @fthegreem75 Today, The Greem is a diverse attraction. The Watercolor building houses a cozy café and lifestyle store, the Landscape building entices photographers, and the tranquil Sketch building offers the Healing Zone Café. Each space embodies Mr. Yoon’s vision, often reshaped for visitor satisfaction and functional efficiency. Having graced over 60 TV shows and listed as a top attraction in Yangpyeong, The Greem's allure is undeniable. Its pristine condition, maintained by Mr. Yoon's diligent daily upkeep, ensures every visitor enjoys a refreshing experience. Complimentary drinks greet guests, and a unique winter greenhouse adds to the allure. Note: Wine enthusiasts will appreciate The Greem's curated selection from top brands, further elevating its status as a must-visit spot.

As part of the Onemount facility located near Kintex, Aqua Planet in Ilsan offers a nice day trip experience for families, friends or business outings. Aqua Planet allows visitors to see a variety of marine life and learn the value of marine ecosystems and the importance of ecosystem preservation.  

The Daejanggeum Park was co-created by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC) and Yongin Municipal Office in August 2005. Located in Yongcheong-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, this is an open set that measures a total of 29,421m² (8,900 pyeong).Different from other drama sets, Daejanggeum Park has been re-created based on historical records and very accurately reflects the structures and culture of ancient times. Dramia has served as the filming location for hugely popular Korean historical dramas such as “Jumong," “Queen Seon-deok,” “Isan,” and “Dong Yi” and many more of historical documents and films.

Lotte Premium Outlet Paju Branch is Korea’s largest premium outlet, offering more than 200 international and Korean luxury brands at affordable prices. It is the first suburban outlet to provide an integrated lifestyle experience that combines shopping and cultural experiences by featuring additional facilities including a cultural center, cultural hall, gallery, movie theater, kids’ café, and a book store. The outlet’s sophisticated architecture together with the scenic natural surroundings created by the neighboring Simhaksan Mountain present opportunities for both convenient shopping and peaceful retreat. The outlet is also conveniently located in the vicinity of notable tourist spots such as the Paju Book City, Hyeri Art Village, and Odu Mountain Unification Observatory.

Nestled in the picturesque locale of Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is the marvel of modern architecture known as the 'CABINET IN FOREST.' This unique establishment is more than just a building; it's a vibrant cultural complex spread across 6,600 square meters of land. Its design seamlessly blends the aesthetic appeal of contemporary architecture with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Within this spectacular complex, visitors can explore a gallery showcasing an array of artistic wonders, indulge in the delicacies at a stylish café, and even experience the thrill of live performances in an outdoor amphitheater. To top it all off, the beautifully curated four-season garden promises a serene retreat, offering a fresh burst of colors and scents with every change of season. An entrance ticket to this dynamic cultural hub is not just a passport to an immersive art and cultural experience, but it also comes with a complimentary drink – a token of warm hospitality. Moreover, the 'CABINET IN FOREST' has etched its name in the annals of popular culture as a famous shooting location for several dramas, further enhancing its charm and appeal. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a nature lover, a culture vulture, or a fan of Korean dramas, this versatile complex offers a little something for everyone.

This is a cutting-edge museum of contemporary art and design, brought into existence by an avid art collector. The space is innovatively designed around the concept of a "home" to encapsulate the ways in which art and design can enliven our daily experiences. The museum is thoughtfully organized into ten intimate spaces, including a living room, study, and lounge, each brimming with an eclectic mix of modern art forms - be it painting, sculpture, photography, installation, or video works. An impressive collection of over 400 design pieces, such as furniture, lighting, and mirrors, are seamlessly integrated throughout the venue, amplifying the home-like ambiance. The museum's collection is truly global and genre-defying, boasting works from renowned artists including David Hockney, Damien Hirst, Ugo Rondinone, Do-ho Suh, and Choi Jeong-hwa. Furthermore, the architectural brilliance of the museum is to be credited to Minsuk Cho, a celebrated architect and recipient of the coveted Golden Lion award at the 2014 Venice Biennale. This venue seamlessly fuses the realms of art, design, and everyday living, offering visitors a unique perspective and experience.

Located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do and established in 1998, Herb Island focuses on growing Mediterranean herbs. The Herb Indoor Botanical Garden offers over 180 different herbs while the Outdoor Botanical Garden showcases a dazzling array of herbs surrounded by nature. Additional attractions include the Herb Museum, Living & Herb Exhibition Hall, Herb Restaurant, Herb Barbecue Restaurant, a café, a bakery, a gift shop, Aroma Therapy Center, Venetia Village, Herb Studio (do-it-yourself crafting), Mini Zoo, and an outdoor performance hall. Herb Island even boasts excellent pensions with each equipped with whirlpool spa facilities, each pension provides aroma spa therapy. Open every day, Herb Island is an excellent place to rest your body and mind.  

Housing multiple brands and showcasing the latest fashion trends, the Hyundai Premium Outlet Gimpo consists of 230 premium brands altogether. Located conveniently near where the public transportation stops, Hyundai Department Store is seeking to serve both local and international visitors with lots of attractions.