South Korea’s Traditional Jeonju Hanok Village Continues To Attract Millions Of Tourists
Among the things that tourists in South Korea must do it to visit the nation's traditional folk villages made up of a cluster of hanok (tradition Korean houses), which gives it its popular coined name Hanok village.
Among the most-visited hanok villages is the Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju, North Jeolla in the southwestern region of South Korea. Around five million visitors came to see the village in 2013 and is expected to increase to 10 million visitor in the coming years, noted Korea JoongAng Daily.
The Jeonju Hanok Village, however, experienced setbacks in the recent months due to satay vendors being complained for the smell, smoke and crowds they cause and for not being a traditional South Korean food, which harms the image of the folk village.
The city government of Jeonju decided to let the vendors remain in the village as they promised to improve sanitation after months of consideration on the issue.
Hanok villages in South Korea were kept for various purposes. Some were turned into commercial districts, like Jeonju Hanok Village, while others maintained their traditional and quiet residential state, such as the Yangdong Folk Village in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang.
According to Korea Times on Sept. 17, the Jeonju Hanok Village was named by Cittaslow International as a "Slow City" in 2010. They noted that the village was home to 800 traditional Korean houses, where visitor may enjoy traditional Korean food.
The Cittaslow International was established in Italy in 1999 as part of the slow movement, which aims to enhance the quality of life by slowing down its pace in different towns and cities.
Being considered as a "Slow City" has probably been one of the reasons why more and more tourists looking for some fun and relaxation flock to the Jeonju Hanok Village.
The New York Times blog Frugal Traveler noted on Feb. 20, 2013 that the Jeonju Hanok Village offers more than just food to visitors. The village is filled with guesthouses, teahouses and artisan shops showcasing the city's heritage.
Cultural attractions may also be enjoyed by tourists in Hanok Village, including, the Fan Culture Hall, the Hangyo Confucian school and the hilltop pavilion known as the Omokdae above the village, which offers a scenic view to visitors
