Yangdong Village: Step into a Joseon-era Hanok Village

Visiting Yangdong Village (양동마을) in Gyeongju feels like stepping into a living museum of the Joseon Dynasty. The village is home to numerous traditional Hanok houses, built along the slopes in a harmonious layout that exudes a strong sense of history. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also a real, inhabited village, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life. What impressed me the most was seeing the "jangdokdae" (large earthenware jars) often featured in Korean dramas! These massive jars, used for fermenting soy sauce, chili paste, and soybean paste, are displayed in the courtyards in front of the houses. They were much larger than I had imagined, and seeing them in person was truly eye-opening. Having only seen them on TV before, I was thrilled to finally witness them up close. Most of the Hanok houses have been converted into restaurants or souvenir shops, but some are still occupied by residents. Compared to bustling tourist spots, this village offers a more genuine and tranquil atmosphere. If you're interested in traditional Korean culture, Yangdong Village is full of delightful surprises waiting to be discovered.