Beautiful Villages to Visit in Korea

Contrary to some peoples beliefs, Koreans are trying to be more globally conscious. Many of my students take breaks from school and travel around Europe and North America.  These are my top 5 villages to visit in Korea. I have been to 3 out of 5 so far!

Bukchon Hanok Village

Want to experience Korean culture? Visit Bukchon Hanok village! This is a village with tradition Korean style houses; which people still live in. This village is about 600 years old. Some of the houses look a little bit newer because they have been renewed but they are still beautiful. It is located between two palaces so you can visit those as well.

How to get here:
- Take line 3 (dark orange line) to Anguk station
- At Anguk station take exit 2
- Go straight and follow the signs to the village

Bukchon Hanok Village

English Village

Koreans are very passionate about learning the English language. There are so many academies and English teachers living in Korea to help with this. They even have an English village that families can visit and learn English. But anyone can visit this village. I haven't been here yet but I am planning on going next weekend so you can read my blog post about it.

How to get here:

-Take line 2 (green line) to Hapjeong station
-Leave from exit 2 and take bus 2200 or 200
-Get off at English Village

Petit France

Located in Gapyeong, Petit France is a little French Village devoted to the French culture. You can see colourful building and have French foods. It's like you just landed in France for the day. There are even guesthouses if you wanted to spend the night. It is the perfect day trip if you do not want to sleep over. Although it does take a long time to get there!

How to get here:
-Take line 1 (dark blue line) to Kwangwoon University
-Transfer to line J (turquoise line)
-Depart at Cheongyeong Station
-Take the shuttle bus to Petit France, it stops right in front

Petit France

Mediterranean Village

Ever been to Santorini? Well I haven't! But Korea has allowed me to feel like I have. This Mediterranean village is located in Asan. It is a very quiet city but this village makes the trip worth while. There isn't much around here but you get to take photos in this beautiful village. I would suggest going around 4pm, that way you don't have as much time to waste until it gets dark. When the lights turn on you will truly feel like you are in Europe.

How to get here:
- Take line 1 (dark blue line) to Asan station. South east on the subway map.
- Leave through exit 2
-Cross the street and walk towards the right to go to the bus stop
- Take bus 777 or 970 to Tra Palace or take a cab

Mediterranean Village

German Village

Last summer I missed out on going here because it is so far. But this summer I plan to visit the German village. This is another way to get a history lesson and cultural experience. This village was built for Koreans who went to Germany for work  in the 1960s and returned back to Korea. Here you can enjoy German sausages and beer.

How to get here:
- Take line 3 (orange line) near Gangam, to Nambu Bus terminal
- Take exit 5
- Purchase a ticket to Namhae in the bus terminal (4.5hr ride)

Picture from CNN