A tour of Namsangol Hanok Village offers a wealth of interesting information about the customs prevalent in kimchi from the late 1400s to the early 1900s. A rewarding cultural journey will take you to iconic homes of the Joseon Dynasty that ruled the country for more than 500 years. Guests can enjoy martial arts and crafts demonstrations or attend a music and dance show. Namsangol Hanok Village is nestled among peaceful gardens in the low hills at the northern foothills of Namsan Mountain.

In the village, five hanok houses have been carefully restored with the goal of authentically reflecting the Joseon period and the social class associated with these houses. The decorations and furniture evoked images of people from all walks of life, from aristocrats to government officials, peasants and royalty. There is also the old house of King Seongjong's wife's parents in the Joseon Dynasty, the king's father-in-law's office and the 19th-century home of military leader Kim Chunyeong.

Workshops provide the opportunity for visitors to participate in many hands-on art activities of the land of kimchi such as trying out calligraphy, kite making and hanji - the art of making paper from the bark of a paper mulberry tree. There's nothing better than taking photos in vibrant hanbok and sipping a fragrant cup of tea at the tea room.

Stroll to the stage to see impressive Korean martial arts performances, like taekwondo. Folk dance and music events are held most evenings at the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang Theater. The highest burial box in the village is expected to open in 2394. This box containing 600 everyday items was buried in 1994 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Seoul's founding.

Visitors can take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Chungmuro Station and then walk to the village. Parking in the area is very limited, so visitors are advised to use public transport instead of driving here.

Namsangol Hanok Village is open from Tuesday to Sunday and there is no entrance fee. Free tours with English-speaking guides depart from the office located next to the main entrance. Certain events have a fee. Visitors can ask for information at the village entrance or look it up on the official Korean-only website.