Songdo Hanok Village

Overview

Songdo Hanok Village is a modern recreation of traditional Korean hanok architecture, built in 2014 within the ultra-modern Songdo International Business District. The cluster of curved-roof wooden buildings houses a cultural centre, a tea house, and craft workshops, offering visitors a taste of Joseon-era life against a backdrop of glass skyscrapers.

Highlights

• Traditional Craft Workshops: Try hanji paper-making, natural dyeing, or Korean calligraphy (advance booking recommended).
• Tea House: Sip traditional Korean green tea or ssanghwa-cha (herbal tonic tea) in a hanok setting.
• Photo-ready Contrast: The juxtaposition of curved tile roofs and 60-storey skyscrapers makes for striking images.

History

The village was built as part of Songdo's masterplan to balance the district's futuristic identity with nods to Korean heritage. Designed by traditional artisans using pine timber and giwa roof tiles, it opened in 2014.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Free entry to the grounds; craft workshops charge ₩5,000–₩15,000 depending on the activity.
• Tip 2: Visit in the late afternoon when the low sun highlights the hanok rooflines against glass towers.
• Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour.