We’ve officially been back in South Korea for three whole weeks, and it’s still a completely different experience than our arrival the first time, which was dominated by two whole weeks of quarantine in the barracks. The moving process has been night and day since last time, and we’re so grateful for how much more we’ve been able to experience this time around in those first few weeks, including multiple adventures as a family. Last weekend, we needed out of our empty house, so we made our way to Minsokchon Korean Folk Village in Yongin, and it far exceeded all our expectations.
Minsokchon Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)
In the spirit of full honesty, we decided on this adventure at the last minute. We’d wanted to go hiking, but all our hiking gear (shoes included) are in our UAB, which has yet to arrive on the peninsula. So, we decided we’d play it a little safer and opt for something where we could walk and explore but avoid major hikes and strenuous activity. Minsokchon seemed to perfectly fit the bill, so we decided on a whim that it was the right place to go.
About 45 minutes from Asan, which is about 15 minutes from Camp Humphreys, Minsokchon is one of a number of Korean folk villages throughout the peninsula. Located in the heart of Yongin, it merges old and new, showcasing traditional Korean heritage while offering ample extras for kiddos, including a whole amusement park towards the entrance. Because we’re mean Because we wanted to explore it all, we told the kids we’d explore the village first and, if they were patient, we’d do the amusement park last and, spoiler alert. It worked.
What You’ll Love About Minsokchon
Like everything in South Korea, Minsokchon Korean Folk Village is so family-friendly. It offers visitors a glimpse into the history of Korea through the Joseon dynasty through performances, play experiences, art exhibitions, and more. And, as you explore through the park, it’s a little like exploring Korea through time.
We packed food but, naturally, the kids wanted other things, as well, and there is no shortage of places to dine. From multiple cafes to sit-down restaurants with Korean staples like bibimbap, gimbap, naengmyeon, and more, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Since it was a surprisingly chilly day (even for us coming from Alaska), we opted for warm drinks, and the kids loved snacking on favorites like corndogs and “tornado hotdogs,” which are basically just hot dogs wrapped in spiral dough.
Is the Amusement Park Worth It?
I’ve mentioned many times that Korea is very extra when it comes to entertainment, and having an amusement park at a folk village is no exception. I loved, however, that this one is rather petite. There are about 10 rides of varying thrill levels, and both Mieke and the boys were quite entertained throughout. And, the fact that the rides were included in the entrance prices made it extremely worthwhile in terms of value for us. Would my boys have loved more big rides? Sure, but they were thrilled to even go on any!
Tips for Visiting Minsokchon Korean Folk Village
Address: For Naver – 경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90 (보라동) ; For Waze – 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Price: The ticket prices vary by age and group size. We paid 127,000KRW for our family of 5, and we felt it was really worthwhile for all of us. The food/cafes are additional.
Parking: There is a dedicated parking lot. Passenger cars are 2,000KRW, and SUVs/trucks are 3,000KRW. You pay on entry.
Amenities: There are multiple restrooms throughout the village and amusement area, as well as cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants.
Accessibility: Much of the park is extremely accessible. There are some areas, such as the old Confucian School, as well as the haunted history and archery ranges which are not accessible, but all amenities otherwise provide accessibility.
