Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

We have arrived at the captivating Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, a beautifully preserved enclave that offers a striking architectural contrast to the massive royal tombs of the Silla dynasty we find elsewhere in the city.…

Let us begin by walking slowly down the main artery of the village, enveloped by the charming stone and mud walls that enclose the private courtyards. These walls, standing about five to six feet tall, are a quintessential…

We now stand before the entrance of the Gyeongju Hyanggyo, the local Confucian school that has anchored the intellectual life of this region for centuries. This exact plot of land is historically monumental. …

Continuing our walk, we arrive at the most famous private residence in the village, the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan, often referred to as the Choi Buja house, meaning the rich man Choi. This expansive Hanok estate is a…

To truly understand the legacy of the Choi family, we must pause in this courtyard and analyze the six guiding principles that governed their lives, a perfect historical embodiment of the concept of noblesse oblige. The family's…

Just a short walk from the main Choi residence, we arrive at the site dedicated to Gyodong Beopju, a traditional Korean liquor that holds the prestigious title of an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The scent of fermentation, a…

Beyond the famous liquor, the broader culinary heritage of Gyochon Village is an essential part of its cultural tapestry. As we explore further, you will notice establishments like the Fermented Food Experience Center and…

As our exploration of the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village comes to a close, we find ourselves walking toward the edge of the settlement, nearing the gentle flow of the Namcheon Stream. Take a final look back at the sloping,…