An Ancient Village, Alive and Well

By Mark Liebenthal

With spring in the air and blue skies overhead, it’s time to get back outside and see Korea.

A pleasant one-hour drive south of Gwangju, near Suncheon, is a popular destination called Naganeupseong (Nagan Folk Village).
Naganeupseong is renowned for several reasons. First, it is a living village with almost two hundred residents. Second, the folk village contains the only castle representative of the Jeoson dynasty in South Jeolla Province. Third, Naganeupseong is also one of the filming locations for the wildly popular Korean historical drama, “Daejanggeum” (Jewel in the Palace), which lead to a surge in visitor numbers.

Finally, the village is home to the shrine of General Im Gyeong Eop. General Im is remembered for his defense of Jeoson Korea during the Manchu invasions, as well as his turbulent political life. An annual ceremony is held at his shrine during the full moon of the New Year.

The paths around the village are wide and well-worn. They meander between and around thatched stone cottages and large official buildings. Residents of the homes go about their lives, mixing with visitors, occasionally stopping to chat while they cook or do laundry.
Within the village are traditional restaurants that look rustic but are comfortable, roomy and bright inside. The menus contain only traditional Korean food and are the perfect place to take a break from a walking tour.

The village setting is perfect for photographers of all levels, as almost everything is picturesque and worth a second look. The views from the village walls are particularly amazing.

The village is open year-round and entrance fees are minimal at 2,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for youths, and 1,000 won for children. Visitors may also make arrangements to stay overnight in the village.