Historic landmark hidden in Osan's backyard

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  As the summer season comes to an end in the Republic of Korea, service members have the perfect opportunity to visit many of the historic attractions available for people of all ages.

The Korean Folk Village, located eight miles outside Osan Air Base's main gate in the heart of Yongin, offers a gateway for service members and their families into Korea's past.

Located on a 243-acre site, more than 260 traditional Korean homes have been transported to the village -- reminiscent of the Joseon Dynasty period from 1392-1910.

Throughout the day, the village comes to life with a selection of vibrant performances to give spectators a view into this ancient culture. Spectacles include traditional wedding ceremonies, equestrian shows, tightrope acrobatics and a traditional farmer's music and dance show.

For those who like to get hands on, the folk village offers several opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves into the culture. Visitors can thread and make silk, horseback ride and witness a government implementation of punishment to a villager.

For the craftier at heart, visitors can take part in the craft workshop experience, which allows individuals to work in tobacco, hand fan or bamboo ware workshops. In the traditional crafts experience, visitors can learn the art of mask, pottery and flute making.

During rest periods, visitors can enjoy one of the numerous traditional Joseon era style restaurants or taverns that line the streets of the folk village. Each restaurant offers a variety of selections from different regions across Korea. A few selections include acorn jelly, mung bean pancake, Korean sausage or meat soup.

A fully operational amusement park is also available with more than 30 rides and attractions. The park offers a 4-D theater, haunted house, videogame arcade and a variety of carnival food.

The Korean Folk Village is open year-round from 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. during the summer and 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the winter. Entrance to the village is 20,000 Won for full admissions including the amusement park, 15,000 Won for general admission, 12,000 for senior citizens and young adults and 10,000 Won for children.

From Osan's main gate, either walk or take a taxi to Songtan Station, located one mile from base. From Songtan Station, travel seven stations north to Suwon Station. A rail pass can be purchased that will cover the round trip for 3,000 won. Directly outside Suwon Station, the Comprehensive Tourism Information Center offers round trip bus rides to the village. The bus leaves for the village at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Buses returning from the village are 2, 4 and 5:20 p.m.

Performance times are:

Farmer's Music and Dance: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Acrobatic Performance on a Tightrope: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (no performance on Mondays)

Equestrian Feats: 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Traditional Wedding Ceremony: noon and 4 p.m.