Nestled in a park of pretty trees and flowers is Jeju Folk Village Museum (Jeju Minsokchon), a group of over 100 houses. Each home presents some of the island’s folkloric customs. Watch performances of cultural activities and browse exhibitions of thousands of original artifacts. See where scenes from a popular Korean television series were shot.
Within the Jeju Folk Village Museum are areas that recreate everything from a mountain settlement and fishing hamlet to a shaman’s village. See black pigs, chickens, deer and horses, among other animals, in the farming area.
You’ll find over 1,500 examples each of earthenware, porcelain and woodenware. In addition to this are over a thousand bamboo items and hundreds of examples of ironware and wax candles.
Music and dance shows take place regularly. Listen to performances of samulnori, a percussion music played with gongs and drums. Watch a gilnori parade, which is a Korean marching band that features performers dressed in flamboyant costumes and playing varied percussion instruments.
Episodes of the television drama Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace) were filmed at the village. Set in the 15th and 16th centuries, the series was based on the life of Jang-geum, who was reputedly Korea’s first royal physician. Original clothing, props and scripts from the show are displayed in some of the village’s houses. Spot memorabilia signed by cast members and photos of filming scenes.
The attraction is located in the town of Minsokhean-ro, on the southeast coast of Jeju island. Drivers can use the free on-site parking lot. From Jeju City it’s about a 90-minute bus ride.
Jeju Folk Village Museum is open daily and there’s an admission fee, with discounts available for children and seniors. Many of the village’s exhibits have information signs in English. Audio guides in English are available for an additional fee.
