Enjoy a Rural Getaway with These Hanok Accommodations

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted preferences, accommodations surrounded by nature have become more popular than those in enclosed spaces. “Choncance,” a blend of the Korean word “chon” (rural village) and the French “vacance,” is a new trend taking Korea by storm, referring to leisurely stays in peaceful countryside settings.
This article introduces three traditional hanok accommodations where you can experience the authentic charm of Korean rural villages. With their architecture that faithfully preserves the hanok style, these accommodations are perfect for beginning your countryside adventure.
So, pack a pair of comfy baggy pants and set out to explore the rural villages of Korea!

Jangnakwon in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do

Jangnakwon was established as a hanok accommodation to share the beauty of Korean hanok with the visitors and offer visitors a warm, homely experience. This hanok was brought to life through a four-year restoration project, which involved relocating and restoring two buildings: Seongchunjae, originally located at Baekjegobun-ro in Seoul, and Cheollijae, formerly situated near Pungnaptoseong Earthen Fortification. Seongchunjae was built approximately 200 years ago, while Cheollijae has a 150-year history. Both buildings have been meticulously restored to honor their original appearances.

Seongchunjae at Jangnakwon

There are four rooms in total: Sarangchae, Anchae, Byeoksongsanbang, and Bosanbang. Each room can accommodate 4 to 8 guests. All rooms are separate from each other, ensuring complete privacy.

Since Jangnakwon is built using the wooden construction methods of traditional hanok buildings, cooking is prohibited. However, guests can order a variety of dishes, such as whole chicken soup or spicy braised chicken, which come with soup and side dishes made from organic ingredients. Breakfast reservations are also available, with options including dried pollack hangover soup and abalone porridge.

Namchwidang Traditional House in Ganghwa, Incheon

Located on the southern side of Ganghwado Island in Incheon, Namchwidang Traditional House is a hanok pension designed to highlight the strengths of traditional hanok architecture. The back of the pension faces Manisan Mountain, while the front opens to a wide expanse of rice paddies and fields stretching all the way to the sea, offering a truly breathtaking view.

All architectural features, such as girders, exposed rafters, pillars, floors, window frames, and furniture like tea tables, are crafted from wood, bringing the unique ambience of hanok to life. The girders are particularly eye-catching, especially with the dates inscribed on them, marking their topping-out ceremony. Guests can choose to rent the entire Mariul Bonchae or one of the three rooms, each with a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom. These spaces can accommodate 4 to 15 people.
At Namchwidang Traditional House, you can also enjoy a variety of activities, from a red clay sauna and bicycle rides to board games and the unique experience of feeding the agungi, a traditional firebox.

Slow City Kyochon Hanok, Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do

This hanok accommodation is nestled in the serene and peaceful Gyochon Traditional Village of Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do. Building 1 is a traditional hanok with over a hundred years of history, preserving the unique ambience of classic hanok architecture. Building 2 and 3 have been renovated for added comfort, offering a cozy stay reminiscent of a well-furnished pension.

Buildings 1, 2, and 3 are rented as whole units. Building 1 can accommodate 10 to 15 people, while House 2 and 3 can each host 15 to 20 people. Building1’s Byeolchae is designed for 2 guests. For an authentic hanok experience, Building 1 is ideal, while Building 3 offers a more comfortable stay during winter.

Slow City Kyochon Hanok’s proximity to Yedangho Lake offers the chance to enjoy a leisurely walk along the wooden deck trails of the Slow Lake Trail. The famous Yedangho Suspension Bridge in Yesan is also just a 10-minute drive away.

Yedangho Suspension Bridge (Korea Tourism Organization)

* This column was last updated in November 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting.

* Content creation & related inquiries: Shopping & Accommodations Team (Accommodations Quality Part)