One of the most attractive things about Korea is being able to spot traditional housing (hanok) amidst all the modern-looking buildings. Some famous spots include Bukchon Hanok Village as well as the recent hotspot, Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Did you know, hidden within the Donuimun Museum Village, there’s also a section full of hanoks?
Instead of heading down to the crowded attractions, why not pay a visit to the 70s and 80s and experience some retro vibes at Donuimun Museum Village? There are lots of instaworthy photo spots in this village as well!
Donuimun Museum Village in Seoul
The Donuimun Museum Village was founded in Sept 2017 and is located within the Seodaemun area. This outdoor museum consists of both traditional Korean homes (hanoks) and buildings that highlight the architecture during the 1900s to 1980s.
The homes are were preserved from an old neighbourhood district known as Saemunan.
The museum village is divided into 3 themes: an exhibition hall, education center and a village creative space.
Here are some of the highlights of the Donuimun Museum Village:
Different Themed Buildings
Transport yourself to the past with actual buildings of an old-school hair salon, photo studio and theatre. You can also explore the Donuimun History Museum to learn more about Korea.
The different signboards also exude a very 80s vibe that you tend to see in movies.
Hidden Old School Arcade
One of the buildings within the museum village is a Computer Game Building. The building is also home to a comic book area, where you can find a wide collection of vintage comic books.
Hidden within is also a retro arcade room filled with childhood game machines like Super Mario and Tetris. The neon interior also makes this place a very instagrammable spot.
Hanok Village
There are 9 different cozy hanok houses where you will get to learn Korean culture with activities such as Hanji craft, paper crafts and tea experiences.
This mini Hanok Village is also a great place for you to get some photos for the gram, or simply for keepsake.
Village Square
Sometimes, the village square will play host to different performances and events such as flea markets and food trucks. Make sure to explore the hidden alleyways as well, almost everything in the village has been curated to provide a unique experience.
How To Go To Donuimun Museum Village in Seoul
While you may expect the village to be near the outskirts, Donuimun Museum Village is located right in the heart of Seoul.
You can reach the village by taking the subway and alighting at Seodaemun Station, Exit 4. It’s less than a 500m walk to the village from the subway station.
Nearby attractions include the Seoul Museum of History, Gyeonghuigung and Deoksugung.
Due to Covid-19, some of the areas in the village are currently non-operational. However, we look forward to the day where the pandemic situation is under control and you can freely roam around the village. Do keep this in your saved list for future reference.
Donuimun Museum Village
14-3 Songwol-gil, Sinmunno 2(i)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tues-Sun, 10am-7pm
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