The Korea Herald

지나쌤

Feeling the spirit of Joseon Dynasty

By Seo Jee-yeon

Published : July 4, 2013 - 20:24

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The entrance to Oeam Village (Korea Rural Community Corp.) The entrance to Oeam Village (Korea Rural Community Corp.)
Visiting rural areas with well-preserved traditional houses is a common desire of city dwellers.

Oeam Village, located 8 km south of Onyang in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, has been used as a location for several films such as “Taegeukgi: The Brotherhood of War” (2004) and “The Classic” (2003).

The origin of the village goes back to the middle of the Joseon era, about 500 years ago. The noble Lee family of Yean settled in the area and its descendants have taken root there.

Oeam Village has been designated as Important Folklore Material No. 236, as it has a treasure trove of folk artifacts. From the traditional noble families’ houses with tiled roofs and thatched houses of ordinary people to fruit trees, ponds, stone bridges, small waterfalls and stepping stones located in the village, everything is preserved in its original appearance.

Tourists living in cities can immerse themselves in the rural life in Oeam. Walking through the village makes people peaceful and calm. Between April and November, families with children can enjoy cultural events, with activities such as making Korean taffy “yeot” and traditional paper “hanji.”

To get there by public transport take either the train or bus to Onyang Oncheon Station or Asan Station, and transfer to local buses bound for Oeam-ri Gangdanggol.

By Choi In-jeong (injeongchoi@heraldcorp.com)