The Korean Ethnic Folk Village is situated in the eastern part of Changbai County on the frontier of the motherland. Nestled against mountains and beside waters, it features beautiful and rustic scenery, and faces Huishan City in the Ryanggang Province of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea across the river. The traditional customs and folk culture blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, casting a mysterious aura over this small village and giving it a unique charm.
Visiting the folk village feels like stepping into an ink-wash painting. The first thing that catches your eye is the archway at the entrance of the village. With its soaring winged eaves, exquisite carvings, and majestic presence, the archway exudes the distinctive flavor of borderland ethnic culture. Passing through the gate, you’re greeted by the elegant and refined beauty of ancient Korean ethnic architecture, reminiscent of a hidden paradise. The entire square is constructed entirely from wood and stone, featuring ingenious design, solid structure, and attractive aesthetics. Intricate carvings can be found everywhere: the “Magpie Bridge” built right at the entrance is made of pine wood, symbolizing joy and good fortune; the “Cultural Wall” is crafted entirely from pebbles from the Yalu River and rocks from the Changbai Deer Stone, showcasing the great civilization and long history of the Korean ethnic group; the covered walkways are modeled after ancient architecture, with carved beams and painted rafters, both beautiful and unique; the wooden water wheels of various sizes are placed on both sides of the Historical River, singing the praises of a new life while embodying the cultural connections between the Korean and Han peoples. In the middle and western parts of the square are successively located attractions such as “Giant Arrow City,”
“Fragrant Rice House,”
“
Bronze Ox,”
“Straw Hat Pavilion,” “Scholar’s Hat Pavilion,” and “Harmony Stone.” These culturally rich landscapes reflect the essence of Korean ethnic culture from different perspectives. The most intriguing among them is the “
Fragrant Rice House,” whose architectural style closely resembles that of traditional Korean ethnic homes, featuring wooden structures and a thatched roof. The clean and tidy crop yard houses tools used in the daily life and labor of the Korean people, offering a glimpse into the accumulation of centuries of historical culture.
This uniquely distinctive folk village is filled with a rich ethnic atmosphere, where the vibrant diversity of the culture is vividly displayed. The locals here are simple, kind, and hospitable. Visiting without tasting Korean ethnic cuisine would be a missed opportunity. Korean cuisine offers a wide variety, including cold noodles, rice cakes, dog meat, kimchi, steamed cakes, pine-flavored pancakes, fried glutinous rice cakes, stuffed cakes, “Jiangmuli Soup” (sauce soup), and more. The food is mainly cool and spicy in flavor—truly delicious and addictive, leaving you craving for more after just one taste. After enjoying the delicious meal, you can also take a stroll along the mountains and waters,
and admire the beautiful scenery of clear mountains and green waters. Especially during spring and early summer each year, the endless fields of apricot and pear blossoms, like pristine snow or wisps of smoke, bloom vibrantly on the branches, filling the air with their delicate fragrance. Strolling beneath the flowers and trees makes one feel as if floating like an immortal, as though entering a fairyland. This enchanting scene adds another layer of poetic charm to the area.
The folk village is also renowned as a village of song and dance. During holidays, weddings, and birthday celebrations, Korean people dress in colorful ethnic costumes, dancing gracefully to lively Korean folk songs, showcasing the richness of traditional Korean culture and expressing their joyful spirits. The graceful and moving Korean folk dances—such as the hat dance, farmers’ music dance, long drum dance, fan dance, and water-carrying dance—vary in melody and rhythm, flowing gently, softly, boldly, or elegantly… Simple, warm, and timeless, they offer a profound sense of this magical land that is both vast and passionate, profound and captivating.
Walking along the cement-paved paths, you’ll see the nearby residences are also quaint and elegant, grand in scale, with houses lined up neatly and courtyards layered one after another. Winged corners soar into the sky, flying eaves and bracket sets are bold and unrestrained, standing like flying cranes. Red and blue glazed tiles add splashes of luxury, delighting the eyes. From overall layout to detail, every aspect showcases the ingenuity and masterful craftsmanship of the artisans, reflecting modern people’s admiration for the elegance of ancient styles.
The village’s unique customs, distinctive residences, and enchanting scenery create its captivating allure, drawing many travelers who dream of visiting.
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