OSeong Hanok Village: Where BTS Visited
No one can deny the profound impact BTS has had in spreading Korean culture worldwide, not just among Korean fans but also internationally. The group often incorporates traditional items like paper fans and Hanbok (traditional clothing) into their performances and videos. Every place they visit quickly turns into a tourist hotspot, becoming a pilgrimage destination for ARMY.
Traditional village in S.Korea
South Korea is home to several famous Hanok (traditional house) villages, such as Bukchon and Namsangol in Seoul, Jeonju in Jeolla Province, and Andong Hahoe in Gyeongsang Province. Interestingly, none of these iconic locations have been used by BTS for official filming. However, in 2019, BTS chose OSeong Traditional Village for their summer photo book, instantly transforming it into one of the must-visit spots on the BTS travel map.
Oseong Hanok Village
OSeong Hanok Village is located in Wanju-gun, about a 30-minute drive from Jeonju City. Unlike Jeonju Hanok Village, which developed based on its historical significance as the birthplace of the Joseon royal family, OSeong Hanok Village was created by the locals themselves to revitalize their community.
In 2012, the villagers took matters into their own hands and decided to build a traditional village. The two villages merged to form OSeong Village. The residents came together to search, study, and explore ways to improve their community. They even volunteered to create a blueprint for the village, renovating existing homes and moving prestigious houses from other cities.
The village eventually grew to include 20 traditional houses, allowing them to host regular events. Their efforts paid off, as they were recognized as a traditional village in 2018, just six years after starting their journey.
Awon GoTeak
Awon GoTeak (Old House) is one of the standout homes in the village. The name “Awon” means “My Garden,” and the property consists of three different houses in one location. Interestingly, the traditional house is hidden behind a modern building, which visitors must pass through to reach the old structures. Inside the gallery, the exhibits change periodically, reflecting various themes. After enjoying the art, visitors can climb the stairs to reach the traditional buildings. The staff recommends walking through a bamboo trail to reach the main entrance of the old house.
Once you descend from the bamboo forest, you must choose where to go first. To the right is the 200-year-old Seodang (a private school building), which served as a filming location for BTS. This area is highly secured and is not open to the public if there are reservations. It even has its own Hinoki open-air bath. To the left is the oldest building, originally from Jinju City in Gyeongsangnam-do, built around 1740, about 250 years ago. These structures, located in the center of the property, still function as the An-chae (inner quarters) and Sarang-chae (outer quarters). The most captivating building, Cheonjiin, sits right in front of these. The serene atmosphere of sitting on the Daecheong-Maru (open living area) while gazing at the infinity pool against a mountainous backdrop is unforgettable.
I didn’t plan to stay in the Hanok and visited without a reservation. The main entrance is connected to the gallery, and they charge an admission fee of 10,000 won to explore the GoTeak.
https://www.instagram.com/awon_hanok
Operating hour
12:00 ~ 16:00
Address:
Jeonbuk-Do, Wanju-Gun, Soyang-Myeon, Songgwangsuman-Ro, 516-7
Oseong-Je reservoir and O’s gallery
Oseong-Je Reservoir is another BTS filming location, just a 5-minute drive from Awon GoTeak. It’s famous for the iconic tree where BTS took a commemorative photo, but it also has an ecological trail around the reservoir that takes about 20 minutes one way. Along the trail, you’ll find O’s Gallery, located in the middle of the road. The owner of O’s Gallery is part of the same group as Awon GoTeak. The building was originally used for silkworm farming but has since been renovated and expanded with an exposed concrete structure, serving as both a café and a gallery managed by O’s Art Group. The moment you step into their garden, you can feel the unique charm of the owner.
https://www.instagram.com/os_gallery_
Opening hours
09:30~18:00
Address:
Jeonbuk-Do, Wanju-Gun, Soyang-Myeon, Odo-gil 24
Other Attractions
While this article focuses on BTS filming locations, there are many other unique places in the area that attract tourists. Soyang GoTeak is one such place. Like Awon, the 130-year-old traditional buildings in Soyang were moved from Gochang and Muan districts, which were slated for demolition. Without modern conveniences like kitchens and TVs, visitors here focus solely on relaxation. The property also houses Flicker Bookstore and Soyang Café, both of which are free to use without reservations.
https://www.instagram.com/soyang_hanok
How to Get to OSeong Hanok Village by Public Transportation
Take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Jeonju Station.
From the Jeonju Station stop on DongBuDaeRo, take Bus No. 810.
Transfer to Bus No. 82-1 at Soyang HaengJeong Bokji (Community) Center stop.
– It takes about 19 minutes and 12 stops from DongBuDaeRo Jeonju Station.
Get off at Oseong-ri stop or Oseong Pungryu Hakgyo (school) stop.
– It takes about 16 minutes and 15 stops from Oseong-ri.
Due to the unique architectural character, most Hanok stays require renting the entire building, not just a room. The minimum price for one building starts at 250,000 won. If room rental is available, prices start from 150,000 won.
Budget for Hanok stay.
As its unique architectural character, most of Hanok stay inquire to rent whole buildings not a room. The minimum price for one building will be start from 250,000 won. If they offer room rent, that will be start from 150,000 won.
Cafes
Tea prices are comparable to those in Seoul.
EZ K-PEDIA 
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