“Cherry Blossoms and Tradition at Namsangol Hanok Village”

#cherryblossom25 What a treat in this sprawling, crowded city metropolis of 9,500,000+ people to discover this hidden gem- an oasis of calm and natural beauty which also holds great cultural and historical value- yet surrounded by skyscrapers and traffic and crowds of residents and commuters alike. In a place of so much non stop busyness how important it truly is for folks to have a place where they can escape to for a few moments of reflection and relaxation, where you can marvel at the beauty of the seasonal cherry blossoms, hear water splashing over polished rocks and listen to soft traditional music being played over hidden speakers- this is truly a must see, for harried locals and curios visitors alike.... 'Namsangol Hanok Village opened in 1998 on the northern side of Namsan Mountain in the center of the capital. This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, a traditional garden, a performance art stage, and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for locals and tourists to take a leisure walk. Upon entering from the front gate, visitors will get a taste of Korea's traditional life while escaping from bustling city life. The traditional garden with its pavilion and old houses creates a peaceful ambiance before the forested Namsan Mountain. A time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600th anniversary was buried in 1994 at the highest point of the village and is scheduled to be reopened 400 years later in 2394. The five hanok premises at Namsangol Hanok Village once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Each house was originally located in a different neighborhood, but they were all moved to this area and restored to their original form. The houses were rebuilt using their original materials, except for one house, where the materials were too old and deteriorated to be reused. The premises were carefully restored and replicated according to their original form to depict the owners’ social class and personality. These buildings are now used as an exhibit to portray the living environment during the Joseon dynasty and as a venue for educational and cultural programs for children and tourists.'