Buyeo 123 Sabi Craft Village Emerges as a Hotspot for Foreign Visitors and Youth as a 'K-Craft Sanctuary'

A New K-Craft Destination at the Heart of Baekje Culture
Attracting International Students and Next-Generation Overseas Koreans

As the global popularity of K-culture continues to grow, the '123 Sabi Craft Village' in Buyeo County, South Chungcheong Province is emerging as a prominent 'K-craft sanctuary' that is attracting both domestic and international tourists.

According to Buyeo County on July 22, since last year, the craft village has established itself as a new cultural destination, with over 300 international students from local universities such as Namseoul University, KAIST, and Sunmoon University in the Chungnam region visiting the site.

The village is located within a 10-minute drive of major Baekje historical sites such as Jeongnimsaji, Gungnamji, Nakhwaam, the National Buyeo Museum, and the Baekje Cultural Complex, making it a popular 'small city cultural travel destination' where visitors can experience both K-history and culture as well as contemporary K-craft.

In particular, retro-style workshops created by remodeling vacant houses and old stores offer a unique appeal to younger generations and foreign tourists.

From June to early August, about 800 next-generation overseas Korean youths visited and participated in trendy craft experience programs, including mother-of-pearl grip tok making, Baekje heritage woodblock eco-bags, and silkscreen hanji fans, allowing them to experience traditional Korean crafts firsthand.

The 'learncation' (learn + vacation) programs, which combine travel and learning, are also receiving enthusiastic responses.

In May, a three-day, two-night intensive craft workshop was held in collaboration with the Craft Village Guyam Association, where craft artists specializing in ceramics, weaving, and quilting shared techniques and engaged in exchanges.

Specialized healing programs set in the natural surroundings of Baekmagang River, such as tea gatherings, yoga sessions, and tastings of seasonal local produce from Buyeo, provided participants with a high level of satisfaction.

Participants commented, "It was a meaningful time where we could not only interact with local artists but also enjoy the warm village scenery, flavors, and culture."

An official from the county stated, "We will continue to develop a variety of content linked to workshops, cafes, bookstores, accommodations, and craft products so that travel experiences centered on crafts can lead to repeat visits."