Choosing a Traditional Korean Wedding: Our Priorities and Venue Comparisons
We wanted a wedding that felt special and memorable, rather than a factory-produced ceremony that rushed through every 30 minutes to an hour.
Initially, we considered an outdoor wedding, but we didn't have a strong desire for a typical outdoor wedding.
Then, we came across videos of traditional Korean weddings (Honrye) and were captivated by the unique, festive atmosphere, as well as the meaningful traditions and elegance.
So, instead of prioritizing a 'delicious meal wedding,' we chose a traditional Korean wedding to create 'a moment that everyone will remember for a long time.'
Defining Priorities and Budget
Here are some venues that offer traditional Korean weddings:
- Korea House
- Korean Folk Village
- King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall
- Namsan Hanok Village
- Lotte World Folk Museum
- Unhyeongung Royal Residence
- Gwanak Culture and Etiquette Center
It's easier to narrow down your options if you first decide on your desired criteria and priorities.
My Priorities:
Location: Seoul and surrounding areas (with good public transportation access)
Budget: Under 20,000,000 KRW
Meal Cost: Under 100,000 KRW per person
Guest Count: Accommodate 200-250 people
Easy Parking
Pre-ceremony entertainment such as Samulnori (traditional percussion quartet)
Clean and Delicious Food
Traditional Wedding Venue Comparison
Korea House
- Location: 10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (3-minute walk from Chungmuro Station Exit 3)
- Base Cost: 8,000,000 KRW (based on 2025)
- Meal Cost: 150,000 KRW / Korean course meal (drinks not included)
- Additional Costs: Photography 1,000,000 KRW, Hanbok Rental 1,500,000 KRW, Makeup 550,000 KRW
- Guest Count: Minimum 50 ~ Maximum 70 people
- Parking: Available for 90 cars
- Performances available
- Outdoor wedding; if it rains, it will be moved to Sohwa Hall (indoor)
→ Total Estimated Cost (including meals for 70 people): 21,550,000 KRW
→ We looked into this place first because it's the most famous, but we excluded it because the maximum capacity is 70 people. Suitable for a small wedding. The food is said to be fine-dining quality and very delicious.
Korean Folk Village
- Location: Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Base Cost: 4,180,000 KRW (based on 2025)
- Meal Cost: 63,000 KRW
- Additional Costs: Guest entrance and parking fees
- Guest Count: Minimum 200 people
- Parking: Available, but congested with other visitors to the Folk Village
- Performance Options Available
→ Total Estimated Cost (including meals for 200 people): 12,600,000 KRW
→ It was a strong contender because it was near our residence. We thought it would be meaningful for guests to visit the Folk Village as well, but it's difficult to access via public transportation, and parking is congested. Guests also have to pay a separate entrance fee.
King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall Wedding Hall
- Location: Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
- Base Cost: 2,100,000 KRW (based on 2026)
- Meal Cost: 57,000 KRW (including drinks)
- Coffee Truck: 3,000 KRW
- Additional Costs: Rental + Make-up for the Bride's Mother : 380,000 KRW, Groom's Father: 260,000 KRW / Rental Hanbok (Bride and groom): 400,000 KRW
- Guest Count: Minimum 200 people
- Parking: Spacious
- Outdoor wedding; if it rains, it will be moved indoors
→ Total Estimated Cost (including meals for 200 people): 18,800,000 KRW
→ This is the place we ultimately chose!
Advantages:
- Easy access via public transportation (shuttle bus provided) and spacious parking lot
- Indoor banquet hall available
- Affordable meal cost
- Decisively, it captures the atmosphere of a traditional Korean wedding perfectly
Defining Priorities, Setting Costs
Comparing Traditional Wedding Venues
Korea House
Korean Folk Village
King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall Wedding Hall
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